Branding Options.

When deciding on the best branding option for your items, there is no one shoe fits all approach. The right method is dictated by the material that we’re printing on, the size and the volume of the products that require branding. We’ll make sure that we recommend the best option for you. If you’d like to know a bit more about it, take a look at each option here.

A method of machine stitching your design or logo onto fabrics or apparel. Click here to see a video of the embroidery process.

THE UPSIDE

  • Allows for a raised, premium branding output
  • Can be a cost-efficient option when branding area is small

THE DOWNSIDE

  • If the branding area is large, this option can become inefficient (we’d possibly look at a printing option instead)
  • Small intricate details can often be lost

Screen printing is a technique best suited to flat or cylindrical surfaces. This is where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the product or substrate via a squeegee. If you’re wondering how this is done, take a look at this video.

THE UPSIDE

  • A quick drying printing option which can mean earlier delivery times
  • A cost-efficient option for large volume runs
  • Can match closely to your PMS colours when printing on lighter surfaces

THE DOWNSIDE

  • PMS colours can sometimes vary from desired when printing on dark surfaces.

One of the most practical and popular branding options. Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. Click here to see a video of the pad printing process.

THE UPSIDE

  • Cost efficient
  • Can print across varying curved surfaces
  • Can match closely to your PMS colours when printing on lighter surfaces

THE DOWNSIDE

  • PMS colours can sometimes very from desired when printing on dark surfaces
  • Half tones can be difficult to achieve
  • The more colours included in the print, the higher the cost

Ideal for metal and glass items including pens, key rings, travel mugs, wood surfaces and glassware. Click here to see a video of the laser engraving process.

THE UPSIDE

  • Permanent
  • Enhances the base colour of an item
  • High quality finish

THE DOWNSIDE

  • Branding space is restricted on curved surfaces
  • Branding can vary from item to item depending on the materials. A pre-production sample is recommended.

Achieved by heat transferring a digitally printed full-colour dye image from a paper transfer to the product. A common method for printing onto mugs, towels, and apparel. Click here to see a video of the sublimation process.

THE UPSIDE

  • Renders a high quality, vibrant and full-colour branding
  • Can print with only 1 setup for minimal quantities

THE DOWNSIDE

  • Only suitable for printing onto white product surfaces
  • PMS colours are only approximate

Supacolour is a modern printing technique. The colour is produced digitally, meaning the images can have an abundance of colours without the need for expensive setups. Unlike digital transfers it does not print the background, allowing for even the most detail logo to be clear cut. You can see a video on the supacolur process here.

THE UPSIDE

  • Can produce photo quality detail
  • Less costly than other digital printing methods

THE DOWNSIDE

  • PMS colours are approximate

Heat transfer printing is a common technique for applying images or designs under pressure and heat to a variety of surfaces.

THE UPSIDE

  • Full colour printing: Heat transfer is great for intricate designs and photographic pictures because it produces vivid, full-colour prints with subtle gradients.
  • Cheap initial setup cost: Heat transfer printing has a comparatively cheap initial setup cost, especially for short print runs, when compared to other printing techniques like screen printing or offset printing.
  • Heat transfer printing has a quick turnaround time, making it ideal for on-demand printing and projects with short deadlines.
  • Environmentally friendly: It generates a small amount of waste and uses no chemicals or water that are generally utilised in other printing processes.

THE DOWNSIDE

  • Limited material compatibility: Materials with a high polyester content are best for heat transfer printing. On uneven or rough surfaces, as well as with natural fabrics like cotton, it might not be appropriate.
  • The feel of the print: Particularly on fabrics, heat transfer prints may feel a little different from the original material depending on the material.
  • Not cost-effective for large quantities: Heat transfer printing can become more expensive and time-consuming for large-scale production, despite being effective for short print runs.
  • Limited breathability on fabrics: Heat transfer prints on fabric materials may make them less breathable, particularly if the design has a big surface area.

In conclusion, heat transfer printing is a flexible and effective technique for producing unique and vibrant prints on a variety of substrates. It might not, however, be appropriate for all materials, thus considerations should be based on the particular needs of the printing job.

Heat Transfer

Vinyl transfer, commonly referred to as heat transfer vinyl (HTV), is a well-liked technique for applying designs or graphics to fabrics or other surfaces by applying pressure and heat. Here are vinyl transfer’s advantages and disadvantages:

THE UPSIDE

Customization: Vinyl transfer makes it simple to personalise textiles and other materials, making it perfect for customised apparel, accessories, and promotional items.

Full-colour options: Vinyl is available in many hues, including metallic and glitter hues, enabling vivid and striking designs.

Quick application:  Vinyl transfers may be applied rather quickly, making them ideal for small-batch production or last-minute customisation.

THE DOWNSIDE

Feel and breathability: The transferred design may alter the fabric’s feel and breathability depending on the type and thickness of the vinyl employed.

Limitations on fine details: Although vinyl transfers can create complex graphics, obtaining incredibly fine details may be difficult.

Not appropriate for all fabrics: Vinyl may not stick well to materials with a rough or heavily textured surface and performs best on fabrics with a smooth and level surface.

Limited stretchability: Some vinyl alternatives are made to be stretchable, but not all HTV varieties can survive heavy stretching, making them less suited for very elastic materials.

Vinyl transfer