Knowledge is Power
Learn about some of the different branding techniques we use for branded merchandise.
Digital Printing
Uses a specialised fabric printer to transfer an image directly onto a textile.
Multiple colours can be applied at the same time, rather than in separate layers, meaning this technique is often used to print intricate or very colourful designs.
Suited to tech products, bags, notebooks, and desktop items.
Embossing
Embossing is the process of creating a raised image or design on a flat flexible surface, which is accomplished by using a combination of heat and pressure.
Embossing can be used on a number of different materials, including our recycled leather, rubber, plastic and paper.
This is a permanent branding method that gives a high-quality finish, however it is not suited to intricate designs.
Embroidery
For branding fabrics such as clothing, bags and towels, embroidery adds a premium finish to any item, with a high perceived value.
Creating vibrant, colourful designs using this method bears no effect on cost, as this is calculated on a price-per-stitch basis.
To make a real statement, on some garments we offer a raised 3D embroidery for a more tactile and defined design (not recommended for thinner items like t-shirts).
Engraving
Most commonly performed using a laser, engraving allows a highly detailed image to be scored into the surface of materials including metal, wood, glass and leather.
Engraving can be a very cost-effective method of branding, particularly when individually personalised items are required.
Heat Transfer Printing
There are a number of different transfer printing methods, but in most, transfers are created by printing the desired image onto a carrier paper.
This image is then applied by hand or machine onto the product to be decorated.
The transfer and the item are placed in a press at a high temperature and pressed together under high pressure, resulting in the transfer adhering to the textile, or applied by hand onto the item if using water slide transfer technology (best known for its use in the application of transfers to model aircraft and cars.).
Pad Printing
Images are transferred to the object via an etched plate and silicone pad which wraps around the object to be branded.
The pad can wrap as much as 180 degrees around an object with excellent ink coverage.
This allows for printing on curved surfaces such as pens, golf balls and computer mice.
Pantone Matching
Sometimes off the shelf doesn’t cut it. If your brand requires an exact colour match, talk to us about Pantone matched options.
Taking your exact colour references, we’ll colour your chosen promotional product, replicating your brand colour with striking accuracy.
This method can be applied to a range of products, however minimum order quantities may apply.
Screen / Silkscreen Printing
An ink is applied through a mesh that has been perforated with tiny holes to allow the ink to pass through.
Multiple screens can be used to achieve a multi-coloured print. Printing on dark colours requires layers of white to allow the colour to stand out.
This method can be used to print most materials, including paper, plastics, textiles and metals.
Eco Friendly Inks
Instead of traditional plastisol inks, we screen print clothing with more sustainable water-based inks
Achieving a higher quality print that’s soft to the touch, they’re also more breathable, and won’t crack like their solvent-based counterparts.
And because they’re PVC-free, our inks release no harmful toxins or greenhouse gases.
No chemicals are required in the clean down of machines and screens as everything can be cleaned with water.
Sublimation Printing
A type of transfer print, where a special filmed image is applied to a surface using ink, heat and pressure. The inks vaporise and penetrate the molecules of the material they have been applied to permanently dying them with the desired image.
Whilst the finished image is extremely vibrant and permanent, the process is limited by the range of substrates that are capable of accepting the inks. It is not possible for example, to print using this process onto natural fibres like cotton, or onto dark coloured items, as the inks are not very opaque and require a white backing to retain their vibrancy.
Best suited to items such as mugs and cups, or banners and flags.
