Printing Processes and Services
No Minimum Orders*
Fast turnaround*
No Setup charges
Top Quality
Power Apparel is outfitted with the newest, most up-to-date equipment there is. We want to print all your unique ideas! To do this we have a huge variety of options available to you. We invite you to visit our showroom in Cloverdale, BC so we can work with you to get exactly what you want for your special garment or promotional product. Our state of the art equipment and our awesome design services ensure that we can provide quick and the highest quality turn-around for any project you can come up with! Let your imagination be your limits.
We provide custom printing for t-shirts and other promotional materials using the following printing methods:
- Screen Printing
- Embroidery
- Direct-to-film
- Vinyl Heat Transfer Printing
- Dye-Sublimation Printing
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” Albert Einstein
Screen Printing – Bold, Durable, Tried & True
What it is:
Screen printing is one of the oldest and most popular methods of apparel decoration. It works by pressing ink through a fine mesh stencil (“screen”) onto fabric. Each color in your design uses a separate screen, which layers together to create the final image.
Why choose screen printing?
- Durability – vibrant prints that last wash after wash
- Cost-effective for bulk orders – the more you print, the lower the cost per piece
- Bold, vivid colors – perfect for logos, team names, and graphics
- Works best on cotton – ideal for t-shirts and hoodies
Best for:
- Event & fundraiser shirts
- Sports teams & school spirit wear
- Large-volume orders
- Simple logos and bold graphics
Screen printing is the go-to for big, bright, and budget-friendly designs—especially when ordering in bulk.
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing
DTF is a cutting-edge print method where your design is printed onto a special transfer film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat pressed onto your garment. Unlike vinyl or screen printing, DTF bonds directly to the fabric fibers – no weeding, no color limitations, and no cracking.
Why choose DTF?
- Full-color designs (photographs, gradients, detailed artwork)
- Durable & flexible (withstands multiple washes)
- Works on any fabric – cotton, polyester, blends, darks, and lights
- Soft feel – lightweight, no heavy vinyl layers
- Fast turnaround – perfect for small runs or bulk orders
Perfect for:
- Custom apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, jerseys)
- Team uniforms & spirit wear
- Small business merch
- Special events & fundraisers
With DTF, you get vibrant prints that last without the setup costs of screen printing or the fabric limits of sublimation.
Embroidery – Classic, Professional, Long-Lasting
What it is:
Embroidery is the process of stitching your logo, name, or design directly into fabric using high-quality thread. It creates a textured, 3D effect that’s durable, sharp, and timeless.
Why choose embroidery?
- Professional look – perfect for corporate wear, uniforms, and hats
- Durable & long-lasting – threads won’t fade or peel like prints
- Elegant finish – adds depth and texture to your design
- Versatile placement – works great on polos, jackets, caps, bags, and more
Best for:
- Business uniforms & staff apparel
- Sports teams & spirit wear
- Custom hats, jackets, and bags
- Gifts and special occasions
Embroidery adds a touch of quality and sophistication to any garment, making your brand or design stand out.
Vinyl Heat Transfer – Crisp, Custom, and Affordable
What it is:
Vinyl heat transfer uses sheets of colored vinyl that are cut into your design or lettering, then applied to fabric with a heat press. Unlike printing, vinyl sits on top of the garment, creating a smooth, slightly raised finish.
Why choose vinyl?
- Great for simple designs – names, numbers, logos, and text
- Durable & flexible – holds up well to washing and everyday wear
- Wide variety – available in solid colors, glitter, metallic, holographic, and more
- Perfect for personalization – like adding names or numbers to team jerseys
Best for:
- Sports uniforms & spirit wear
- One-off designs or small runs
- Bold text or simple logos
- Specialty finishes (glitter, metallic, reflective, etc.)
Vinyl heat transfer is a cost-effective option for custom looks, especially when you want personalization or special finishes that really pop.
Dye Sublimation – All-Over, Photo-Quality Prints
What it is:
Dye sublimation uses heat to transfer special inks directly into the fibers of polyester fabric or onto coated surfaces. Instead of sitting on top of the material, the ink actually becomes part of the fabric or item.
Why choose sublimation?
- Vibrant, full-color prints – even photographs and gradients
- No cracking, peeling, or fading – designs are permanent
- Soft feel – nothing sits on top of the fabric
- All-over printing – covers the entire garment or product surface
Best for:
- Polyester apparel (jerseys, performance wear)
- Custom mugs, plaques, phone cases, and promo items
- All-over printed shirts and uniforms
- Sublimation is perfect when you want bright, long-lasting, edge-to-edge designs.
Laser Engraving – Sleek, Precise, Permanent
What it is:
Laser engraving uses a laser beam to etch your design into the surface of a material. Instead of printing or applying color, it removes a thin layer of the surface to create a clean, permanent mark.
Why choose engraving?
- Extremely durable – won’t fade, scratch, or wear off
- High precision – crisp, detailed logos and text
- Professional finish – subtle and sophisticated look
- Works on many materials – metal, wood, glass, leather, acrylic, and coated items
Best for:
- Awards, trophies, and plaques
- Corporate gifts (pens, drinkware, tools, tech gear)
- Personalized keepsakes (wallets, jewelry, cutting boards)
Laser engraving is the way to go for a high-end, timeless look that lasts a lifetime.