Which print method is best for your brand?
- Gareth Duggan
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
When it comes to branded merchandise, selecting the right print method isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a strategic one. The way your logo or message is printed can impact the quality, durability, and overall perception of your brand. With multiple print techniques available, including screen printing and digital printing, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each to ensure your promotional products truly represent your business.
Why Print Method Matters
Your branded merchandise serves as a physical representation of your company. Poor print quality, fading colours, or misaligned designs can undermine your professional image. On the other hand, a sharp, vibrant, and durable print can elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression.
The best print method depends on factors such as:
Material of the product (e.g., fabric, plastic, metal)
Quantity of items
Complexity of the design
Available print area
Budget and turnaround time
The 2 most common print techniques are screen print (spot print) and digital print.
Screen Printing
What is it?
Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) and using it to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. It’s one of the oldest and most widely used techniques for printing, especially in bulk.
Best for:
Large quantities.
Simple designs with limited colours. 1 or 2 colour designs work best.
Items like T-shirts, tote bags, and other textiles.
Benefits:
Cost-effective for high-volume orders.
Vibrant, durable colours that stand the test of time.
Works well on a variety of materials.
You can pantone match your colours. This means we can take your exact brand colour and produce the ink to match, great for organisations that require perfect brand alignment with promotional products.
Considerations:
Not ideal for intricate, multi-colour designs.
If your logo or artwork has colours that touch/blend, this could present a problem with screen printing.
Longer setup time and higher cost for small runs.
Digital Printing
What is it?
Also known as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, this method uses digital technology to print designs directly onto a surface, much like a standard inkjet printer.
Best for:
Small to medium quantities.
Designs with lots of detail or colour variation. Logo's or artwork with overlapping colour, touching colours, or more than 3 colours.
Short lead times or one-off items.
Benefits:
High detail and image quality, including gradients and full-colour images.
Faster turnaround for small orders.
Minimal setup—perfect for personalised or short-run prints.
Considerations:
Less economical for large batches.
May not be as vibrant or long-lasting on certain materials.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right print method is about balancing quality, cost, and the message you want your brand to convey. Here are a few quick tips:
Go with screen printing if you need durable, vibrant prints on a large scale, but have a relatively simple logo/design.
Choose digital printing if your design is complex or your quantity is small.
Still unsure? That’s where we come in. At Duggan Group, we’ll guide you through the process and help you pick the print method that best suits your brand’s needs and goals.
Check out our digital catalogue and request your quote today!