The number of colors you can use depends on the print type you select. Fresh Prints currently has 20+ available print types and subtypes. All print types are explained below. But don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize all the details.

The Design Tool will automatically use the available colors for your chosen print type. And if you change the print type, the tool will also adjust the colors in your design to the closest supported matches for that print type.

A message in the Design Tool chatbox will pop up every time this happens.

Colors Automatically Adjust Based on Print Type on Design Tool Chatbot Notif Included

Screen Printing - 8 colors max. per location

This is the most classic way of printing designs on garments. If your design has up to 8 colors, this is a great choice. You can check our designs compatible with Screen Printing if this print type fits your chapter’s needs.

Technique: We burn a screen for each color in your design and then push ink through the screen onto the garment.
Print Look & Feel: Colors will be very vibrant and will be slightly raised on the surface on the garment.
Perfect For: When you want the classic look or have a big order
Cost: There is an additional cost for every additional color. The more you order, the cheaper per unit.
Color Limitations: No more than 8 colors per print location.
Product Limitations: Can print on almost anything except waterproof or reversible garments, and can’t print close to seams.
Variants:

Standard: We create a stencil for each color in your design and press ink through it onto the fabric.
Puff Ink: We mix in a special ingredient to make the design puff up for a raised effect.
Neon Ink: We use bright neon inks to make your design pop with a bold, vibrant look.
Glow in the Dark: We add a special ingredient to make your design glow in the dark or under low light.
Metallic & Glitter Ink: We use metallic or glittery inks to give your design a shiny, eye-catching look.
Water-Based Ink: We use water-based inks instead of plastic-based ones for a softer feel and eco-friendly printing.

Digital Printing - No color limitations

Got an intricate design that even Da Vinci or Picasso would love? This print type is the way to go. You can check our designs compatible with Digital Printing if you’re looking for merch with a lot of character.

Technique: We use high-resolution digital printers to apply ink directly onto the fabric. This process allows for detailed, full-color designs with gradients and intricate details.
Print Look & Feel: Inks are less vibrant than screen printing. For light colored garments, the texture is smooth and soft as the ink is absorbed into the fabric. For dark garments, there is a white underbase printed so the ink sits on top of the garment.
Perfect For: When you need a full-color print or when you have a smaller order
Cost: The cost is based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: No color limitations. Digital printing can reproduce an unlimited range of colors and gradients.
Product Limitations: Best on 100% cotton garments, can print on garments above 80% cotton. No hats.

Embroidery - 15 colors max. per location

If your chapter wants elegant, expensive-looking merch or you want caps, this print type is perfect for it. We have a wide range of Embroidery-compatible designs on our Product Gallery if you’re looking for inspo.

Technique: We sew your design onto the garment with thread using a special embroidery sewing machine.
Print Look & Feel: Colors are vibrant with a textured, high-quality finish
Perfect For: When you want a professional, high-end look. Ideal for logos and text on hats and heavy garments
Cost: The cost is based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: No more than 15 colors per location.
Product Limitations: Best on thicker fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends. Not suitable for very thin or stretchy materials. Designs can’t be overly detailed.
Variants:

Standard: We stitch your design onto the garment using a special embroidery machine.
Puff: We sew your design in thicker layers to give it a raised effect.
Metallic & Glitter: We use metallic or glittery thread to give your design a shiny, eye-catching look.

Applique - 15 colors max. per location

This is similar to embroidery, but combined with cut-out fabric. Ever wonder what print type they use for those designs with embroidered edges? This is it. Check out our designs compatible with Applique if you need inspo for your next merch.

Technique: We cut parts of the design out of fabric and then secure them to the garment with embroidery. This method combines both fabric and thread to create your design.
Print Look & Feel: Can incorporate a variety of fabrics and threads for a multi-dimensional, textured look. The texture is raised and layered with a combination of fabric and stitching.
Perfect For: When you want embroidery but need it to cover a large area
Cost: Based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: No more than 15 colors per location.
Product Limitations: Best on thicker fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends. Not suitable for very thin or stretchy materials.
Variants:

Standard: We cut parts of the design out of fabric and then secure them to the garment with embroidery.
Sublimated Embroidery: We first print your design in full color onto fabric and then stitch key details with embroidery.

Transfers - No color limitations

If you need fewer pieces for your merch quickly, you can opt for this print type. It’s perfect if you have really colorful or intricate designs while on a tight deadline. Browse our designs compatible with Transfers if this print type is what your chapter’s looking for.

Technique: We print your design onto a special film using high-quality inks. The design is transferred from the film to the garment using a heat press, bonding the ink and adhesive to the fabric.
Print Look & Feel: The colors are vibrant, and since it’s a transfer, the design is raised and is thicker than the rest of the shirt
Perfect For: When you need a full-color print and don’t want to use digital printing
Cost: Based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: No color limitations. DTF transfers can reproduce an unlimited range of colors and gradients.
Product Limitations: Can’t use on heat-sensitive materials like nylon or water-resistant jackets, and ribbed garments. Design can’t be overly detailed.
Variants:

Direct-to-Film: We print your design on a special film and use heat to transfer it onto the fabric, creating a durable bond.
Supacolor: We print your design with eco-friendly water-based inks and use heat to transfer it onto the garment.
Screen Transfer: We screen print your design onto a special film, then use heat to transfer it onto fabric for a durable finish.

