BRANDING APPLICATION OPTIONS
WHAT IS DIGITAL PRINTING (HEAT PRESS PRINTING)?
Digital printing can be done directly onto the product or onto vinyl and transferred to a product. Digital printing is best suited for full colour print requirements.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Full colour branding
- Better turn-around time with small quantities
- High definition picture quality
- Short-runs are less expensive
LIMITATIONS
- Limited range of products available for this branding option
- Cannot match pantone colours
- Might be more expensive
WHAT IS PAD PRINTING
An etched plate is covered with ink up to 4 colours, and then wiped clean, leaving ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad is then pressed against the plate, pulling the ink out of the recesses, and pressing it directly onto the product.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Can brand uneven / rounded surfaces
- Quick turn-around time
- Can brand pantone specific colours
LIMITATIONS
- 4 Colours maximum, no shading (solid colours only)
- Small words & fine detail will be shown as solid
WHAT IS SCREEN PRINTING?
Screen printing typically uses a fabric stretched tightly over a frame. Images are created by blocking parts of the screen using various techniques. 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. This is the most common method of imprinting on promotional items and apparel such as T-shirts.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Turn-around time is good
- Most cost effective branding based on higher quantities
LIMITATIONS
- Some products can’t be screen printed
- Some products are limited to 1 colour only
- Rough surfaces will not print correctly
- Cannot brand on seams & zips
WHAT IS LASER ENGRAVING?
The process of permanently marking the surface of an item with a very high intensity light source. Laser is divided into 2 main categories: CO2 laser which is cutting and marking on organic items (cork, wood, glass, plastic and leather), YAG laser which is used for marking metals.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Can brand all metal items (Yag laser)
- Decent turn-around time
- Permanent mark
LIMITATIONS
- Limited physical size of branding on products
- A flat, solid surface is preferred
- Cannot brand fabrics and plastics
- Fine detail may not show, depending on the item
WHAT IS FOILING?
Metallic foil is heat pressed onto hot surfaces by use of a metal block which is heated in a special foilery machine. The foil is pressed onto the surface of the item using heat, pressure and dwell time.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Metallic ink
- Looks classy
LIMITATIONS
- No small wording or fine detail
- Limited to flat surfaces
- Limited range of items available
WHAT IS DEBOSSING?
Debossing creates an image pressed into the surface of an object, creating a ‘hollow’ impression on the surface of the item. Suitable for leather and PU leather products, such as diaries and desktop pad covers.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Looks very professional
- Especially nice on long-term executive branded items
- Debossing does not discolour
LIMITATIONS
- Long turn-around time
- Maximum business card size (90 mm x 50 mm)
- Limited range of products allow for debossing (leather & PU)
- Only flat surfaces may be debossed
WHAT IS DOMING?
A thin layer of Polyurethane resin is applied to a digital sticker, creating a 3D effect. Stand alone products include: dome stickers, name badges, key rings, zip pullers.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Can brand any smooth, flat surface
- Full colour print
- Can be a great alternative to a 1 colour screen print on certain items
LIMITATIONS
- Stickers may come off the products
- Long turn-around time
- Cannot brand uneven or rough surfaces
WHAT IS EMBROIDERY?
A design stitched onto material through the use of a high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Embroidery is best on apparel such as golf shirts , caps, beanies etc. Embroidery is a cost effective option on smaller runs.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- Adds a more prestigious look to the garment
- Unique to each shirt, ideal for staff names
- Small quantities are often more cost-effective than Screen Printing
- Certain items must be embroidered – some items cannot be screen printed (Eg. fleece, certain moisture management garments and synthetic garments)
LIMITATIONS
- Min height of 5mm
- Max number of cololurs per logo is 9
- Size of the main embroidery
- Size of written letters
- Framing the embroidery (pockets on shirts)
- (Embroidered above pocket)
- (Remove pocket, embroider pocket, then resew pocket)
- Long turn-around time for large orders
- Fine detail will not brand correctly
- Thread does not match pantones exactly
WHAT IS SUBLIMATION?
In this process a digital full colour printer is fitted with special sublimation inks, the logo or image is printed onto transfer paper and automatically cut into the shape to fit the product. Once fitted heat is applied causing the inks to migrate from the paper onto the product.
ARTWORK REQUIRED
- All artwork required as High-Resolution PDF or Jpeg
- All logos in Vector format
- Artwork can be created by Second Storey if required
ADVANTAGES
- A full colour photorealistic print is ensured
- Because the ink migrates to the product the flexibility of the product is not affected
LIMITATIONS
- This printing option is only suitable for white products made from polyester fabric (min 60%) or polymer coated products (such as ceramic mugs)
Customised products, tailored to suit your unique needs, branding requirements and budget
