Promo Branding Methods
Not sure which branding method to choose? Here's a quick guide to each method offered on our promotional products. Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) is required for all branding – if you only have a JPG or PNG, we can redraw it for $80 + GST. Call us on 1300 238 653 if you'd like help choosing.
Screen Print
Ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen onto the product, one screen per colour. It gives bold, solid, long-lasting colour and is great value on larger runs.
Best for: simple logos in 1–3 solid colours on bags, drink bottles, notebooks, umbrellas and other flat or cylindrical items.
Things to know: each colour is a separate screen with its own setup charge. Gradients, photos and very fine detail don't reproduce well. Colours are matched to the Pantone (PMS) colours you give us.
Artwork: vector artwork with solid colours, fonts converted to outlines. Please tell us your Pantone (PMS) colours.
Pad Print
A soft silicone pad picks up ink from an etched plate and presses it onto the product. Because the pad flexes, it can print onto curved, uneven and small surfaces like pens, keyrings and drink bottles.
Best for: small logos on pens, tech accessories and other small or curved items.
Things to know: prints sharp, fine detail. Pantone (PMS) matches are closest on white or light products – on dark products colours are approximate (a white base underneath can help). Each colour has its own setup charge. Halftones, gradients, fluoro colours and individual names can't be printed.
Artwork: vector artwork with solid colours, fonts converted to outlines. Please tell us your Pantone (PMS) colours.
Puff Print
A screen print with special ink that rises as it cures, giving a raised, soft, 3D feel – a retail look for apparel.
Best for: bold logos, big lettering and simple graphics on clothing.
Things to know: one colour per artwork. Not suited to fine detail, thin lines or gradients – small text and tight gaps can close up as the ink rises. Exact colour matching can't be guaranteed.
Artwork: vector artwork with lines at least 3mm thick and gaps at least 4mm, fonts converted to outlines. Please tell us your Pantone (PMS) colour.
ColourFlex Transfer
Your logo is printed onto a flexible transfer and heat-pressed onto the product. It's full colour, so detailed and multi-colour logos cost the same as one colour.
Best for: full colour logos on caps, bags, apparel and umbrellas.
Things to know: sits slightly raised on the fabric with a smooth finish. Very fine lines and tiny text may not hold – keep detail reasonably bold.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Faux Embroidery
A heat-applied transfer with a textured, stitched look – the style of embroidery without the stitch limits, and in full colour.
Best for: caps, bags and apparel where you want an embroidered look with more colour or detail.
Things to know: keep lettering and lines reasonably bold so the texture reads clearly.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
DigiFlex Transfer
A digitally printed, full colour transfer heat-pressed onto the product. Great for photos, gradients and detailed multi-colour logos.
Best for: full colour artwork on bags, apparel and soft goods.
Things to know: printed in CMYK, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Embroidery
Your logo is stitched with thread straight into the product for a premium, hard-wearing finish.
Best for: caps, beanies, apparel, bags and towels.
Things to know: thread colours are matched as closely as possible to your logo. Very small text (under about 5mm high) and fine detail don't stitch well. Price is based on stitch count, usually up to 10,000 stitches.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Laser Engraving
A laser permanently marks your logo into the surface of the product – it won't rub or wash off.
Best for: metal drinkware, pens, bamboo, wood, leather-look and tech items.
Things to know: the colour comes from the material itself (e.g. silver on coated metal, darker tones on bamboo), so there's no ink colour to choose and it's one colour only. Great for fine detail.
Artwork: one colour vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Direct Digital
Full colour printing straight onto the product with a UV digital printer – no transfers or screens.
Best for: full colour logos on pens, notebooks, tech, hard plastics and flat surfaces.
Things to know: printed in CMYK, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match. Some products can also be personalised with individual names.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Rotary Digital Print
Full colour UV printing while the product rotates, so the print can wrap right around a drink bottle or cup.
Best for: wrap-around full colour designs on drinkware.
Things to know: CMYK print, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match. Please use the branding template for the print area.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Prism Digital Print
A full colour digital print with a white base layer, so colours stay bright on clear, coloured and dark products.
Best for: vibrant full colour logos on coloured or clear drinkware and hard goods.
Things to know: CMYK print, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Sublimation Print
Heat turns special inks into a gas that bonds into polyester fabric or coated surfaces, so the print becomes part of the product and won't crack or peel.
Best for: full colour, edge-to-edge designs on lanyards, flags, towels, mugs and polyester items.
Things to know: only works on white or light polyester and specially coated products. CMYK print, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Full Colour / Digital Print
A full colour (CMYK) digital print – the method for printed paper, card, labels, stickers and custom-made products.
Best for: detailed, colourful artwork, photos and designs that bleed off the edges.
Things to know: colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match. Please use the branding template for sizes and bleed.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Imitation Etch
A frosted print on glass that looks like an etched or sandblasted finish, at a lower cost.
Best for: glassware and clear drinkware.
Things to know: one frosted finish only, no colour choice. Keep fine lines reasonably bold.
Artwork: one colour vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Debossing
Your logo is pressed into the material with a heated metal plate, leaving a recessed, tone-on-tone impression with no ink.
Best for: notebook covers, compendiums, PU, leather-look and silicone products.
Things to know: no colour – the logo shows as a subtle impression. Very fine detail and small text may not press cleanly.
Artwork: one colour vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Embossing
Your logo is pressed up from behind so it stands out raised from the surface.
Best for: a premium, tactile look on paper, card and soft materials.
Things to know: no ink colour unless combined with a print. Keep detail bold.
Artwork: one colour vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Foil Printing / Hot Stamping
A heated plate presses metallic or coloured foil onto the product for a shiny, premium finish.
Best for: notebooks, compendiums, gift boxes and paper products.
Things to know: one foil colour per logo (e.g. gold or silver). Fine detail and very small text may not hold.
Artwork: one colour vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Resin Coated Finish
Your full colour print is topped with a clear, domed resin coating that's glossy, raised and hard-wearing.
Best for: keyrings, badges, stickers and labels.
Things to know: CMYK print, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Silicone Branding
Your logo is debossed, printed or moulded into silicone products like wristbands and phone accessories.
Best for: wristbands, silicone straps and accessories.
Things to know: keep lettering bold – very fine detail may not show clearly in silicone.
Artwork: vector artwork, fonts converted to outlines.
Digital Label
A full colour printed label applied to the product or its packaging.
Best for: confectionery, packaging and products where a printed label suits best.
Things to know: CMYK print, so colours are a close match rather than an exact Pantone match.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Offset Print
A traditional printing press method for paper and card – sharp, consistent and cost-effective on larger quantities.
Best for: sticky notes, printed paper and card products.
Things to know: colours can be matched to your Pantone (PMS) colours or printed in full colour, depending on the product.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template, fonts converted to outlines.
Knitted / Woven
Your design is knitted or woven into the product itself, such as socks and scarves – it can't fade, crack or peel.
Best for: custom socks, scarves and beanies.
Things to know: limited number of yarn colours (shown on each product). Fine detail is simplified to suit the knit.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template.
Moulded
Your design is made into the product itself in moulded rubber or PVC, in raised or recessed colours.
Best for: custom keyrings, badges and patches.
Things to know: limited number of colours (shown on each product). Each colour sits in its own raised area, so keep detail bold.
Artwork: vector artwork set up on the template.
Questions about branding? Contact us on 1300 238 653.
