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How to Brand Products Correctly? A Guide to Logo Application Methods
Starbucks Logo
A logo on merch is more than just a graphic. It’s the first thing a customer sees.
Poor-quality printing, faded colors, or a peeling logo can ruin a brand’s image. Imagine your client receiving a T-shirt with a blurry logo that washes off after the first laundry cycle. Will they remember your company? Yes. Will they want to work with you again? Probably not.
How can you avoid these mistakes? How do you choose the right method to make branded merch stylish, durable, and high-quality? In this guide, we’ll break down the main logo application techniques, their pros and cons, and real-world examples of brands using them effectively.
Poor-quality printing, faded colors, or a peeling logo can ruin a brand’s image. Imagine your client receiving a T-shirt with a blurry logo that washes off after the first laundry cycle. Will they remember your company? Yes. Will they want to work with you again? Probably not.
How can you avoid these mistakes? How do you choose the right method to make branded merch stylish, durable, and high-quality? In this guide, we’ll break down the main logo application techniques, their pros and cons, and real-world examples of brands using them effectively.
- Howto Choose the Right Branding Method
- Screen Printing: A Classic Method for Textiles and Plastics
- Heat Transfer Printing: A Versatile Option for Apparel and Accessories
- UVPrintingTheBestOptionforHardSurfaces
- LaserEngravingAPremiumTechniqueforMetalandWood
- How to Choose the Best Branding Method?
- CONCLUSION
How to Choose the Right Branding Method?
Before branding a product, consider these key factors:
- Material — Fabric, metal, plastic, and glass require different printing technologies.
- Color complexity — Some techniques can’t replicate gradients or shadows accurately.
- Durability — Logos should withstand washing, heat, and friction.
- Tactile feel — The application should integrate smoothly with the product, not feel like a cheap sticker.
Screen Printing: A Classic Method for Textiles and Plastics
How It Works
Screen printing (silk screen) uses a mesh stencil to apply ink onto the surface. Each color is printed separately, requiring multiple layers for multi-color designs.
PROS
✔ Bright, saturated colors that last over time.
✔ High durability, resistant to washing and wear.
✔ Works well on cotton, polyester, paper, and plastic.
CONS
✖ Not suitable for complex gradients or photo-quality images.
✖ Limited number of colors per design.
CASE: Supreme
Streetwear brand Supreme uses screen printing for hoodies and T-shirts, ensuring that their prints remain deep and vibrant even after repeated washing.
PROS
✔ Bright, saturated colors that last over time.
✔ High durability, resistant to washing and wear.
✔ Works well on cotton, polyester, paper, and plastic.
CONS
✖ Not suitable for complex gradients or photo-quality images.
✖ Limited number of colors per design.
CASE: Supreme
Streetwear brand Supreme uses screen printing for hoodies and T-shirts, ensuring that their prints remain deep and vibrant even after repeated washing.
Heat Transfer Printing: A Versatile Option for Apparel and Accessories
How It Works
Heat transfer printing (thermotransfer) applies a design from a special film to fabric or other materials using heat and pressure.
PROS
✔ Excellent detail, suitable for complex logos and gradients.
✔ Ideal for small production runs.
✔ Can be used on textiles, leather, wood, and metal.
CONS
✖ Less durable than screen printing—may crack or peel over time.
✖ Not recommended for products that require frequent high-temperature washing.
CASE: Nike
Nike uses heat transfer printing to customize its jerseys. Customers can print their names or numbers directly in-store, creating a personalized shopping experience.
PROS
✔ Excellent detail, suitable for complex logos and gradients.
✔ Ideal for small production runs.
✔ Can be used on textiles, leather, wood, and metal.
CONS
✖ Less durable than screen printing—may crack or peel over time.
✖ Not recommended for products that require frequent high-temperature washing.
CASE: Nike
Nike uses heat transfer printing to customize its jerseys. Customers can print their names or numbers directly in-store, creating a personalized shopping experience.
Custom jersey printing Nike
Personalized with name, number, and custom artwork.
UV Printing: The Best Option for Hard Surfaces
How It Works
UV printing uses special inks that harden under ultraviolet light, creating a strong, scratch-resistant coating.
PROS
✔ Ideal for plastic, glass, wood, and metal.
✔ High detail and sharpness in designs.
✔ Supports full-color and photo-quality images.
CONS
✖ Not suitable for flexible materials like fabric or silicone.
✖ Can wear down with prolonged exposure to moisture or friction.
Case Study: Apple
Apple uses UV printing for branding accessories like charging stations, MagSafe products, and phone cases. This technique allows them to create detailed, high-quality graphics.
PROS
✔ Ideal for plastic, glass, wood, and metal.
✔ High detail and sharpness in designs.
✔ Supports full-color and photo-quality images.
CONS
✖ Not suitable for flexible materials like fabric or silicone.
✖ Can wear down with prolonged exposure to moisture or friction.
Case Study: Apple
Apple uses UV printing for branding accessories like charging stations, MagSafe products, and phone cases. This technique allows them to create detailed, high-quality graphics.
Laser Engraving: A Premium Technique for Metal and Wood
How It Works
Tesla with our Laser Engraved Ambient Lighting
Laser engraving etches a logo onto the surface using a high-precision laser beam. The depth and intensity of the engraving depend on the material and laser settings.
PROS
✔ Creates a premium, high-end look.
✔ Permanent—won’t fade, peel, or wear off.
✔ Works well on metal, wood, glass, and leather.
CONS
✖ Limited to monochrome designs—no color options.
✖ Not suitable for thin materials that can be damaged by heat.
Case Study: Tesla
Tesla uses laser engraving to brand metal water bottles and charging stations, emphasizing the premium quality of their accessories.
PROS
✔ Creates a premium, high-end look.
✔ Permanent—won’t fade, peel, or wear off.
✔ Works well on metal, wood, glass, and leather.
CONS
✖ Limited to monochrome designs—no color options.
✖ Not suitable for thin materials that can be damaged by heat.
Case Study: Tesla
Tesla uses laser engraving to brand metal water bottles and charging stations, emphasizing the premium quality of their accessories.
How to Choose the Best Branding Method?
- For T-shirts and hoodies → Screen printing or heat transfer.
- For notebooks, flash drives, and plastic items → UV printing.
- For metal, wood, and glass products → Laser engraving.
- For premium merch → Combined techniques (e.g., heat transfer + engraving).
Branding is more than just applying a logo—it’s about creating a recognizable and high-quality brand identity. Choosing the right printing method impacts the durability, aesthetics, and overall perception of your merch.
CONCLUSION
Logo application is not just a technical step—it’s a critical part of branding. Each method has its strengths, and selecting the right one depends on the material, design, and company goals.
Bright Concept helps brands create merch that reflects their identity. We offer the best application techniques, work with premium materials, and design branded products that people want to wear, use, and show off.
Looking for branded merch that stands out? Let’s create it together!
Bright Concept helps brands create merch that reflects their identity. We offer the best application techniques, work with premium materials, and design branded products that people want to wear, use, and show off.
Looking for branded merch that stands out? Let’s create it together!
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