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.

Pros
Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products.
Prints sharp, clean images with detail as fine as 0.4mm, minimum text size is 5pt.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
Metallic gold and silver ink are available.
Can offer a white under base for the darker products that require it.
Many products can print up to 6 colours with tight multi-colour registration.

Cons
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print.
Some pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.
Each colour requires its own setup charge.
Neon/fluorescent colours are not available.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

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

Pros
Much more affordable than real etching.
Can brand curved or uneven products.
Produces a subtle finish with a higher perceived value that looks like etching.

Cons
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Requires a curing period before the product can be shipped.
Unable to print variable data.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges, and fridge magnets etc. This printing process uses CMYK values.

Pros
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Can be cut to custom shapes.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved.

Cons
Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
White print cannot be produced on clear, silver or gold stock.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink directly from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full colour branding.

Pros
Ideal for large or complex full colour prints.
The print is dry and ready to ship as soon as the product is printed.
Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
No loss of print vibrancy, even on darker products.

Cons
Production speed is limited so lead times can be longer in some cases.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
As the print does not wrap completely around the product, there is a small gap between the start and end of the print.
More expensive than other branding options.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Laser engraving is a permanent branding process that engraves artwork into the surface of the product using a laser. Different materials produce different engraving finishes, to avoid uncertainty pre-production samples are recommended.

Pros
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent.
Large branding areas available on curved products.
Can produce variable data such as individual names.
The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved. No curing time needed.

Cons
Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

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.

Pros
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved.
Can be cut to custom shapes.

Cons
Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
White print cannot be produced on clear, silver or gold stock.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

This production method is a CMYK+W digital branding process designed specifically for silicone surfaces.

Pros
Provides crisp, clear, high-definition artwork.
Durable, flexible branding that can be hand washed.
Perfect for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
Ideal for producing full colour images as well as approximate spot colour branding.
Has a matt finish and does not crack or fade with typical use of product.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Cons
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
Unable to print variable data.
Minimum detail is advised to be no finer than 0.7mm.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Rotary Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for cylindrical objects.

Pros
Large print areas are possible on cylindrical products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing.
Metallic gold and silver colours are available.
Many products can print five colours (including white) with tight multi-colour registration.

Cons
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print.
Unable to print variable data.
Each colour requires its own setup charge.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

This CMYK branding process is produced by printing artwork onto a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is then coated with a crystal-clear resin. Once dry, the finished decal is applied to the product and the adhesive forms a permanent bond.

Pros
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on the resin coated area.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Cons
Larger print areas can be more expensive.
White, metallic gold, silver and neon colours cannot be printed.
The resin needs to be cured for one day before shipping the product.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Direct 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 full colour and closely matched spot colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.

Pros
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.
Dried instantly so products can be shipped immediately.
Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Cons
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Larger print areas can be more expensive.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for branding flat objects.

Pros
Large print areas are possible on flat products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
Most screen print inks dry quickly and can be shipped immediately after printing.
Fluorescent, metallic gold and silver inks are available on select textile products.
Many products can print with tight multi-colour registration, with some products able to be printed using up to five colours.

Cons
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print.
Unable to print variable data.
Each colour requires its own setup charge.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Dye 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.

Pros
Sublimation ink is a dye so there is no ink build-up. The finished print is embedded in the product.
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on some products.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Cons
Can only be used on suitable products with white surfaces.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including white, metallic, and neon/fluorescent colours.
Fine detail/text may experience minor colour bleed across adjacent design elements.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Pros
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.
Certain products can produce a two-tone finish.

Cons
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.

Artwork Requirements
The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

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

Pros
Ideal for producing full colour, complex images as well as approximate spot colour branding.
High definition, vibrant matt finish artwork that is suitable on a range of garment fabrics.
Eco-friendly water-based inks.
Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is 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.

Cons
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.
Unable to print variable data.
Minimum detail advised at 1mm.

Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel, and other textile products. It offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes cannot match. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product and has a slightly raised effect. There are many variations of embroider ie. Satin and Fill Stitch, 2 Layer Vintage Applique, 1 Layer Felt applique, 1 Layer Sub applique, 3D Puff Embroidery

Pros
Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours or 10k Stitches

Cons

• Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible – the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match. See our thread colour chart for the colours available.
• Unable to embroider variable data such as individual naming.
• Metallic embroidery colours have special pricing.

Artwork Requirements

• Vector artwork is preferred.
• Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
• We recommend avoiding fine detail – the minimum text heights for embroidered artworks are:
• 4.5mm for Sans Serif fonts
• 5.5mm for Serif fonts

To make a design become three dimensional on a shirt, we would use high density screen printing. With this type of printing you can make your design rise off the shirt. High density printing uses a special film that is put on the screen that will make the ink rise.

Pros

• You can get very crisp lines and edges using high density screen printing.
• You can get any plastisol ink color that we have in stock to use on your design.
• You can actually feel the ink on the shirt; it will rise off the shirt about an eighth of an inch off the shirt.
• These high density printing shirts will be the most different thing that you have ever seen on a shirt.

If your garments need that extra something to feel complete, then Deco press clothing emblems provide an increased sense of detail and quality to every item. There are a variety of applications for these high-quality clothing emblems. Applied to a jacket, a deco press emblem can enhance a classic look, or on a hat can be shown off front and centre. Hoodies and sweatshirt designs can be complemented with tasteful application of an emblem to the shoulder, or a bag can be enhanced with a featured patch.

On offer is a broad range of designs and finishes. Try the printed style with crisp lines and vivid colours, or alternatively get an etched emblem with dynamic texture and depth.