Embroidery (View Example)

This is one of the most desired and popular methods of branding, due to its durability.  This decoration method is achieved using a high-speed computerized sewing machine that has a number of heads with needles and thread, which pulses the thread back and forth, pushing the thread through the product and backing material creating stitches.  The more detail that the artwork/logo has, the more stitches it will require to be re-created.  Half-tones cannot be done with this method of branding.  All text must be a minimum of 5mm high in order for it to be legible when it has been embroidered.  The cost of embroidery depends on the amount of stitches, so the more stitches, the more it costs.  

 

With embroidery, an artwork proof is known as a plot sheet approval.  This proof is a digitised computerised embroidered version of the logo.  The plot sheet states size of logo, amount of stitches and colours of logo.  This plot sheet will be sent to you as an artwork proof for you to approve before final production.

 

 

Pad Printing (View Example)

This printing method is used to print a logo onto a hard surface and is achieved by using a silicone pad.  Pad printing is similar to screen printing, where the artwork is first transferred onto a screen - except, in this case, the screen is then used to create a soft silicone pad.  Some products can be printed up to a four or five colour logo, this depends on the product and decorator.

 

In some cases, if the logo is complex and the print area is very small, it is not advisable to print very small or fine details, due to the ink filling in the spaces when it is being printed.  For example, extremely small registration marks will look like little dots and, in some cases, they are so small that they will not print.  You will be advised if this will happen when you receive the artwork proof.  This decoration method has a set-up and repeat set-up cost.

 

 

Screen Printing (View Example)

This is the most common printing process.  This process is produced by pressing ink on a mesh screen frame using a squeegee onto a product.  The product must have a flat surface, as any seams or hems will make the screen jump and distort the artwork.  With this process, the artwork can be printed up to a maximum of twelve colours.  Please bear in mind that the number of printing colour depends on supplier and the product being branded.

 

There are three different types of screen printing processes.  They are flat-bed, cylinder and rotary.  The printing process used will depend on the product that is being branded.  These type of printing process can only be printed in solid ink colours, half tones or photographic images cannot be done.  A pantone (PMS) colour match can be guaranteed with this printing method.

 

Flat-bed Screen printing method is used mainly on apparel.  The Cylinder and Rotary Screen Printing methods are usually used on items that need a larger print area or that require a wrap print.  These items can be compendiums, drink bottles, mugs and pens.  These methods are not available for all products.

 

When screen printing on a coloured surface, it is highly advisable that a white base be applied first in order for the colour/s to have better coverage, this way it can be matched to pantone colours properly.  If a white base is not done first, then the risk of the colour appearing incorrect are higher.  The white base is mainly done when screen printing onto apparel.  There are certain products that a white base cannot be applied, it is advisable to do the logo as a one colour, which means that the logo will be applied twice in order to have a bit more coverage.

 

The cost of screen printing is based on the amount of colours and product quantity that is being printed at the one time.  The set-up fee is based on the amount of colours that is required for the logo/design - for example, if you are printing a two-colour logo on a white garment, you will need 2 screens and 2 films, and you will be charged a total set-up cost.  A repeat set-up cost will apply in some cases.  

 

This printing method is also known as heat transfer printing.  The artwork is digitally printed on a vinyl decal and applied to a flat surface, using a heat transfer process.  This method is commonly used on complex logos, which cannot be reproduced or achieved with any other printing method.  Pantone colours cannot always be achieved and, in some cases, it is impossible with this type of method.

 

 

Transfer Printing (View Example)

This printing method is also known as heat transfer printing.  The artwork is digitally printed on a vinyl decal and applied to a flat surface, using a heat transfer process.  This method is commonly used for complex logos, which cannot be reproduced or achieved with any other printing method. Pantone colours cannot always be achieved and, in some cases, it is impossible with this type of method.

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Digital Rotary Printing (View Example)

Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink and a varnish coating from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed gloss artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full colour branding.

Advantages

• Ideal for large or complex full colour gloss prints.

• The print is dry and ready to ship as soon as the product is printed.

• Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

• No loss of print vibrancy, even on darker products.

Limitations

• Production speed is limited so lead times can be longer in some cases.

• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.

• As the print does not wrap completely around the product, there is a small gap between the start and end of the print.

• More expensive than other branding options.

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Direct to Film (View Example)

Direct-to-Film printing, also known as DTF printing, utilises a garment printer to create film transfers which can then be applied to a large variety of substrates, including those that are traditionally challenging do decorate, such a polyester.

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a heat-transfer based print process. The process begins by printing designs onto a transfer film, which

is then covered with a thermo-adhesive powder and transferred with a heat press to the final substrate.

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Full Colour Printing (CMYK)/Process Print (View Example)

This printing process uses only four ink colours - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.  This process can be used when there is half tones, or a photographic image.  The four ink colours are layered over one another, using different strengths to create the desired colours in the artwork.  Ink colours are printed in the order of their abbreviation.  To get the best CMYK printing results it is best to print on white-based products.  With this printing process, a Pantone colour match is not 100% guaranteed.

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Sublimation Printing (View Example)

Sublimation printing is the process that involves dye transfer system, where the logo is permanently embedded into the fabric.  This printing process is used on polyester or other synthetic fabrics.  Washing the fabric does not affect the images, as the fabric is prenatally dyed.  This method is most commonly used on apparel.  Pantone colours cannot always be achieved and, in some cases, it is impossible with this type of method.

