Custom Printed Patches San Antonio
Photo-Realistic DetailFull-color dye-sublimated patches for gradients, photos, and complex logos.
Sometimes, thread just gets in the way. If your logo has a fading sunset, a photograph of a person, or 50 different colors, embroidery machines can’t replicate it. The needles are too big, and the thread palette is too limited.
San Antonio Patch Co. custom Printed Patches are the solution. We use a dye-sublimation process to fuse ink directly into the polyester fabric fibers. The result is a completely flat, smooth patch that looks exactly like your digital file, no stitches, no texture, just high-definition clarity.
What Are Printed Patches?
8-Bit vs. 4K
Think of standard embroidery like an 8-bit video game, it’s made of “blocks” (stitches).
Think of a printed patch like a 4K photo. When you need absolute clarity without the limitations of thread count, dye sublimation is the only way to go.
Technical Specifications
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The Process We don’t stitch the design. We print it using special heat-activated inks that turn into gas and bond with the fabric at the molecular level.
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The Resolution Infinite. If you can print it on paper, we can print it on a patch.
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The Texture Smooth. The design is part of the fabric, not sitting on top of it. This makes them significantly thinner and more flexible than embroidered patches.
Where Printed Patches Are the Right Choice
We recommend printed patches when the artwork simply breaks the rules of embroidery.
Corporate Branding & Marketing
Why: Modern tech logos often use gradients (colors fading from blue to green). You physically cannot stitch a gradient perfectly with thread. Printing handles it effortlessly.
Event Merchandise & Giveaways
Why: Cost and speed. Because there is no “digitizing” or heavy machine run-time, printed patches are often faster to produce and cheaper for bulk handouts at trade shows or Fiesta events.”.
Fashion, Streetwear & Clothing
Why: Unlimited color. Embroidery limits you to about 12 thread colors per patch. Printing allows for millions of colors, making it ideal for detailed illustrations or artistic designs on streetwear.
Printed Patches Borders Options
Even though the face is printed, the construction is still industrial. The Border: Merrowed vs. Laser Cut
Merrowed Border
We stitch a thick thread border around the edge. This gives the flat printed patch a “traditional” patch look and prevents the fabric edges from fraying. It frames the artwork nicely.
Laser Cut
We cut the edge with a laser for a seamless look. This is mostly used if the patch is being sewn into a garment as a label.
Backing Options For Printed Patches
Iron-On (Heat Seal)
The most common backingBecause the patch is thin, the heat transfers through it easily, creating a very strong bond to hats or shirts.
Velcro® Hook & Loop
Tactical & MoraleWe can sew Velcro onto the back. Great for tactical patches that feature complex unit crests or morale art.
Sew-On
The classic methodThe thin profile makes these very easy for a standard sewing machine to stitch through.
With embroidery, we re-draw your art with thread, so we can fix a blurry image. With printed patches, we print exactly what you send us.
If you send a low-quality, pixelated screenshot from a phone, your patch will look pixelated and blurry.
The Fix: Send us a Vector file (.AI, .EPS) or a high-resolution image (300 DPI). If you zoom in on your screen and it looks blocky, it will look blocky on the patch.How We Price Printed Patches
Pricing for printed patches is the most straightforward of all our products because we don’t have to calculate “stitch counts.”
What Affects the Cost
Size
Larger patches use more fabric and ink. That’s the main driver.
Quantity
Setting up the heat press takes the same time for 10 patches as it does for 100. Ordering in bulk drops the unit price drastically.
Backing
Adding Velcro® or a special pin attachment adds labor costs.
Color Count? NO.
This is the big advantage. Whether your design has 1 color or 1,000 colors, the price is the same. We print the full image in one pass.
Printed vs. Other Patch Types | Which One Do You Need?
Printing solves specific problems that thread cannot.
Choose Printed Patches If:
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You have gradients
If your logo fades from red to yellow, embroidery looks choppy. Printing looks like a smooth sunset.
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You have tiny details
If your design is a photograph of a person, a detailed map, or has text smaller than 2mm, printing is the only option that won’t look like a blob.
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You need “lightweight”
Printed patches are feather-light compared to heavy PVC or dense embroidery.
Choose Embroidered/Woven If:
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You want texture
Printed patches are flat. If you want that classic, raised, tactile feel of a uniform patch, stick with Embroidery.
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You want tradition
For police, fire, and military uniforms, embroidery is still the regulation standard.
Why San Antonio Patch Co.?
Direct
Local Production & Fast Support
We aren’t a dropshipper guessing at your needs. We are right here in San Antonio. We know that a patch for an oil field worker needs to hold up differently than a patch for a tech conference.
Accurate Color Matching
With thread, we have to pick the “closest” spool color. With printing, we dial in the exact CMYK or Pantone value digitally. If your brand guidelines say “Pantone 186C Red,” we print exactly that.
Straightforward Quotes
No hidden “art fees” or “digitizing fees.” The price per patch is the price.
The Ordering Process
Upload Your Artwork
High Resolution is key. Vector files (.AI, .EPS) or 300 DPI images work best.
Approve the Proof
We send a digital mock-up showing the cut line and the border.
Production
We sublimate the design into the fabric and laser-cut the shape.
Delivery
Shipped to your door or ready for local pickup.
Get Your Custom Printed Patch Quote
Unlimited colors. Zero compromise on detail. Upload your design or speak with a patch specialist to receive a detailed quote and production timeline.
- Free Artwork Setup
- Free Shipping (USA)
- 100% Quality Guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about durability, color matching, and ordering.
DurabilityAre printed patches waterproof?
Are printed patches waterproof?
Yes. The design is dye-sublimated into polyester fabric. The ink doesn’t run, and the fabric doesn’t rot. They handle rain and washing machines just fine.
LongevityDo printed patches fade over time?
Do printed patches fade over time?
Eventually, yes, everything fades in the sun. However, dye sublimation is chemically bonded to the fiber, so it resists fading much better than surface printing. They will handle the Texas sun for years before showing age.
UsageCan printed patches handle outdoor use?
Can printed patches handle outdoor use?
Yes. They are popular for outdoor gear because they are durable and don’t snag on brush like embroidered loops can.
Minimum OrderWhat is the minimum order quantity?
What is the minimum order quantity?
We start at 10 units.
TurnaroundHow long does production take?
How long does production take?
Standard turnaround is 10–14 days. Because there is no complex digitizing, these can sometimes move faster through the shop.
ColorsCan you match brand colors exactly?
Can you match brand colors exactly?
Yes. This is the best method for strict brand compliance. We can hit specific Pantone (PMS) colors more accurately with ink than we can with thread.
DeliveryDo you deliver locally in San Antonio?
Do you deliver locally in San Antonio?
Yes. We deliver to businesses across Bexar County and ship nationwide.