Branding Solutions

Through our advanced, state-of-the-art decoration techniques, we ensure your logo and designs are reproduced with absolute precision, vibrant colour, and long-lasting quality across every material.

Whether you need subtle, high-end debossing on executive leather goods or full-colour digital prints on custom drinkware, our comprehensive suite of branding solutions brings your brand to life.

Not sure which branding method is right for your project?

Our team is here to guide you on artwork setup, material compatibility, and choosing the best print style for your budget and timeline. Reach out to Sweet Memories today to discuss your next custom merchandise campaign!

Colourflex Transfer

Colourflex® is a CMYK+W digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.

 Advantages

  • Ideal for producing full colour, complex images as well as
    approximate spot colour branding.
  • High definition, vibrant matt finish artwork that is suitable on a
    range of garment fabrics.
  • Eco-friendly water-based inks.
  • Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable with
    a soft-touch matt finish.
  • Efficient self-weeding technology.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print
    colours.
  • Can be shipped straight after being printed.

Limitations

  • Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and
    neon/fluorescent colours.
  • A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of
    the image.
  • Unable to print variable data.
  • Minimum detail advised at 1mm.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual
    print size.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font

Debossing

Commonly referred to as ‘Blind’ debossing, a heated custom metal plate is pressed firmly onto the product leaving an impression of the artwork.

Advantages

  • Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
  • The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent.
  • The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished.
  • Certain products can produce a two-tone finish.

Limitations

  • Can be very subtle and harder to see, especially on textured
    materials.
  • Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
  • Minimum line thickness: 0.4mm.

DigiFlex Transfer

DigiFlex Transfer is a DTF or Direct to Film digital transfer process, used for branding
apparel and fabrics.

Advantages

  • More economical for short runs.
  • Ideal for personalisation and variable data, including names and numbering.
  • Eco-friendly water-based inks.
  • Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable.
  • Efficient self-weeding technology.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
  • Can be shipped straight after being printed.

Limitations

  • Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
  • Minimum detail advised at 1mm.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Digital Label

Digital adhesive labels are used to brand products that cannot be branded with any
other method. They are printed with a digital printing press and applied to the product.

Advantages

  • Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
  • Can print variable data including individual names.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
  • Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved.
  • Can be cut to custom shapes.

Limitations

  • Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
  • White print cannot be produced on clear, silver or gold stock.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Digital Packaging Print

Digital Packaging Print offers a single-pass CMYK digital print onto a range of materials.

Advantages

  • Ideal for producing full colour, complex images with gradients.
  • Variable data, including names, is available on select products.
  • Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
  • Dries instantly, so products can be shipped immediately.
  • Digital Packaging Print uses dye so there is no ink build-up.

Limitations

  • Some colours, including closely matched PMS, RGB, metallic and neon colours, cannot be produced.
  • Cannot print on dark coloured substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork.
  • Edge-to-edge branding and large block colours cannot be achieved.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • Fonts should be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Digital Print

This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic
material used in the manufacture of labels, badges, and fridge magnets etc. This printing process uses CMYK values.

Advantages

  • Ideal for producing full colour, complex images with gradients.
  • Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
  • Dries instantly so products can be shipped immediately.
  • Select products can be cut to custom shapes.
  • Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on certain products.

Limitations

  • Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
  • White print cannot be produced on kraft, clear, silver or gold stock.
  • Cannot print on dark coloured substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Direct Digital

Direct digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce both full colour and closely matched spot colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.

Advantages

  • Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
  • Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
  • Dried instantly so products can be shipped immediately.
  • Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Limitations

  • Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
  • The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
  • Larger print areas can be more expensive.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Embroidery

Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel, and other textile products. It
offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes cannot match. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the
product and has a slightly raised effect.

 Advantages

  • Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours.

Limitations

  • Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible - the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match. See our thread colour chart for the colours available.
  • Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
  • Metallic embroidery colours have special pricing.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
  • We recommend avoiding fine detail - the minimum text heights for embroidered artworks are 4.5mm for Sans Serif fonts and 5.5mm for Serif fonts.

Faux Embroidery

Faux Embroidery is a Colourflex® Transfer with the supplied artwork digitised to
create a texture and depth that mimics traditional embroidery. Suitable for
branding bags, apparel and other textile products with unlimited colours.

 Advantages

  • Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable with a soft-touch matte finish.
  • Eco-friendly water-based inks.
  • Efficient self-weeding technology.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
  • Can be shipped straight after being printed.
  • Can be applied to a larger range of products and positions.
  • Results on smaller sized prints is far better than can be achieved with conventional embroidery.

Limitations

  • Pantone colour matching is not available. Artwork will be matched to the closest available thread colour with a 3D shading that will affect the colour outcome.
  • Not suitable for fine details in the artwork – bold larger art is recommended to create the most realistic Faux Embroidery.
  • As the size of the design decreases, both stitch clarity and detail resolution be reduced.
  • Metallic colours not available.

Artwork Requirements

  • Vector and or high-resolution JPEG, BITMAPS can be used. If the resolution is insufficient, the quality of the output may be affected.
  • Font Requirements:
  • Sans Serif: Min. height 4.5mm, 1.3mm thickness, and 1mm letter spacing.
  • Serif/Script: Min. height 5.5mm, 1.3mm thickness, and 1mm letter spacing.
  • Artwork outside of these guidelines may need adjustments to ensure legibility and optimal quality.

Foil Printing

Foil Printing is a printing method that applies a metallic foil onto a flat surface using heat and pressure. However, this method utilises modern digital foiling, which is more cost-effective and eliminates the need for plates or stamps, allowing for direct printing from a digital file to the product.