Patches - 1-12 colors; unlimited if sublimated

While we do traditional patches on garments, like ones on bucket caps, we can also do other types, like sublimated (for unlimited colors), leather, and even rubber. Like this for your next merch? Check out our designs that can be printed as Patches.

Technique: Patches are created by stitching/weaving/molding/printing (depending on the variant you choose) a design onto fabric. They can be affixed to garments through sewing or heat pressing.
Print Look & Feel: The design will be raised as it’s sewn onto the garment.
Perfect For: When you need class,y smaller designs inside solid shapes.
Cost: Based on the type of patch, size of the design, and number of locations.
Color Limitations: Depends on the type of patch you need. Ranges between 1-12 colors. Can get unlimited colors if you want the design printed on the patch (sublimated patch).
Product Limitations: Ideal for hats and jackets. Goes best on thicker fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends. Not suitable for very thin or stretchy materials.
Variants:

Applique: We cut parts of your design from fabric and stitch them onto the garment for a textured, high-quality look.
Chenille: We create a soft, textured patch of your design and stitch it onto the garment for a bold, vintage vibe.
Sublimated: We print your design in full color on fabric, then cut and stitch it onto the garment.
Woven : We create a detailed fabric patch by weaving the design with fine threads, then stitch it onto the garment.
Leather: We cut parts of your design from leather fabric and stitch it onto the garment.
Rubber: We create a flexible, raised rubber patch of your design and stitch or heat-press it onto the garment.

Vinyl - 1 color

Another option for merch with a sporty vibe. It’s the classic print type for jerseys, but we can also do other types like leather and glitter. Browse our designs compatible with Vinyl printing and customize them in as little as 10 minutes.

Technique: We cut designs from colored vinyl sheets and heat-press them onto the garment. The design is transferred as a solid piece, providing crisp and clean lines.
Print Look & Feel: The colors are vibrant, with a smooth and slightly raised finish. Vinyl prints have a consistent texture and a slight sheen, making them stand out prominently on the garment.
Perfect For: Typically used for adding personalized custom names and numbers on garments.
Cost: Based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: Ideal for 1 color designs.
Product Limitations: Can’t use on heat-sensitive materials like nylon or water-resistant jackets, or ribbed garments. Design can’t be overly detailed.
Variants:

Standard: We cut your design from colored vinyl and heat-press it onto the garment for a sharp, crisp look.
Flock: We use pieces of velvety flock vinyl cut to your design and heat-press them onto the garment.
Glitter: We cut your design from glittery vinyl and heat-press it onto the garment for a glam vibe.
Holographic: We use holographic vinyl to assemble your design and heat-press it onto the garment.
Leather: We use pieces of leather-like vinyl cut to your design and heat-press them onto the garment.

Rhinestones - Solid colors only, no gradients

This gives off Y2K glam feel while not being too loud. For chapters that want a touch of sparkle on their PR shirts, this one is the best.

Technique: Rhinestone designs are created by arranging tiny, reflective stones in a pattern and then heat pressing them onto the garment. The stones are typically held in place by an adhesive backing.
Print Look & Feel: Rhinestones add sparkle and dimension to garments, creating a dazzling, textured effect. The stones are slightly raised and catch the light, making the design pop.
Perfect For: When you want to add a touch of glam or eye-catching sparkle to a garment, especially for events or dancewear.
Cost: Based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: Rhinestones come in various colors, but they are typically solid and cannot produce gradients.
Product Limitations: Can’t use on heat-sensitive materials like nylon or water-resistant jackets. Design can’t be overly detailed.

Foil - Gold color only

Gold foil definitely catches attention, since it can reflect light, while still looking super elegant. Get this if you want your chapter to be noticed even when there’s a crowd.

Technique: Foil printing involves applying shiny metallic foil onto the garment using a heat press.
Print Look & Feel: Foil prints have a shiny, metallic finish that reflects light, adding a luxurious and eye-catching appearance. The foil surface is smooth and slightly raised, giving a premium look.
Perfect For: When you want to add a shine to the design that stands out on the garment.
Cost: Based on the size of the design and the number of locations.
Color Limitations: Available in gold only. Shouldn’t be mixed with other print types in the same location.
Product Limitations: Can’t use on heat-sensitive materials like nylon or water-resistant jackets, or ribbed garments.

We’re always adding new print types based on what our customers want, so keep your inboxes open for our announcements. You can also learn more about our current print types (+ subtypes) and decorating methods, including garments we recommend for them, on our BTS: How to Merch page.

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