| Method | Color | Suited materials | Durability | Cost by quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | 1 to a few spot colors, ink can be matched | Plastic, metal, fabric | Bold color tends to last | Better at high volume |
| Heat transfer | One color to full color (by transfer type) | Small electronics, flat surfaces | Can wear with rubbing | Setup cost, then scales with quantity |
| UV printing | Full color, white base possible | Plastic, metal, acrylic, wood | Can come off under hard scratching | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| UV film | Full color, white base possible | Rigid curved items such as tumblers | Waterproof, weak to hot washing | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| Laser engraving | 1 material color | Metal, wood, leather | Does not wear off | Varies with area |
| Garment screen and rubber-ink printing | 1 to a few spot colors | Cotton apparel, tote bags | Good wash durability (varies by ink) | Better at high volume |
| Digital transfer (DTF, sublimation) | Full color | DTF on most fabrics, sublimation on light polyester | Sublimation soaks into the fiber, DTF bonds to the surface | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| Embroidery and patches | A few thread colors | Caps, jackets, heavy fabrics | Strong through washing | Varies with stitch count (size and density) |
| Offset and digital printing | CMYK full color, offset allows spot colors | Paper, PET | Depends on paper and coating | Offset for volume, digital for small runs |
The method characteristics are based on printing industry references such as Printful's DTF vs screen printing comparison and 4over4's digital vs offset printing comparison. Actual conditions vary by item and supplier, so O-SEAN confirms them per item at the quote stage.