Branding Method

Many different branding technologies are available and you will see which ones are suitable for each product under the “Branding Print Options” heading located beside each product. Below is a handy guide that briefly describes each option and its branding capabilities. 

Pad Print: Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from an etched printing plate. Pad printing is one of the most practical and popular ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved surfaces and print multiple colours in a single pass. Close PMS matches can be achieved on white surfaces but as the colour of the product gets darker the ability to match PMS colours diminishes.

Examples of promotional products are Pens, Clocks, Calculators, Promo clips, Golf balls.

Offset Printing: Is a process of transferring ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder. Used on more complex artworks and for higher quantity runs. Examples of promotional products are Flash drives, credit card size USB memory sticks Paper printing Mouse Mats Fridge Magnets.

Screen Print: Screen printing involves forcing ink through a mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product or substrate and it is excellent for large print areas on flat or cylindrical objects. Close PMS matches can be achieved on white surfaces but as the colour of the product gets darker the ability to match PMS colours diminishes. Screen printing is best suited for spot colour reproduction and is not recommended for logos with half tones in them.

Ink is pressed through a fine silk screen leaving a flat, painted imprint on the surface of the material. Examples of promotional products are Bags, Rotary print on ballpoints or biros, Compendiums / Folders. Calculators, Golf Umbrellas, Clocks,

On dark products, if the artwork is without a white print, then you will need to add another colour.

Laser Engraving: Laser engraving gives a permanent finish and creates a higher perceived value than direct printing. It is ideal for metal and glass items and because it is a digital process can be used for personalising products with individual names. Different materials produce different effects when engraved and if you are uncertain about the engraved finish you can expect to receive please ask for a pre production sample.

The logo is digitized then lasered into hard surfaces such as wood, metal or glass. Examples of promotional products are Metal products like desk clocks, weather stations.

Resin Coated Finish: Resin coating an image produces a stunning 3 dimensional effect and elevates the perceived value of any product. Most commonly vinyl labels are resin coated which produces a very durable weather proof label that is almost indestructible. Resin Labels can be printed in full colour and used very effectively to brand a large variety of products. As they are digitally printed only approximate PMS colour matches are possible.

Resin Coated Finish is printed digitally full colour on white media, then cut with a plotter. This allows any shape or size to be cut with no die costs. The knife can only cut so fine, so where detailed artwork or small typeface occurs, you may have to have an outline or block printed behind.

An epoxy resin is then applied over top, drying time for resin is at least 48 hours (so please be aware of this when ordering). If a special shape is required and does not fit into the table above, PLEASE EMAIL FOR A QUOTE.

Full Colour(CMYK) Label: Full colour labels are used for products with substrates that are difficult to print successfully with any other method. Full colour labels are either printed with a digital inkjet printer if they are vinyl or a digital printing press for paper labels. Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible with digital printing.

CMYK (Full colour or 4 colour process): Photo-quality full color image is created by laying 4 colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) on top of on another. The color mix and density of each color will determine the final color of the picture. Examples of promotional products are mouse pads, Umbrellas, Mugs.

Digital Full Colour(CMYK) Heat Transfer: Heat transfers are printed and cut to shape on a digital inkjet printer and then heat pressed onto the product to give a permanent bond. This process is commonly used to reproduce full colour images on textile surfaces and bags. Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible with digital printing.

Sublimation: Sublimation is achieved by heat transferring a digitally printed full colour image from a paper transfer onto the product. This process can reproduce stunning, vivid, full colour graphics but there is limited control over the colour outcomes which makes reproducing PMS

colours very difficult and in some cases impossible. Only certain surfaces and materials can be branded with sublimation printing.

Sublimation Printing is a heat transfer method of imprint using heat-activated dyes that "sublimate" into the fabric; becoming part of the fabric, not an imprint sitting on top of the fabric. Examples of promotional products are can coolers, bags, mouse pads, polishing cloths.

Digital Media: This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges and fridge magnets etc. Both digital ink jet and digital printing presses are used in the production of digital media. It is difficult to reproduce PMS colour matches with digital printing.

Direct Digital: Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print head of a special ink jet machine to the product and can be used to produce full colour printing on flat or slightly curved surfaces. It is difficult to reproduce PMS colour matches and some colours including metallic gold and silver are impossible to achieve. One big advantage of direct digital is that these machines can print a layer of white ink under the copy making them ideal for branding coloured products.

Kiln Fired Decal: Kiln fired decals are transfers printed with a ceramic ink that are applied to coffee mugs and glassware which is then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. The advantage of kiln fired decals is that the print becomes part of the surface and is permanent. They are also good for decorating mug handles and the inside lip as well as producing larger print areas on irregular shaped mugs or glasses. It is possible to obtain approximate PMS colour matches.

Embroidery: Logo is digitized into a "tape". Machine reads tape to stitch logo onto surface of product. Usually includes up to 5 colors of threads in one logo Pricing is based on stitch count. Embroidery cannot be 100% PMS matched. Examples of promotional products are, apparel, bags.

Embossing: Machine presses a die into the surface of the material, resulting in a depressed area around the imprint desired. Imprint appears to be raised. Examples of promotional products are Compendiums, Leather products wrist bands.

Debossing: Machine presses a die into the surface of the material, resulting in a depressed logo. Examples of promotional products are wrist bands.