Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser 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.

Advantages:
Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products.
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.

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 please ask for a pre production sample.

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.

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.

Advantages:
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 the edges of the label.

Limitations:
Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.

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.

Sublimation is achieved by heat transferring a digitally printed full colour image from a paper transfer to 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.

Advantages:
Sublimation ink is actually 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.

Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print head of a special inkjet 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 not possible 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 dark coloured products.

Advantages:
Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
Instant drying so products can be shipped immediately.
Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.

Limitations:
Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
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.

Kiln fired decals are transfers printed with a ceramic ink that are applied to coffee mugs and glassware which are 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.

Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch like effect on glass products.

Advantages:
Much lower cost than real etching.
Can brand curved or uneven products.
Produces a subtle, high perceived value finish that looks like etching.

Limitations:
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.
Requires a curing period before the product can be shipped.
Unable to print variable data.

Artwork Requirements:
The artwork should be supplied in vector format.

Debossing is produced by pressing a hot engraved metal plate into the surface of a product with a lot of pressure. This produces a permanent image below the products surface.

Advantages:
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent.
The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished.

Limitations:
Has a higher initial setup cost than other forms of branding as an engraved metal plate must be made. This is a one off cost and is not applicable to repeat orders if the artwork remains unchanged.

Artwork Requirements:
The artwork should be supplied in vector format.

A durable heat transfer that provides a smooth lasting effect on fabric. It works well for apparel such as uniforms and workwear. Can be printed in any PMS colour or combination of colours.

Images are foil stamped in metallic colours onto leather and vinyl materials. It produces a glossy finish that offers a high quality appearance.