Specialty Imprint Guide
Take your apparel beyond a standard print. Our Specialty Imprint Guide walks you through the special-effect inks and decorating techniques EG Threads offers to give your designs texture, shine, and dimension. As a Las Vegas contract decorator with over 20 years of experience, we combine screen printing, embroidery, and specialty finishes so your garments stand out on the shelf. Browse the guide for real examples of each effect, then connect with our in-house design team to plan your next project.
Specialty effects covered in this guide:
- Metallic (Gold & Silver) — A reflective, durable finish that’s tougher than foil. Ideal for athletic and school apparel that needs to hold up to constant wear. Works best on designs without fine detail.
- Shimmer (Gold & Silver) — Adds reflective, decorative value as an accent to otherwise basic designs. Silver shimmer is a great alternative to reflective foil (non-ANSI approved).
- Distressed Effect — Recreates an aged, retro, or vintage look. Less ink means a softer hand, a more flexible print, and more breathable fabric in the print area.
- Glow in the Dark — Phosphorescent ink that charges under light and glows in the dark. Perfect for Halloween, events, and rock designs. Requires a white underbase on non-white garments.
- Softhand Feel — A softhand base mixed into plastisol for a lighter, less “plastic-y” feel closer to water-based ink. A favorite for high-fashion garments.
- Puff — Heat-reactive foaming ink that rises as it cures, adding raised, three-dimensional depth to bold designs.
- 3D Embroidery — Puff foam placed under the stitching for a raised, dimensional look. Best on caps and structured headwear.
Ready to elevate your next order? Contact our team or request a quote and we’ll help you choose the right specialty finish for your brand.
