Decoration and Application Details

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.

Pros:
  • Professional, high-end appearance.
  • Extremely durable—resists wear and washing.
  • Ideal for thicker fabrics and structured items like caps and bags.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • Cost-effective for large runs.
  • Produces vibrant, long-lasting prints.
  • Works well on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • Great for bold graphics and logos.
  • CMYK allows for photo-like prints on light garments.
  • Long-lasting with proper curing.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • Excellent for detailed, full-color designs.
  • Quick turnaround and low setup cost.
  • Works on both apparel and hard goods.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • High precision and permanence.
  • Ideal for metal, wood, glass, and leather.
  • No ink or consumables required.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • Elegant, tactile branding.
  • No ink or thread—very durable.
  • Great for leather, faux leather, and paper goods.
Cons:
  • 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.

Pros:
  • Adds texture and dimension.
  • Allows for bold, layered designs.
  • Can be customized with various fabrics.
Cons:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • Less durable than screen printing on dark garments.
  • Limited to specific fabric types and pre-treated surfaces.
  • Slower for large-volume production.