Choosing the Right Printing Method: Screen Printing, Embroidery, or Supacolour?
When it comes to custom apparel and merchandise, one of the most common questions we get is: "Which printing method is best for my order?" The answer depends on your design, the type of garment, and your goals for the final product.
At Print Room, we specialise in screen printing, embroidery, and Supacolour transfers. Each method has its strengths, and this guide will help you decide which option is right for your next project.
Quick Comparison Table: Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Supacolour
| Method | Best For | Design Complexity | Durability | Cost | Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large, bold designs on t-shirts or tote bags | Up to 6 colours (10 on white garments) | High, long-lasting | Cost-effective for large orders | Minimum 24 pieces |
| Embroidery | Logos and small text-based designs on polos, caps, or jackets | Simple, clean designs | Extremely durable | Premium cost, suited for small logos | Minimum 12 pieces |
| Supacolour | Full-colour, detailed designs or gradients | Unlimited colours | High, less durable than screen printing/embroidery | Higher cost for small orders | Minimum 24 pieces |
Screen Printing: Bold, Vibrant, and Cost-Effective for Large Orders
How It Works:
Screen printing involves applying ink through stencils (screens) directly onto the fabric. Each colour in your design requires its own screen.
Best Use Cases:
- Simple, bold designs with 1–6 colours (up to 10 on white garments).
- Large orders (24+ items) like t-shirts for events, team uniforms, or promotional merch.
- Designs that need consistent colour accuracy, such as corporate branding.
Why Choose Screen Printing?
- Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: The more you order, the lower the cost per unit.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Proper curing ensures the print doesn’t crack or peel.
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Vibrant Colours: Perfect for bold designs and flat colours.
Limitations:
- Not ideal for complex designs with gradients or photographic elements.
- Higher setup costs for small orders due to the need to create screens for each colour.
Embroidery: Premium, Textured, and Extremely Durable
How It Works:
Embroidery stitches your design directly into the garment using coloured threads, creating a high-quality, textured look.
Best Use Cases:
- Small, text-based designs or logos.
- Premium garments like polo shirts, caps, jackets, or uniforms.
- Merchandise that needs a high-end finish, such as corporate gifts or team branding.
Why Choose Embroidery?
- Extremely Durable: Withstands frequent washing and heavy wear.
- Professional Look: Adds a premium, textured aesthetic to garments.
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Wide Garment Compatibility: Works well on heavier fabrics like hats, jackets, and hoodies.
Limitations:
- Not suitable for large, detailed designs or intricate artwork.
- Costs can increase with high stitch counts or multiple placements.
Supacolour Transfers: Full-Colour, High-Detail, and Versatile
How It Works:
Supacolour transfers involve printing your design onto transfer sheets, which are then heat-pressed onto the garment.
Best Use Cases:
- Intricate designs with gradients, photographic elements, or fine details.
- Small-to-medium-sized orders (20+ items).
- Projects with multiple colours where screen printing would require too many screens.
Why Choose Supacolour?
- Unlimited Colours: Perfect for full-colour designs or photographic-quality prints.
- Quick Setup: No screens required, making it ideal for small-to-medium orders.
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Versatile: Can be applied to a wide variety of garments, including caps, tote bags, and t-shirts.
Limitations:
- Less durable than screen printing or embroidery for heavy wear.
- Higher cost per unit compared to screen printing for large orders.
Examples of Past Projects
1. Screen Printing: Event Merchandise
For a large-scale event, we screen printed bold, 2-colour designs onto AS Colour Staple tees. The vibrant, durable prints were perfect for creating high-quality merch at scale.
2. Embroidery: Corporate Uniforms
We embroidered a clean, text-based logo onto Stanley/Stella polos for a professional look. The stitching added texture and elevated the brand’s premium aesthetic.
3. Supacolour Transfers: Creative Art Designs
A local artist needed full-colour t-shirts featuring their intricate, gradient-filled designs. Supacolour transfers allowed us to capture every detail with stunning results.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method
When deciding which method is right for your order, consider the following factors:
1. Design Complexity
- Choose screen printing for bold, flat designs with limited colours.
- Choose Supacolour for detailed, multi-coloured artwork.
- Choose embroidery for simple logos or text-based designs.
2. Garment Type
- Screen Printing: Ideal for t-shirts, tote bags, and hoodies.
- Embroidery: Best for polos, caps, and jackets.
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Supacolour: Works well on most fabrics, including lightweight and specialty garments.
3. Order Quantity
- Large orders? Opt for screen printing to maximise cost-efficiency.
- Small runs with high detail? Supacolour is a great choice.
- Premium finishes? Go with embroidery for a professional look.
Personalised Recommendations from Print Room
Not sure which method to choose? Our team of experts is here to help. Share your design, garment preferences, and goals, and we’ll recommend the best printing method for your project.
What to Provide:
- Your artwork (vector files preferred, or high-resolution raster files).
- Information about your audience (e.g., employees, customers, event attendees).
- Your goals (e.g., long-lasting merchandise, standout branding, or cost-effective solutions).
Contact Us Today
At Print Room, we specialise in helping brands bring their ideas to life with high-quality custom printing and embroidery. Whether you’re creating bold screen-printed t-shirts, premium embroidered uniforms, or vibrant Supacolour transfers, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Contact us for a personalised quote or request a free sample pack to see our work firsthand. Let us help you choose the perfect method for your next custom project!
