Printing Methods
Printing Methods
Who’s a pretty boy then?
As a one-stop-shop offering more than 100,000 stock lines of low cost, best selling, quick turnaround branded and promotional goods, we know this business inside out. We know where to source the lowest priced mugs, low cost bags, discount pens, pencils and folders, plus a whole range of other promotional items from office giveways such as mousemats and USB flash memory pens to sporting goods like umbrellas and branded golf giveaways.
But that’s only half the story. Promotional merchandise only works if it looks good, delivers a memorable message and creates a positive image of your business, club, charity or event. Our expertise in supplying effective low cost branded promo goods also comes from our ability to choose the right printing / customisation solution for every requirement.
These can vary depending on product, budget and turnaround, and the arrival of cost-effective digital printing is opening up new possibilities every day. Here’s a quick guide to some of the main printing/branding processes we use every day:
Screen Printing
Screen printing is an extremely flexible method of printing suitable for long and short print runs (and is so-called because ink is applied through a screen). It’s ideal for t-shirts, caps and other fabric products, as well as mugs, plastic folders and most bag products.
Transfer Printing
Transfers are a versatile, economical and effective way of printing full colour logos and other messages/branding onto a wide variety of products. They offer bright colours and sharp definition.
Foil Transfers
As above but with the added appeal of a metallic finish … and not just gold and silver either: foil transfers are available in a wide variety of colours.
Pad Printing
This method of printing is widely used for 3D objects such as pens, USB flash memory sticks or electrical goods, or merchandise with complex surface textures such as wood, golf balls etc. Also ideal for glass, metal and ceramic products.
Offset Printing
This is the print method people are generally most familiar with – ink is applied to a plate and then transferred to the item – and is generally used for paper products such as office stationery, exhibition materials etc.
Digital Printing
Digital printing actually covers a whole range of different techniques and is increasingly used for fast turnaround and individual personalisation/customisation. Another major benefit is the ability to print in full colour quickly, easily and economically.
Laser Engraving
Engraving is typically reserved for premium promotional merchandise and executive giveaways with a metal finish. It is more expensive than other branding methods but delivers a high quality result.
Embossing
With this branding method, a logo or image is created on a dye; this is then pressed onto the product to leave a raised impression in the surface. Typical applications include paper/card products (e.g. upmarket gift bags) as well as certain plastics.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a brilliant way of applying logos, sales messages and other branding onto any fabric product from polo shirts, caps and other promotional wear to bags and badges.