Printing Options

Screen Print

Screen printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for branding flat or cylindrical objects.

Advantages

Large print areas are possible on both flat and cylindrical products.

Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.

Ideal for large solid areas of colour.

Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing.

Metallic gold and silver is available.

Limitations

Halftones and very fine lines are not recommended.

Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.

Unable to print variable data.

A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork should be supplied in vector format.

Digital Transfer

Digital transfers are used for branding fabrics and are printed on transfer paper using a digital printing machine then heat pressed onto the product.

Advantages

Cost effective method for producing spot colour or full colour transfers.

Crisp, clear artwork reproduction is possible even on textured fabrics.

Has a matt finish and will not crack or fade under normal circumstances.

Can print variable data including individual names.

Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.

Limitations

Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.

Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.

A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.

 

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.

Sublimation Print

Sublimation print is used for branding products that have a special coating on them or fabrics suitable for the sublimation process. A transfer is produced by printing sublimation ink onto transfer paper and then heat pressing it onto the product.

Advantages

Sublimation ink is a dye so there is no ink build-up on the finished print and it looks like part of the product.

Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.

Can print variable data including individual names.

Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.

The branding can bleed off some products.

Limitations

Can only be used for suitable products with white surfaces.

Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.

Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.

When printing large images some minor imperfections may appear in the print or around the edges of it. These are unavoidable.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.

A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Pad Print

Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. It is one of the most popular and affordable ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved products and print multiple colours in a single pass.

Advantages

Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products like pens.

Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.

Metallic gold and silver is available.

Limitations

Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.

The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.

Unable to print variable data.

Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.

Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.

Pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.

A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork should be supplied in vector format.

Embroidery

Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel and other textile products. It offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes can’t match and the finished image has a slightly raised effect. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product.

Advantages

Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours.

Limitations

Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible - the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match. See our thread colour chart for the colours available.

It is best to avoid both fine detail and font sizes which are less than 4 mm high in the artwork.

Individual naming not available.

Artwork Requirements

Vector artwork is preferred.

Resin Coated Finish

Resin coated finish is produced by printing the artwork onto a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is coated with a crystal clear resin which is allowed to dry. Once dry, the finished decal is applied to the product and the adhesive forms a permanent bond.

Advantages

Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.

Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product.

Can print variable data including individual names.

Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.

Branding can bleed off the resin coated area.

Limitations

Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.

The resin requires a one day curing period before the product can be shipped.

Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.

Larger print areas tend to be more expensive.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.

A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving produces a permanent natural finish using a laser to mark the product. Different materials produce different effects when engraved so to avoid uncertainty pre-production samples are recommended.

Advantages

Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.

The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent.

Gives a similar finish to etching on glassware at a much lower cost.

Can mark curved or uneven products.

Can produce variable data including individual names.

The product can be shipped as soon as marking is finished

Limitations

The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.

Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.

Artwork Requirements

The artwork should be supplied in vector format.

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