Custom wristbands are a cost effective and long-lasting marketing tool, which have an infinite number of uses.

If you’re considering ordering silicone or Tyvek wristbands, you may be interested to know about the different ways they can be printed.

This will help inform your decision when it comes to ordering your own personalised wristbands to help promote your business or cause.

Debossed wristbands

With debossed wristbands, the design or message is engraved into the wristband’s surface. Then ink of a contrasting colour is put into the debossed design to make it stand out.

This is a good option if you think your wristband will undergo a lot of wear and tear. That’s because the design sits below its surface, which means it has protection from stresses and strains.

You can have your debossed design made in the same colour as your wristband or use a complementary or contrasting colour.

Know that a customised mould is made for personalised debossed wristbands, so the product may be a little more expensive than other options.

Embossed wristbands

Embossing is another popular way of printing a message on a wristband.

As you might have guessed from the name, embossing is the opposite of debossing so the design is raised above the surface of your wristband. This is achieved by stamping the interior of your wristband and pushing the design out to the exterior side.

Your embossed design is normally the same colour as the wristband itself. If you do add ink to the design, then it’s at risk of being rubbed off through exposure.

The same goes for the embossed design itself — because it sits on top of the wristband and is exposed, it can wear off more quickly than a design on a debossed or silkscreen-printed wristband.

Silkscreen printed wristbands

Silkscreen printing, also known as screen printing, is a popular way of creating wristband designs.

In this method, ink is printed onto wristbands through stencils supported by fabric (it doesn’t have to be silk, as long as it’s porous), which is stretched across a frame or screen.

Unlike embossed or debossed wristbands, the design is printed in a smooth layer on the wristband’s surface — just like printing on paper.

This way of printing works really well for more complex or multicoloured designs, if you want to print a flag with a number of different colours side by side, for example.

It’s also good for smaller or more delicate fonts.

Inkjet printing

Inkjet printing is a simple way of creating Tyvek wristbands.

Tyvek wristbands are often used for events such as festivals. Tyvek is a synthetic polyethylene-based material that resembles paper in some ways — which means that it’s easy to use a regular inkjet printer to create your designs.

However, Tyvek is much tougher than paper and is tear-proof, which means this type of wristband is safe and secure and can’t be shared between people. This makes them an ideal choice for big events, where they can double up as tickets and refreshment vouchers too!

It’s actually very simple to print on Tyvek so this is one of the most affordable ways to create personalised wristbands.

Laser printing

Tyvek wristbands may also be created using laser printers.

Laser printing is generally considered a better option for black and white printing, giving a crisper result, while inkjet is preferred for colour printing.

So the method you choose will be determined by the colour scheme of your design.

Either way, Tyvek wristbands are an affordable and customisable option that works especially well for events.

Inkjet or laser printing can also be used for fabric wristbands. Another option is the woven fabric wristband, which cuts out printing altogether. This gives a long-lasting design, and you don’t have to worry about ink fading or rubbing off.

Which method of printing is best?

It’s hard to choose a single method that could be described as the best one for printing wristbands — it depends on a number of factors like the complexity of your design, your budget and how long you want them to last.

Many people and businesses choose debossed wristbands as the design is protected below the level surface and will last and last. Silicone is the usual material used for this type of wristband, which is an incredibly resilient substance that resists heat, water and all kinds of wear and tear! So, a debossed wristband would be your go-to if durability is an important factor.

As we’ve seen embossed wristbands are more limited than their debossed cousins. Their designs are more susceptible to wear and tear while you don’t get as much choice when it comes to colours. However, they can make a striking design that’s tactile as well as attractive!

It’s also important to bear in mind that the cost may be higher for debossed and embossed wristbands as a mould will be made specially for your unique design.

Screen-printed wristbands probably give you the most choice when it comes to customisation. You can use any colour for the wristband itself and for your design too — and there’s no limit to the combinations of colours you can use either.

Inkjet and laser printing are both great options for Tyvek wristbands. They’re affordable and get the job done…so what more could you want?

Wristband care

Another important factor to think about when ordering printed wristbands is how to care for them.

Tyvek wristbands require little to zero care as they are designed to be temporary and to be cut off after use. They’re also incredibly robust so you don’t have to worry about them tearing or getting wet.

If you’re opting for silicone wristbands, whether they are embossed, debossed or screen printed, you can prolong the life of the design with a proper care routine. You can clean your wristband in warm water and dishwashing detergent, allowing it to soak for a few minutes. Then use a soft-bristled brush to give it a gentle scrub, particularly around any debossed or embossed designs. Finally, rinse in fresh water and pat dry.

If you have a debossed or embossed wristband, then you can also use a cuticle stick or cotton bud to remove any dirt around the design once the wristband has been left to soak for a few minutes. Then give it a rinse and pat it dry.

For fabric wristbands, soak them in a solution of gentle detergent and warm water for a few minutes then rinse and leave to dry out in the fresh air if possible.

If you take care of your printed wristband, the design will stay fresh and attractive for a long time and it will last and last, making it a durable reminder of your company or cause!

Order your customised silicone wristbands today!

Without a doubt, wristbands are a fantastic way to promote your cause or event. And with the sheer range of designs, materials and printing methods available, you’ll be sure to find a type that fits your exact needs.

Take a look at the Handband collection, which features silicone, Tyvek and fabric wristbands, created using some of the printing methods we’ve mentioned today. Know that all our wristbands can be personalised according to your unique needs and desired design.

If you need a little help in choosing a design or printing method, reach out to the team here at Handband. We can help you decide which one would work best for your requirements…it’s all part of the service!

You may also be interested to know that our sister company, Mediband, specialises in pre-printed and customised medical wristbands for an assortment of health conditions.

When it comes to wristbands, we’re your friendly experts and love nothing more than fulfilling our customers’ needs — so take a look at our range today and be sure to reach out for any help or advice!