Columbus Notebook

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.

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.
• Can print variable data including individual names.
• 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.

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.

Advantages

• Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
• Can print variable data including individual names.
• 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.

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.
• Can print variable data including individual names.
• 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.

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.

Advantages

• Provides crisp, clear, high-definition artwork.
• Durable, flexible branding that can be hand washed.
• Perfect for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
• Ideal for producing full colour images as well as approximate spot colour branding.
• Has a matt finish and does not crack or fade with typical use of product.
• 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.
• Unable to print variable data.
• Minimum detail is advised to be no finer than 0.7mm.

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.

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.
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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

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.
• Can be cut to custom shapes.
• Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved.

Limitations

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

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.

• 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.

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.
• Can produce variable data such as individual names.
• The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.

Limitations

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

Artwork Requirements

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.

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.

• 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.