Printing techniques

Laser engraving uses a laser to etch a design onto the surface of an item. This technique is perfect for creating precise, permanent designs on a variety of hard materials. It’s
ideal for products that require a high-end, durable finish.

Pros:
Produces sharp, precise designs.
Permanent and highly durable.
Works on a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass.

Best Materials to Use On:
Bamboo: Great for eco-friendly items.
Metal: Ideal for high-end products.
Glass: Suitable for drinkware and awards.

Suitable Items:
Bottles
Notebooks
Pens
Glassware

Good to Know:
Best for single-color, precise designs.
Produces a high-end, professional look.
Works well for corporate gifts and premium items.

Pad printing is a versatile printing method used to transfer a 2D image onto a 3D object. This technique is ideal for printing on irregularly shaped objects where other methods might not be suitable. It’s commonly used for items like pens, bottles, and small promotional products.

Pros:

Ideal for printing on irregular surfaces.

Capable of printing fine details.

Works well on a wide variety of materials.

Best Materials to Use On:

RPET: Common for small promotional items like pens.

Metal: Suitable for items like bottle caps or keychains.

Glass: Often used for smaller glass items.

Suitable Items:

Pens

Bottles

Keychains

Mugs

Good to Know:

Best for single or limited color designs.

Only solid Pantone (PMS) colors can be used without gradients. Max 4 colors.

Ideal for smaller designs or logos.

Great for promotional items with unusual shapes.

Digital printing is a modern technique that directly applies ink to the surface of an item. It’s perfect for producing high-quality, full-color images on various items. This method is versatile and efficient for short runs.

Pros:

Produces vibrant, high-quality images.

Ideal for detailed designs with multiple colors.

Quick setup with minimal costs for short runs.

Best Materials to Use On:

Organic Cotton: Excellent for high-quality T-shirt prints.

Recycled Polyester: Good for durable items like bags.

RPET and Metal: Suitable for items like phone cases.

Suitable Items:

T-shirts

Bags

Phone cases

Notebooks

Good to Know:

Best for full-color designs.

CMYK based colours and white

Works well for both small and large orders.

Suitable for a wide variety of items, including textiles and non-textiles.

Sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fabric or material. This method produces vibrant, full-color prints that are embedded into the material, making them long-lasting and durable. Sublimation printing is only possible on white items or surfaces.

Pros:

Produces vibrant, durable prints.

Perfect for full-color, detailed designs.

Works well on a variety of materials.

Best Materials to Use On:

Recycled Polyester: Works best with this material.

Ceramics: Suitable for mugs and plates.

Metal: Often used for custom promotional items.

Suitable Items:

Mugs

T-shirts

Plates

Phone cases

Good to Know:

Best for items with a polyester coating.

Produces long-lasting, durable designs.

Ideal for colorful, detailed prints.

Sublimation printing is only possible on white items or surfaces

Ceramic transfer is a specialized printing technique used to apply designs onto ceramic items, such as mugs and plates. The design is first printed onto a special transfer paper, then applied to the ceramic surface and fired to ensure durability. Safe for use in the dishwasher

Pros:

Produces durable, high-quality prints.

Ideal for ceramic items.

Works well for detailed and colorful designs.

Best Materials to Use On:

Ceramics: Mugs, plates, and other ceramic items.

Suitable Items:

Mugs

Plates

Ceramic tiles

Good to Know:

Best for ceramic items.

Produces long-lasting designs.

Requires firing to set the design.

Safe for use in the dishwasher

Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors

Doming involves applying a clear, raised resin layer over a printed design, creating a 3D effect. This technique is often used for badges, keychains, and promotional items, giving them a premium, tactile finish.

Pros:

Creates a unique, 3D effect.

Protects the design with a durable, clear resin.

Ideal for promotional items.

Best Materials to Use On:

Metal: Common for keychains and badges.

Plastic: Suitable for promotional items.

Suitable Items:

Keychains

Badges

Stickers

Good to Know:

Best for small items where a 3D effect is desired.

Works well with colorful, detailed designs.

Full-color printing (CMYK) colors.

Produces a premium, tactile finish.

Digital labeling is a modern technique that involves printing high-quality labels for application on various products. This method is ideal for adding detailed, full-color designs to bottles, jars, and other packaged goods.

Pros:

Produces high-quality, detailed labels.

Ideal for branding and packaging.

Quick and cost-effective for small runs.

Best Materials to Use On:

Plastic: Common for bottles and jars.

Glass: Suitable for jars and bottles.

Suitable Items:

Bottles

Jars

Packaging

Good to Know:

Best for detailed, colorful designs.

Full-color printing (CMYK) colors.

Ideal for branding on packaging.

Quick setup with minimal costs

Debossing is a technique that creates an indented design on the surface of a material. It’s often used on leather, paper, or other soft materials to give a subtle, elegant effect.

Pros:

Creates a sophisticated, subtle finish.

Ideal for premium products.

Works well on soft materials.

Best Materials to Use On:

Leather: Common for notebooks, wallets, and bags.

Paper: Suitable for business cards and stationery.

Suitable Items:

Notebooks

Wallets

Business cards

Stationery

Good to Know:

Best for simple, bold designs.

Limited color options available (Pantone colors not supported)

Produces a subtle, elegant effect.

Works well on high-end, premium items.