Branding Methods  A complete guide to the branding techniques used across our product range. Each method is shown with its description and a space for the corresponding “HOW TO” video tutorial. Printing  Printing is the most popular and cost effective technique and is usually in the format of pad or screen printing. Pad printing involves the use of a pad to apply the ink to the product. Screen printing applies the ink via the use of a stencil placed on a porous material screen.  HOW TO PAD PRINT PROMOTIONAL ITEMS Engraving  A very intricate process which involves carving the logo into the item, producing a permanent form of branding. In most cases engraving is performed by specialist computer guided laser engraving machinery.  HOW TO ENGRAVE PROMOTIONAL ITEMS Digital Printing  Produced using ink jet print machinery. The 4 colours, cyan, magenta, yellow and black, are used in different quantities to produce millions of different colours and shades. It is great for printing photos, four colour process images and more detailed logos.  HOW TO DIGITALLY PRINT PROMOTIONAL ITEMS Litho Printing  Litho printing is a method used to print text or artwork onto paper. The required image is etched onto a metal plate and then transferred to a rubber roller. The image is then taken from the roller and applied to the item. Label / Doming  Self-adhesive printed label. For doming add an epoxy dome cover made of polyurethane resin; it’s durable, tough and long lasting. The label and doming process is often used to achieve four colour process logos and can be more cost effective than other printing methods, as it is the same cost regardless of the number of print colours. DOMING FOR RECESSED ITEMS, LABELS FOR JARS AND SANITISERS HOW TO DOME Promotional Chargers Foil Blocking  Similar to debossing (and using the same machinery), foil blocking leaves an imprint in the item, but the difference is that it can add colour to the impression. The colour is added by putting a colour foil between the dye and the product. The most popular colours to use are silver and gold.  FOR PAPER AND PU PRODUCTS HOW TO FOIL BLOCK Embroidery  Stitches one or multi-coloured logos onto material products using a needle and strands of thread or yarn.  HOW TO EMBROIDER Debossing  Debossing is a technique that leaves an impression of the logo on an item. A heated, metal plate is applied to the surface of the item and when removed it leaves behind a recessed imprint.  FOR PAPER AND PU PRODUCTS HOW TO DEBOSS Dye Sublimation  Printing starts with films that contain dyes; these are placed on the material and heated up by the print head. This causes the pigments to leave the film and enter into the material where it cools and re-solidifies. This creates a gentle gradation at the edge of each pixel and because the colour infuses, it is less vulnerable to fading and distortion over time.  FOR LANYARDS HOW TO DYE-SUB PVC  PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic which is easy to mould and can be produced in many colours. A bespoke mould is created incorporating a logo in various shapes and designs and is then filled with the liquid PVC and left to set and harden. Set up costs are low, allowing small order runs.  FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTS Iron Stamping  A heated metal dye is pressed into the surface of the item which leaves behind an impression. The impression is then filled with colour.  FOR ITEMS WITH SOLID METAL SURFACES