Decoration Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Decoration Method

Not all decoration methods are created equal — each technique has its strengths depending on your artwork, garment type, and budget. The table above is designed to help you quickly compare the most popular methods we offer at Print Room NZ.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Screen printing (including puff and high-density) is great for larger runs and bold, flat designs — ideal for tees, hoodies, and tote bags.

• Embroidery and puff embroidery give a premium, long-lasting finish that works well on caps, polos, and outerwear.

• Appliqué is perfect for larger text and heavyweight garments, giving a varsity-style layered effect.

• Heat press and silicone transfers are ideal for sharp detail, fast turnaround, and technical gear like activewear.

• Patches (embroidered, woven, PVC) are great for branding on caps, jackets, and bags — and work well when sewn or heat-pressed on.

• CAD cut vinyl is your go-to for personalising individual items like names and numbers — with no minimums required.

Decoration Method Comparison Table

Method	Best For	Min Qty	Artwork Style	Key Features
Screenprint	Tees, totes, hoodies, tea towels crew necks	24+	Bold logos, illustrations, multi-colour art	Crisp, long-lasting print; soft with water-based inks
Puff Screenprint	Streetwear, minimal designs, small highlights	24+	Simple logos or outlines	Ink puffs up when cured; raised, textured finish
High Density Print	Premium merch, text or logos that need depth	24+	Simple shapes, bold lines	Sharp, elevated rubbery print with a sculpted feel
Embroidery	Polos, caps, jackets, fleece, beanies	12–24+	Logos, text 4mm or higher, vector-style graphics	Durable and textured; ideal for workwear and premium garments
Appliqué	Heavy garments, varsity/collegiate styles	12+	Large text or numbers	Layered fabric stitched onto garments; bold, textured look
Puff Embroidery	Caps, hoodies, outerwear	12+	Thick block text or bold logos	3D-raised embroidery using foam underlay
Heat Press Transfer	Sportswear, event merch, name personalisation	24+	Detailed or photographic artwork	Vivid colour, fast turnaround, great for gradients and low-quantity runs
Silicone Transfer	Activewear, high-performance gear	50+	Modern logos or minimal branding	Flexible, high-build soft-touch transfer; water and sweat resistant
Embroidered Patch	Outerwear, hats, backpacks	50+	Detailed logos with solid colours	High durability; stitched directly or heat pressed/sewn onto garments
Woven Patch	Hats, uniforms, retro-inspired merch	50+	Fine detail and small text	Clean, flat finish; best for high-detail designs
PVC Patch	Caps, jackets, workwear, outdoor gear	100+	Bold logos, simple icons	Waterproof, durable, and 3D; modern and rugged finish
CAD Cut Vinyl	One-off names, numbers, small custom runs	12+	Block text or simple logos	Ideal for personalisation; no setup required; fast production