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
• Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products
• Metallic gold and silver are 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

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 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 (ex-stock only)
• 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
• White print is not available

Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce both spot colour and full colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.

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

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

• 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

Colourflex transfers are a CMYK+W digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.

Advantages

• Ideal for producing full colour images (including gradients) as well as approximate spot colour branding
• High definition, complex, vibrant artwork suitable on a range of garment fabrics
• Eco friendly water-based inks
• Durable, flexible, and machine washable with a soft-touch matt finish
• Efficient self-weeding technology
• Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours
• Can be shipped straight after being printed

Limitations

• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon colours
• A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image
• Unable to print variable data
• Minimum detail is advised to be no finer than 1mm

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 are 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

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

Digital adhesive labels are used to brand products that cannot be branded with any other method. They are printed with a digital printing press and applied to the product.

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

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
• 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