Choosing the perfect promotional product for your campaign provides the platform for placing your brand in your customers hands.
It is however HOW you brand your product that creates a lasting impression.
There are wide range of branding techniques available to aid you in this decision.
Available branding techniques
Embroidery
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with designs stitched in strands of thread. Artwork must first be “digitized,” which is the specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. The design is stitched onto material through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Embroidery is a classic decoration technique most commonly used on logo patches, apparel and caps or hats. Embroidery creates a high value look containing up to nine thread colours.
Screen Printing
Screen printing typically uses a fabric stretched tightly over a frame. Images are created by blocking parts of the screen. Ink is forced through the open areas of the screen onto the surface of the object. A separate screen must be created for each colour to be printed and colours must be applied in passes allowing drying time between each. Screen printing is a cost-effective solution for larger quantities. Screen printing provides excellent coverage and is especially good for large and bold logos. This technique is especially suited to bags and t-shirts but can also be used for umbrellas, coolers and smaller items like notebooks and folders. Screen printing allows single and multi-colour branding up to 6 colours.
Pad Printing
Pad Printing is an offset printing process that involves ink being transferred from an engraved metal plate onto a product via a silicone pad, creating an image on the product. Each colour is applied separately but the detail in the print can still be excellent. Pad printing provides a great all-round solution that’s fast and economical and can be applied on virtually any shape but is favoured for small plastic items like pens, key holders and torches. Up to four colours can be applied using this technique.
SUBLIMATION PRINTING
Sublimation printing is a process done by way of a digital full-colour printer which is fitted with special sublimation inks. The logo is printed onto a special transfer paper and cut automatically to the correct shape. The logo is then placed onto the product and when heat is applied the inks migrate from the paper onto the product. Sublimation ensures a premium full-colour photo-realistic print. Sublimation however is only suitable for white products made from polyester fabric (minimum 60%) and polymer coated products.
HEAT TRANSFER PRINTING
Heat transfer printing is when a digital image is printed onto a special vinyl surface, which is then placed onto the product in the correct position. At this point the product is placed in a heat press, and the heat from the press melts the adhesive backing on the vinyl, merging it with the fabric. Heat transfer printing is mainly used where a logo is too intricate for screen printing or for logos with many colours, extreme detail and small text.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a method whereby the image is printed onto a special heat press vinyl, which is then applied to the product by means of heat and pressure.
DIGITAL PRINTING ON BAGS, NOTEBOOKS & DRINKWARE
A full-colour digital image is printed onto a special transfer paper. This paper is then coated with a unique powdered glue
which is cured onto the ink with UV rays. Thereafter it is placed onto the product which is inserted into a heat press
and the heat from the press allows the print to be transferred directly onto the fabric. This process is perfect for complex
logos with multiple colours, shading and gradients. Digital printing is a high-impact branding method with a bold and
vibrant photo-realistic result that brings your brand to life
DIRECT TO PRODUCT PRINTING
Direct to Product Printing provides for the application of full-colour logos directly onto the product. By using specifically engineered jigs, a specialised digital printing head transfers UV-cured ink onto flat or slightly curved surfaces with photo-print quality and bold, vivid colours. Direct to product printing provides a way to print permanent, full-colour logos. This is a high impact branding method that creates a lasting impression and can be applied on many shapes and sizes.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is the process of permanently marking the surface of an item with a very high intensity light source. A logo is etched into a metal product with a laser beam, replicating the logo with precise accuracy. The laser “burns” the top layer of the product and reveals the layer beneath. If the layer beneath is a different colour to the top layer, when engraved, the bottom layer’s colour is exposed. This creates a subtle, permanent and upmarket impression in tonal shades. Laser engraving is perfect for awards, BBQ accessories, flasks, key holders, pens and mugs.
CO2 LASER ENGRAVING
A CO2 laser is used to engrave organic items such as cork, wood, glass, plastic and leather. A logo is burned into a product with a CO2 laser by removing the top layer of the item to expose the second layer. Logos can be reproduced with great accuracy and in minute detail. The result is a permanent and classy way to brand certain organic materials.
Debossing
Debossing creates an image pressed into the surface of an object, creating a ‘hollow’ impression on the surface of the item. A die in the shape of a logo is pressed into the surface of a product using both heat and pressure transferring the logo or image to the product. This branding technique creates a unique 3D look. Debossing is a subtle and classy branding method which is ideal for genuine and imitation leather products, as well as some clothing materials.
Foil Stamping
Hot Stamping with foil is a similar process to debossing. Metallic foil is heat pressed onto hot surfaces by use of a metal block which is heated in a special foilery machine. That thin foil is pressed into the product to create a colour. Even though heat and pressure are applied, they are applied in lesser volume than during debossing and therefore the impression is not as deep. This branding style creates an exceptional superior impression and is ideal for genuine and imitation leather products. Foils are available in blue, copper, gold, green, light blue, orange, red, silver and yellow.
BELLY BANDS
Add a perfect finishing touch to notebooks and make a statement that can’t be ignored with full-colour, digitally branded Belly Bands. A superb way to ensure enhanced visibility for your brand and provide an additional platform to communicate your marketing message in a unique and high-impact manner.
VINYL STICKERS
Stickers are digitally printed in full-colour on an adhesive vinyl and then automatically cut to almost any shape. This multi-colour branding method is cost-effective for low or high-volumes and shows a strong resistance to fading or damage.
Doming
Stickers are digitally printed on an adhesive vinyl in full-colour and coated with a polyurethane resin creating a 3D effect. Doming is ideal for multi-colour logos which are hard to replicate with other print techniques.
DOMED & DEBOSS COMBINATION BRANDING
Domed & Deboss Combination Branding pairs the eye-popping colour of a raised dome with the subtlety of a full-coverage deboss. Full-coverage deboss gives you a large and versatile branding area, while the full-colour process dome fits into a recessed portion of your debossed artwork to create a focal point for a key part of your message.