Lasīt latviski: Sietspiede, UV druka, gravēšana vai izšūšana: kura logo metode der jūsu dāvanai?
Quick answer: the right branding method depends on the material, your logo and the quantity. Screen and pad printing suit bold one or two colour logos. UV printing handles full colour and gradients on hard surfaces. Laser engraving gives a permanent, premium finish on metal, wood and glass. Embroidery is the most durable choice for caps, jackets and bags. Sublimation prints edge to edge on polyester, like lanyards.
The six methods at a glance
| Method | Best on | Colours | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Bags, textiles, flat or round hard items | One to a few solid colours | Bold logos, larger runs | Each extra colour adds cost; no photos or gradients |
| Pad printing | Pens, small curved items | One to a few solid colours | Small logos on awkward shapes | Small print area only |
| UV printing | Hard surfaces: plastic, metal, glass, wood | Full colour | Gradients, photos, detailed logos, small runs | Not for soft textiles |
| Laser engraving | Metal, wood, bamboo, glass, some plastics | None: the logo appears in the material's own tone | Bottles, pens, tech, premium gifts | You can't match brand colours |
| Embroidery | Caps, polos, jackets, bags | Several thread colours | Durable, premium look on textiles | Very small text and fine detail don't stitch well |
| Sublimation | Light polyester: lanyards, sports textiles | Full colour, edge to edge | All-over designs | Only works on polyester or coated items |
How to choose in four questions
1. What is the product made of? This narrows it down fastest. Cotton and textiles point to embroidery or screen printing. Steel bottles and wooden items point to engraving or UV printing. Polyester lanyards point to sublimation.
2. How many colours does your logo have? A one-colour logo works with almost every method. A logo with gradients or many colours needs UV printing or sublimation, or a simplified version for screen printing and embroidery.
3. How many do you need? Screen printing has a setup cost per colour, so it gets cheaper per item as the quantity grows. UV printing has little setup, which makes it good for smaller runs.
4. How should it feel? Engraving and embroidery read as premium and last for years. Printing is brighter and matches brand colours exactly.
Common gifts and the method we'd usually suggest
- Steel water bottle: laser engraving for a premium look, UV printing if the logo must be in brand colours
- Ceramic mug: screen printing for a simple logo, full colour printing for detailed artwork
- Cotton tote bag: screen printing
- Cap or polo shirt: embroidery
- Pen: pad printing or engraving
- Lanyard: sublimation
- Notebook: printing or engraving on the cover, depending on the material
Prepare your logo file
Whatever the method, send your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF) and include your brand colour codes (Pantone, if you have them). It saves a round of back and forth and gives the cleanest result.
See it before it's made
You don't have to decide alone. Tell us the product and send your logo, and we'll suggest the best method and send a mockup before anything is produced. For Christmas delivery, order by Friday 20 November.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most durable logo method?
Laser engraving and embroidery. Engraving is part of the material, and embroidery survives repeated washing.
Which method is best for a full colour logo?
UV printing on hard surfaces and sublimation on polyester textiles.
Why does my screen printing quote change with the number of colours?
Each colour needs its own screen and print pass, so every extra colour adds setup and time.