The Branded Merchandise Co
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. Metallic embroidery colours have special pricing.
Artwork Requirements
Vector artwork is preferred.
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
5.5mm for Serif fonts
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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.
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Transfer print 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.
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 2mm.
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.
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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.
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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.
Imitation Etch
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Dye sublimation print is used for branding products that have a special coating on them, or fabrics suitable for the sublimation process. A transfer is produced by printing sublimation ink onto transfer paper and then heat pressing it onto the product.
Advantages
Sublimation ink is a dye so there is no ink build-up. The finished print is embedded in the product.
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on some products.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Limitations
Can only be used on suitable products with white surfaces.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including white, metallic, and neon/fluorescent colours.
Fine detail/text may experience minor colour bleed across adjacent design elements.
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.
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Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink directly from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full colour branding.
Advantages
Ideal for large or complex full colour 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 actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
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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.
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Rotary Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for cylindrical objects.
Advantages
Large print areas are possible on cylindrical products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing.
Metallic gold and silver colours are available.
Many products can print five colours (including white) with tight multi-colour registration.
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.
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Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch-like effect on glass products.
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.
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Commonly referred to as ‘Blind’ debossing, a heated custom metal plate is pressed firmly onto the product leaving an impression of the artwork. Thermo debossing is also available on certain products, using additional heat to create a unique and eye-catching two-tone finish.
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
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
Artwork Requirements
The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
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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.
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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.
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