Printing methods.
Learn everything you need to know about the various printing techniques that we use, plus our recommendations too for promotional merchandise.
Welcome to the print method jargon buster!
The promotional merchandise industry uses different terms when describing processes or print specifications and printing techniques. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about printing methods and the different types of options you can choose from.
Screen printing.
Screen printing is the method for branding textiles, plastic and paper products with a flat surface. The ink is pressed onto the product through gauze. This method provides high colour accuracy and is very popular. This printing technique provides a trustworthy print that has long-lasting results. It can be used for smooth surfaces so it can create a high definition even with more than one or two colours.
Transfer printing.
Transfer printing is ideal for those items which cannot be screen printed due to their size, shape or material. The design is printed onto a transfer paper and then heat transferred onto the item. Transfer prints have good washing resistance and good colour reproduction. Particularly full-colour images.This method enables results on various types of fabrics and is very economic for multicolour printing on small quantities.
Digital transfer.
The transfer process is for digital printing of small quantities, without colour limits. A digital transfer is a way of producing full colour designs, which are too complex to be screen printed, for application onto garments, caps or bags via a heat process. The required image is printed onto white transfer paper. The image then adheres permanently to the object.
Rotary screen printing.
Rotary screen printing is similar to the process of screen printing but optimized for 360º printing. making the print technique perfect for promotional pens. Rotary Screen Printed fabric involves pressing printing paste or ink through the mesh on a cylindrical screen onto fabric. It involves a screen that is engraved for each colour and loaded into our rotary screen printer for high speed and high-quality textile printing.
Digital printing.
Digital printing is the method of printing directly onto the product using a machine similar to a laser or inkjet printer. The benefits are that you can print crisp full-colour images and large formats too. Digital printing involves printing paper, with photographic quality. This technique is widely used for labels or pins.
Embroidery.
This procedure is used for branding textile products. Firstly, each logo must be programmed by the embroidery software for the machine. The logos are then embroidered by the machine. Exact Pantone matches are not available due to the limitation of thread colours. Embroidery refers to clothing that has a pattern or logo stitched into its fabric.
Ceramic printing.
Ceramic printing is used to label mugs and glasses using special inks fired on at high temperatures. The label is applied to the item similar to transfer printing and then fired in a furnace.
Dye sublimation.
Sublimation results in a design highly resistant to extreme temperatures. Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, the process is commonly used for decorating apparel, signs and banners as well as other items with sublimation-friendly surfaces.
Engraving.
This technology uses lasers to engrave an object. The surface of the product practically burns in the process to develop the logo. Even small logos can be printed very accurately. Has a high quality feel, especially on metal.
Rotary laser.
Rotary engraving is the process of rotating a cutting tool in a motorized spindle, which is moved through the material to produce a groove at a specific depth and in the same geometry and width as the cutter tip. This laser technique is optimized for 360º usage which ideally works on ball pens, bottles and mugs.
Laser.
Laser engraving is a precise and long-lasting method. The laser beams engrave the design on hard surfaces. Besides metal, it can also be used on wood, leather/PU and glass with exquisite and elegant results.
Pad printing.
Pad printing is used for labeling plastic, metal, wood and paper products. Great for 1 colour print and to curved surfaces. Ideal for high volume printing too. The pad printing process is very versatile and adapts to curvy shapes. It is the most economical solution for various promotional products.
Embossing.
Embossing uses a specially made die and is pressed under high pressure to form a raised 3D impression that allows you to literally feel your logo. You can go a step further by adding hot foil stamping or metallic colour to the embossed logo. Embossing can be used with leather, paper and certain wood items. Again, it creates a very high-quality feel.
Hot stamping.
Hot stamping consists of reproducing designs by means of a hot press on leather or imitation leather products. Furthermore, this technique allows transferring a metallic or pigment finish, adding color to the branding.
Doming.
Doming consists of applying a clear resin (epoxy) on a printed slip. This layer of resin produces the effect of depth and protection and results in a 3D effect. The end result is shiny, resistant and durable.
Direct to garment.
Textile direct printing is a full colour digital printing technique for textiles, ideal for small quantities.
Digital UV print.
This type of printing offers great advantages like speed and high-quality guarantee. This technique is very appealing for printing in several colours. Ideal for small quantities and can be applied on plain or slightly curved surfaces.
Sandblasting.
Sandblasting, creates a 3D effect with great detail. This technique is ideal for glass, ceramic or porcelain.
Stickers.
Printing vinyl stickers with photographic quality and a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Stickers arethe cheapest way to brand your own promotional items. Stickers can be printed and stuck onto anything which is a huge bonus, plus they come in various sizes with full colour printing making them stand out from the crowd.
Firing.
Firing is a printing technique where special paints are applied using high temperatures to transfer the logo onto the product. It is ideal for glassware, ceramic mugs or porcelain mugs. We have 2 options available: the low temperature, possible for logos up to 10 solid colours; and the high temperature option, that guarantees a longer durability and can be used for black and/or white.