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Laser Engraving (View Example)

This method involves a logo/design being etched onto a product using a laser.  This method is most commonly used on metal products.  Unlike any of the other decoration methods, this method is permanent and cannot be removed.  The laser cuts away the surface material, leaving the material under the product exposed.  With this decoration method, small and fine detail can be achieved. 

The colour of the logo/design will be the colour of the material underneath.  There are some cases that the colour of the material underneath will be different to the colour on the surface.  For example if you have ordered a black pen the logo/design will engrave to silver/white - this means that the material underneath is either a silver or white finish.   The decoration size on products for laser engraving is smaller than any other decoration method.  Like printing, this method has a set-up cost and a repeat set-up cost.

 

 

Embossing and Debossing (View Example)

This method is achieved by applying a high amount of pressure to a surface with a die-cut applicator, which creates a logo/design to be dimensional on the surface.  Embossing is when the logo/design rises above the surface. Debossing is the opposite - this means the logo/design is sunken into the surface.  Fine details or complex logos/design make it harder to achieve the required results.  The most commonly used method in the promotional industry is the debossing, due to that we are branding onto already-made products.  This decoration method has a set-up and repeat set-up fees.

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Supasub (View Example)

Supasub is perfect for when the detail in a logo can’t be reproduced with embroidery but you still want the look of embroidery.  Supasub is perfect for products like beanies and scarves.

Supasub gives fantastic detail, vibrancy and quality but the embroidered edge offers a real point of difference – essentially it’s the best of both worlds! 

What are the benefits of using Supasub?

- Detail (finest of text, perfect gradient)

- High Resolution

- Versatility – can be applied to bags, caps, beanies, scarves, apparel

- Lightweight feel compared to solid embroidery

- Choose what colour thread for matching or contrast

- Choose from satin stitch or cross stitch for a different look and feel

 

     

Supacolour (View Example)

Supacolour is the latest technology in digital reproduction of logos. It can reproduce logos perfectly without a need to compromise.

What are the benefits of using Supacolour?

- Unlimited colours and high vibrancy

- Ultra-high detail (finest of text, perfect colour gradients)

- Allows free floating text without any weeding required, hence the low cost

- Ultra-high resolution – photo reproduction achievable

- High stretchability and versatility in terms of fabrics and where it can be applied

- Robust! Can be applied across seams and on coarse fabrics.

- 100+ washes, will outlive the product and won’t peel, crack or fade.

- Using the highest quality, eco-friendly inks and no vinyl as well

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Supaetch (View Example)

Supaetch is a new on-trend decoration method at the moment. The laser-etched suede patch is laser-cut then over locked onto a range of products like, headwear, bags, blankets, beanies and scarves. The stylish finish is subtle yet effective, showcasing both the product and your brand in a professional manner with a high perceived value.

It is available in 11 different colour suedes and with the ability to select either a contrast stitch or a matching stitch, the colour is your choice. This provides you the ability to customise the finish to suit the product and logo perfectly.

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Direct To Garment (View Example)

Direct-to-garment, or DTG, is a printing method that sprays the ink onto the garment using inject technology. The inks then soak into the fibres of the garment. It’s similar to printing on paper, except on clothing.

DTG printers offer extensive colour options which means you can print detailed designs and photorealistic images with virtually no colour limitations. This can be important for those businesses that want to experiment with colour and design. 

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Foil Stamping/Printing (View Example)

Foil stamping is somewhat similar to letterpress and engraving, in that the colour is applied with pressure. Once the design is finalised, metal dies are created in the appropriate shape for each individual colour foil to be applied for a particular design. The dies are heated and then stamped with enough pressure to seal a thin layer of foil, and each colour is applied individually through multiple runs of the press to create the final design.

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Set-ups 

Most forms of decoration have a set-up fee and a repeat set-up fee.  This fee is to cover the cost of setting up the machine with all the required elements.  

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Pantone (PMS) Colours (View Pantone Colour Library)

Pantone® Colour is a universal colour chart.  Each colour has a specific Pantone number to represent the colour.  This number is used by decorators and it enables them to be able to print your logo in the colour that you require it to be.  This colour chart is used world-wide.

 

There are many Pantone colour books. In the promotional industry they use the solid colour-coated system codes which consists of approximately 1867 different colours.  New colours are added every year.  The uncoated colours are usually only used for paper printing.

 

With embroidery, Pantone colours are matched to an embroidery thread colour as close as possible.  There is no 100% match guaranteed as the thread colours are not all dyed to match a Pantone colour.

 

Pantone colours are also known as PMS colours (Pantone Matching System).

 

Sweet Memories Promotional Gifts strongly recommends that you do not match colours using your computer screen as every computer screen colour resolution is different from screen to screen.  The best way to select or check a Pantone colour is using a Pantone book.  

 

Sweet Memories Promotional Gifts works with the Pantone book solid coated. This allows a colour range of over 850 different colors. Anyone who has specified his corporate colour in HKS or CMYK can convert it into Pantone C. Sometimes the conversion result is not exactly the same, but similar shades can easily be found. With Pantone you can find a suitable solid tone for each grid. For example, Adobe Photoshop will find a matching color for solid-colour halftone HKS. This means you are on the safe side when printing in screen printing. Unlike in digital printing, only solid colors can be displayed in screen or pad printing.

 

It is to be noted that solid tone also means that no screen areas can be printed in 20% or 50% shade. Half tones must be printed from single Pantone colors. Everything is considered a separate color. Sometimes digital printing is necessary to cover different shades and colours.

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Click to view the latest official Pantone Colours here