Which print method is right for you?

Embroidery vs. Laser Etching vs. Printable Vinyl vs. Screen Printing vs. Vinyl Printing

At Printwell Canada, we offer a range of professional decoration methods to bring your custom designs to life. Whether you’re outfitting a team, promoting your brand, or creating personalized gifts, choosing the right technique is key.

Here’s a comparison of our most popular methods we apply in-house to all custom orders:

Embroidery

Embroidery uses thread to stitch your design directly into the fabric, giving it a high-end, textured look that lasts. It is best for professional uniforms, hats, jackets, and premium apparel.

✔ Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Adds a premium, professional feel
• Great for logos and monograms

✘ Cons:

• Limited detail for small text or intricate designs
• Higher cost for large or complex artwork

Laser Etching

Laser etching uses a laser to burn your design into the fabric surface, creating a subtle, tone-on-tone effect without adding ink or thread. It is best for fleece, softshell jackets, and performance wear.

✔ Pros:

• Sleek, modern look
• No added weight or texture
• Permanent and fade-resistant

✘ Cons:

• Only works on certain materials (e.g., polyester blends)
• Limited to tonal designs (no colour)

Printable Vinyl

Printable vinyl is digitally printed and then heat-pressed onto garments. It’s ideal for vibrant, photo-quality images and short-run custom orders.It works best for full-colour designs, small runs, and detailed artwork.

✔ Pros:

• Full-colour printing
• Great for complex or photographic designs
• No minimum order

✘ Cons:

• Slightly heavier feel on fabric
• Less breathable than other methods

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses stencils and layers of ink to create vibrant, durable prints. It’s the go-to for large runs and promotional apparel. It is best for bulk orders and bold, simple designs.

✔ Pros:

• Cost-effective for large quantities
• Long-lasting and vibrant
• Great for bold graphics

✘ Cons:

• Higher setup costs
• Not ideal for detailed or multi-colour designs in small runs

Vinyl Printing (Cut Vinyl)

Vinyl printing involves cutting designs from coloured vinyl and heat-pressing them onto garments. It’s perfect for personalization and team gear. It is best for names, numbers, and simple logos.

✔ Pros:

• Crisp, clean lines
• Great for personalization
• Works on many fabric types

✘ Cons:

• Limited to solid colours
• Not ideal for complex or multi-colour designs

Quick Comparison Table

Check out the following quick comparison table of print methods we use.

Method	Best For	Durability	Detail Level	Colour Options
Embroidery	Logos, uniforms, hats	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Limited
Laser Etching	Performance wear, subtle branding	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Tonal only
Printable Vinyl	Full-colour, photo-quality designs	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Full colour
Screen Printing	Bulk orders, bold graphics	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Limited (per colour)
Vinyl Printing	Names, numbers, simple logos	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Need Help Choosing?

At Printwell Canada, we’re here to help you pick the perfect method for your project — whether you’re going for bold branding, subtle style, or full-colour creativity.

Have questions or ready to start? Contact us or browse our custom options to get started today!