Branding Guidelines – with so many options available for custom branding, it’s all too easy to get confused so here’s an overview to make it easier for you understand the possibilities.
One Colour Print
A simple, clean one colour print often does the job.
Screen print for larger areas.
Pad print for fine detail and curved surfaces.
Match exactly to PMS colours.
Multi Colour Print
If you need more than one colour on products which are not suitable for digital printing, we need to use a series of screens or pads to print each colour individually. This is more costly.
Colourflex Transfer
- CMYK+W digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.
- Ideal for producing full colour images
- High definition, complex, vibrant artwork
- Eco friendly water-based inks.
- Durable, flexible, and machine washable
- Minimum detail should to be no finer than 1mm.
Digital Printing
The most cost effective way to reproduce several colours so we will always suggest this option when available.
Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly on to the product.
Produces both spot colour and full colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Digital transfers are used to print fabrics which are not suitable for direct printing. For example, polyester will melt!
Artwork is printed on transfer paper using a digital printing machine. The paper is then heat pressed onto the product.
Uses CYMK process so exact PMS colour matches not available.
Sublimation
Sublimation print is used to brand products with a special coating, or fabrics suitable for the process.
The ink used for sublimation is actually a dye so there is no ink build-up and it looks like part of the product.
Use to print variable data such as individual names.
Resin Coating
Resin coating is produced by printing the artwork on to a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse.
The print area is coated with a clear resin, the decal is applied to the product and the adhesive forms a permanent bond.
This creates a 3D effect.
Engraving
Laser engraving produces a permanent finish using a laser to remove the top layer of colour. The base material then shows through.
Engraving has a higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
Extremely durable and can never wear off.
Imitation Etch
A special pad printing ink creates an etch like effect on glass.
Cost is much less than engraving and only an expert can tell the difference!
Debossing
Debossing creates a permanent image below the surface of the product (think of it as ‘reverse embossing’).
A hot engraved metal plate is pressed into the surface of the product using a lot of pressure.
Embroidery
Embroidery is an excellent way to brand bags, caps, clothing and other textile products.
Often less expensive than multiple screens for small quantities and multiple colours. Looks really classy!
Hard wearing, can never wear off.
General Information
- a high res pdf (300 x 300) will do the job for an exact reproduction of your existing artwork
- in order to make any changes, we’ll need editable format (vector graphic in ai or eps format)
- please keep in mind the available branding area on each item in order to ensure branding is clear with easy to read text.