Custom Orders
Need custom merchandise, office supplies, or stationery? We offer special rates for staff. For a quote, contact us at bkcustom@yorku.ca
Embroidery
Embroidery involves stitching thread into fabric to create a raised, textured design. The artwork is first digitized into a format readable by embroidery machines. The machine then uses colored threads to sew the design onto the product.
- Professional, high-end appearance.
- Extremely durable—resists wear and washing.
- Ideal for thicker fabrics and structured items like caps and bags.
- Limited detail—small text and gradients are difficult.
- Can be heavy or cause puckering on lightweight fabrics.
- Thread color limitations; not suitable for photo-realistic designs.
Screenprint
A stencil (screen) is created for each color in the design. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the fabric. Each color requires a separate screen, making it ideal for bold, simple designs.
- Cost-effective for large runs.
- Produces vibrant, long-lasting prints. Works well on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.
- High setup cost for small orders.
- Not ideal for detailed or multicolor designs.
- Limited to flat surfaces.
Screenprint (CMYK)
Spot color uses individual screens for each solid color. CMYK process printing uses four screens (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to simulate full-color images.
- Great for bold graphics and logos.
- CMYK allows for photo-like prints on light garments.
- Long-lasting with proper curing.
- Requires precise registration.
- CMYK less vibrant on dark fabrics.
- Setup-intensive for small batches.
Heat Transfer
Designs are printed onto transfer paper or vinyl, then applied to the product using heat and pressure. Digital transfers allow for full-color images; vinyl is cut into shapes or letters.
- Excellent for detailed, full-color designs.
- Quick turnaround and low setup cost.
- Works on both apparel and hard goods.
- May peel or crack over time.
- Can feel stiff on fabric.
Less efficient for large-volume production.
Laser Engraving
A laser beam etches the design directly into the surface of the item, removing material to create a permanent mark.
- High precision and permanence.
- Ideal for metal, wood, glass, and leather.
- No ink or consumables required.
- No color—tone-on-tone only.
- Limited to rigid, flat or cylindrical surfaces.
Debossing/Embossing
Debossing presses the design into the material, creating a recessed effect. Embossing raises the design above the surface. Often used with heat and pressure, and sometimes foil.
- Elegant, tactile branding.
- No ink or thread—very durable.
- Great for leather, faux leather, and paper goods.
- Subtle—may not be visually prominent.
- Limited to specific materials and flat surfaces.
Appliqué
Fabric pieces are cut into shapes and sewn onto the base garment, often combined with embroidery for added detail.
- Adds texture and dimension.
- Allows for bold, layered designs.
- Can be customized with various fabrics.
- Labor-intensive and more costly.
- Not ideal for small or intricate designs.
- May require special care when washing.
Patches
Patches are pre-made designs applied to garments using stitching, heat-seal, or adhesive. They can be made from various materials and techniques (Woven, Embroidered, PVC, Leather, Sublimated).
Pros:
- Adds a premium, dimensional look.
- Easy to replace or update branding.
- Offers flexibility in materials and textures. Cons:
- May detach over time if not applied properly.
- Can be bulky depending on material.
- Requires additional application step.
Sublimation
Sublimation uses heat to transfer dye into polyester fabric or coated surfaces. The ink becomes part of the material, resulting in a smooth, permanent image.
Pros:
- Vibrant, full-color, photo-quality prints.
- No texture—ink is embedded in the fabric.
- Extremely durable—won’t crack or fade.
- Only works on light-colored, polyester-based materials.
- Not suitable for cotton or dark fabrics.
- Requires specialized equipment.
Aquamark
A water-based tonal printing method that creates a subtle, tone-on-tone effect. Often used on performance wear for a minimalist look.
Pros:
- Soft hand feel—no added weight or texture.
- Eco-friendly and chemical-light.
- Ideal for technical fabrics and subtle branding.
- Low contrast—may not be visible on all colors.
- Limited to synthetic fabrics.
- Not suitable for detailed or multicolor designs.
Offset Printing
Used primarily for paper goods, offset printing transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, then onto the surface. Not typically used for apparel but common for packaging and tags.
Pros:
- High-quality, consistent image reproduction.
- Cost-effective for large-volume printing.
- Excellent for paper-based packaging and inserts.
- Not suitable for textiles or curved surfaces.
- High setup cost—inefficient for small runs.
- Longer turnaround time.
Digital Printing
Applies ink directly to the surface of the item using inkjet technology. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) is used for apparel; DTS (Direct-to-Substrate) for hard goods.
Pros:
- Ideal for short runs and on-demand printing.
- Supports full-color, photo-quality designs.
- No setup costs—fast turnaround.
- Less durable than screen printing on dark garments.
- Limited to specific fabric types and pre-treated surfaces.
- Slower for large-volume production.