The printing will inherit the texture of the substrate, so textured notebooks will
cause the foil to reflect that texture. The foil finish will vary slightly when applied to soft-touch PU compared to Standard PU due to the different substrates. The available foil colour options include Gold, Silver, and Copper.

Advantages

  • Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
  • The product can be shipped as soon as printing is finished.
  • Offers variable data such as individual naming.
  • The foil is flexible which means it is suitable for softcover notebooks.

Limitations

  • Detailed artwork can get lost on textured substrates.
  • Min line thickness 0.4mm for smooth substrates.
  • Min line thickness 1mm for textured substrates.

Artwork Requirements

  • The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Hot Stamping

Hot Stamping is a printing method that creates an indented design on the product
surface using a heated custom metal plate. This plate is pressed firmly onto the product surface, leaving a permanent impression of the artwork. It's often used on materials like wood.

Advantages

  • Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
  • The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent.
  • The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished.
  • Certain products can produce a two-tone, contrasting finish.

Limitations

  • Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
  • Large block artwork can produce an inconsistent print result.
  • Minimum line thickness: 0.4mm.

Artwork Requirements

  • The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Imitation Etch

Imitation etch uses a special ink in to produce an etch-like effect on glass products via pad or screen print. 

Advantages

  • Much more affordable than real etching.
  • Can brand curved or uneven products.
  • Produces a subtle finish with a higher perceived value that looks like etching.

Limitations

  • Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
  • The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
  • Requires a curing period before the product can be shipped.
  • Unable to print variable data.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a permanent branding process that engraves artwork into the
surface of the product using a laser. Different materials produce different
engraving finishes, to avoid uncertainty pre-production samples are recommended.

 Advantages

  • Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
  • The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent.
  • Large branding areas available on curved products.
  • Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
  • The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.

Limitations

  • Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Pad Print

Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser
etched printing plate. It is one of the most popular and affordable ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved products and print multiple colours in a single pass.

 Advantages

  • Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products.
  • Prints sharp, clean images with detail as fine as 0.4mm, minimum text size is 5pt.
  • Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
  • Metallic gold and silver ink are available.
  • Can offer a white under base for the darker products that require it.
  • Many products can print up to 6 colours with tight multi-colour registration.

Limitations

  • Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
  • Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
  • Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print.
  • Some pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.
  • Each colour requires its own setup charge.
  • Neon/fluorescent colours are not available.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Prism Digital Print

Prism Digital Print is a UV-DTF (Direct to Film) process. It uses CMYK + White +
Varnish, and the inks used are UV inks that print directly onto film that is cured by a UV light, laminated and applied directly to the object like a sticker. This eliminates the need for heat presses or powders. It is then
applied to the surface of the product, creating a vibrant, durable and high-resolution logo on the product.

 Advantages

  • Produces vivid, full colour print with a gloss finish
  • Long-lasting and resistant to scratching and fading
  • Can be applied to most hard surfaces
  • No need for heat presses or screens
  • Ideal for personalisation and variable data, including names and numbering
  • Efficient self-weeding technology
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours
  • Can be shipped straight after printing

Limitations

  • Not suitable for soft or flexible products
  • Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours
  • Minimum detail advised at 0.8mm.
  • Not suitable for designs with gradients that fade out to a transparency

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Puff Print

Puff Print is a specialty Screen Print process used for branding apparel. Puff Print
uses a special ink which expands during curing to create a raised, textured,
three-dimensional finish.

Puff Print is best suited to bold logos, large typography, and simple graphic
elements where a tactile look is desired.

 Advantages

  • Adds a retail-style finish to garments.
  • Produces a highly tactile and eye-catching result.
  • Can be combined with one colour Screen Print to add dimension to your design.
  • Durable and long-lasting branding process.

Limitations

  • Not suitable for fine detail, thin lines, or gradients.
  • Small text and tight spacing may close during Puff Print expansion.
  • Exact colour matching cannot be guaranteed.
  • Puff Print expansion can vary slightly across different garment types.
  • Puff Print is available in one colour per artwork.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in vector format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • Minimum line thickness is 3mm.
  • Minimum negative space/open gaps is 4mm.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Resin Coated Finish

This CMYK branding process is produced by printing artwork onto a vinyl material
with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is then coated with a
crystal-clear resin. Once dry, the finished decal is applied to the product and
the adhesive forms a permanent bond.

Advantages

  • Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
  • Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product.
  • Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
  • Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on the resin coated area.
  • Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.

Limitations

  • Larger print areas can be more expensive.
  • White, metallic gold, silver and neon colours cannot be printed.
  • The resin needs to be cured for one day before shipping the product.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
  • A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

 

Rotary Digital Print

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.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
  • Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actualprint size.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Rotary Screen Print

Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee
onto the product and is ideal for branding flat objects.

Advantages

  • Large print areas are possible on flat products.
  • Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
  • Most screen print inks dry quickly and can be shipped immediately after printing.
  • Fluorescent, metallic gold and silver inks are available on select textile products.
  • Many products can print with tight multi-colour registration, with some products able to be printed using up to five colours.

Limitations

  • Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print.
  • Unable to print variable data.
  • Each colour requires its own setup charge.

 Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Screen Print

Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee
onto the product and is ideal for branding flat objects.

Advantages

  • Large print areas are possible on flat products.
  • Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
  • Most screen print inks dry quickly and can be shipped immediately after printing.
  • Fluorescent, metallic gold and silver inks are available on select textile products.
  • Many products can print with tight multi-colour registration, with some products able to be printed using up to five colours.

Limitations

  • Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print.
  • Unable to print variable data.
  • Each colour requires its own setup charge.

Artwork Requirements

  • Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
  • Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.