Promo Harbour Team ·
Two products, two finishes, two completely different results. Choosing between laser engraving and full colour printing is one of the first decisions on any merchandise order - so here is the short version.
What laser engraving does
A laser removes or darkens the surface layer of the material, leaving a permanent mark in the natural tone of whatever sits underneath. On bamboo it goes a rich brown; on anodised aluminium it goes bright silver.
Strengths
- Permanent - it cannot rub, peel or wash off
- Premium, tactile finish
- No colour matching to worry about
Limits
- Single tone only - no full colour, no photographs
- Fine detail can close up on soft woods
Great for: bamboo pens, slate coasters, aluminium bottles, keyring bottle openers and wooden games.
What printing does
Printing lays ink or dye onto the surface, so you get the full colour range - gradients, photographs, brand colours held tightly across a run.
Strengths
- Full colour, including photographic artwork
- Cost-effective across textiles and board
- Excellent detail
Limits
- Wears over years of heavy use
- Screen brightness is not print output, so expect slight shifts
Great for: t-shirts, hoodies, beer mats, tote bags and gift tags.
A simple rule of thumb
If the product is hard, natural or metal and the logo is one colour, engrave it. If the artwork carries colour or the product is fabric or board, print it.
Still unsure? Send the file through our free file check and we will tell you which finish will do it justice - or ask for a bespoke quote if you want both options priced.