Promotional Gift Personalisation

PERSONALISATION METHODS

As you will appreciate, there are several ways to personalise promotional products, probably the best way is to list the main methods but there will always be odd exceptions & some products can be personalised with a choice of several methods depending on complexity of artwork or personal choice.

Screen printing:  used most widely on pens, pencils, flat plastic items.  This method is also appropriate for printing T-shirts.  The method is to make a stencil or screen, lay this on the flat item & apply ink through the stencil area produced from your design.  To screen print in a second colour involves making a screen for that specific second colour & going through the process again.  Metal products can be screen printed but the longevity of the design cannot be guaranteed & would not always be recommended as the ink can be affected by misuse & some solvents.

Pad printing or Tampo printing:  another method of applying ink to plastic items which have a curved or unusual shape, using a rubber pad.

Embroidery:  mainly used on clothing & headwear and gives a long-lasting quality personalisation to your design.  Most designs are based on a stitch count of between 5,000 & 10,000 stitches.  With more modern machinery, this method can be used on some bags.  Disks are made for the design & the cost for these is based on the number of stitches.  The disk can be re-used as required, usually without extra cost.

Engraving:  most commonly used on metal, glass or crystal products to achieve a quality effect.  Laser engraving is now widely used & gives a more economical & precise finish.

Die stamping:  normally used on metal items like stainless steel keyrings and pin badges.  A metal die is pressure stamped into the product leaving an impression in your design.  This can be left plain or colour filled.

Foil blocking:  this is used mainly on leather goods such as folders & diaries.  As die stamping a metal die is pressure stamped into the leather but this time with a foil colour.  However blind embossing is a similar principle but without the foil.  Blind embossing gives a discreet but effective shaded finish.  It is not suitable on all leather items...

Digital transfer printing:  this method is best used on bags & some clothing when a full colour process is required.