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DECORATING TECHNIQUES We are frequently asked what kind of imprint will look best on particular promotional product items. We consider this to be part of our expertise and one of the many reasons we earn your business. We hope the following imprint definitions, uses, and other helpful hints serve as aids for you to have a better understanding of the fastest growing segment of the marketing business today.
Debossing/Embossing: Used mostly with leather, suede, or paper, debossing depresses the image below the surface of the item. Often the depression can be color filled to give yet another look. The choice of which method to utilize is determined by the complexity of the artwork and the visual appeal. Often the factory will determine which method is best. The set-up/mold charge for these processes are typically much more expensive than for other imprinting methods. An excellent example is a bonded leather zippered portfolio that we have on sale in the $25.00 range. The perceived value is that of a $40.00 item. :: top
Decal Transfer: This technique is most frequently used for ceramic and glass products, such as mugs, when exact registration (alignment) is crucial. The design is printed on an offset or letterset press, adhered to the item and then kiln fired. The design becomes fused to the surface of the product and will not peel off. This is a more expensive process than "spot" silk screen printing but is preferred if you have a picture or a complicated or tightly registered design. :: top
Die-casting: When molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved design, it creates a mold. From there, the metal is cooled and forms the shape of the mold. Sometimes, such as with cloisonne, the mold is color-filled with enamel or resin, but other times the metal form alone creates the product such as for key chains, belt buckles, and medallions. :: top
Dye-sublimation Transfers: This process consists of brilliantly colored dyes that when subjected to heat move from a solid form on transfer paper to a gaseous form that penetrates and dyes the fabric, then back to a solid without ever assuming a liquid form. It must be used on fabrics that are rich in polyester because the substrate must be lighter than the dyes (the lighter the better) which polyester, but not 100% cotton, provides. You'll see this rich technique on products such as tee shirts and tote bags. :: top
Embedments/Entrapments: Embedding is a method for suspending an object in clear material, usually Lucite. These pieces can be produced in any shape or size. One caution is that sometimes, due to the heating process, the object can be adversely affected, such as discolored. We always check with the factory to insure you get the intended effect. An entrapment is a less expensive alternative that has a similar appearance. A flat object, such as paper, is pressed between 2 pieces of acrylic. :: top
Embroidery: The upscale choice to decorate wearables, embroidery is becoming more and more popular. To start, a computer is used to scan the design and then translate the information to the sewing machines, which stitch the garments. There are two costs involved; the digitizing of the design and the stitching of the garment. Costs for both are determined by the number of stitches (size), the number of colors of the design, and the fabric. Embroidery is one of the few methods where up to a 4 color design is not substantially more costly than 1 or 2 colors. :: top
Engraving: In the past, this method was traditionally used on metal. Today, engraving continues to add a unique presentation for pens, ceramic mugs, crystal, and glass. This is a process where the design is "cut" into the surface of the material. It is accomplished both by hand and computers. For a gift that might normally be considered common, try decorating with engraving for a high perceived value. :: top
Etching: Similar to engraving, etching does not cut the surface as deeply. It can be done by computer or by applying acid to the design areas. Our factories usually determine which method, engraving or etching, will produce the best results. :: top
Hot Stamping: Those attention-getting, shiny metallic imprints that you see on leather and vinyl products are achieved by this process. Each factory offering this option will have its own range of colors, from the standard gold and silver to even an azure and copper. Some factories use hot stamping for non-metallic designs, and they make the choice when they see the artwork. For hot stamping, a die is created and it is impressed on the item of choice, leaving a lasting impression. As opposed to silk screening, the die and imprint charge is by the coverage area. :: top
Offset Lithography: The method that is most often used for companies' stationery is also used in our industry for paper products and other flat fabrics, such as canvas on tote bags. The image is transferred to a rubber blanket, which is then applied to the surface that is being printed. A spot-color or four-color process imprint can be achieved. :: top
Pad Printing: This process can easily be used on flat surfaces, but where it saves the day, is that it can be used on curved surfaces too, such as handles and stress balls. The process involves covering a recessed surface with ink, then wiping it clean, leaving the ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad then presses against the plate pulling the ink out and pressing it directly on the product (wrapping it around, if necessary). This process is limited to one, sometimes two imprint areas, because of registration difficulty. :: top
Screen Printing: This is one of the most-used decorating techniques. First, stenciled screens are prepared, one for each color in the design. Then ink is "squeegeed" through the screens, one color at a time to produced the image. The surface is then heat treated to "cure" the design so it adheres to the surface and fades as little as possible. One color to four color process imprints are popular with this method. :: top
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