common methods

We use all the most current digital tools to create press or web ready files that  keep the production process running smoothly. We can create a well organized database of your collateral to keep efforts efficient. The main software used to create digital collateral are Adobe CC Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. We use Google Apps to manage projects and Dropbox to share files with your team once complete for easy collaboration and consistency on future projects.

Often also referred to as process printing, digital printing uses four colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. It is suitable for most full colour print jobs, in short to medium size runs. Digital printing has a fast turn around and less set up time is required compared to offset printing.

Offset printing uses plates and prints with specific ink colours in layers. This method has more colour consistency. Although offset printing requires more set up, it is ideal for larger volume projects which brings down the price per unit.

Also called tempography, pad printing can transfer 2D images onto 3D objects. This process requires an etched plate, also known as cliche, which holds the design after an ink cup slides over the plate. The soft silicone like material “pad” is then stamped onto the plate, then onto the item to transfer the image. Most hard goods, promotional items, use this popular decoration method for customizing.

Embroidery and weaving are stylish and quality ways to personalize garments and other suitable items. If an surface is not suitable, a patch may be recommended as an alternative. A patch is created when either of these techniques are used on fabric and trimmed to be adhered to other items. Specialty software is used to digitize images that create instructions to create your design using machines and thread. Factors such as amount of stitches, the quantity of items, and the location of the decoration are used to determine costs.

This traditional print process requires a screen created out of a wooden frame approximately the size of a t-shirt, with a piece of sheer fabric (silk or polyester) stretched over it. A thin plastic stencil with the design is then placed over the sheer fabric. A thick ink is wiped over the screen allowing it to flow through the open parts and onto the item underneath. Each colour requires a separate stencil and screen. Heat transfer (pictured) process are composed of of thermoplastic inks that bond to fabric when heated.

Engraving is one of the oldest and most important techniques in printmaking. It is traditionally the process of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface. Modern engraving uses a laser that vaporizes materials (most commonly metals, glass or wood) into fumes leaving behind marks in the required design. Etching instead melts the surface to change its roughness and can be used on a wider variety of materials.

Embossing and debossing allows you to leave an impression of your logo on a material’s surface with raised or recessed relief, often using metal dies and heat and/or colour or texture fill for added pop. Using this method combined with others can make your brand stand out.

Sublimation lets you decorate select items from seam to seam with full, vibrant colour. Heat is used to infuse the ink into the fabric – rather than just sitting on top – it’s less prone to fading. By fusing your artwork with the fabric, the end result is comfortable, breathable garments.

Custom three dimensional products can combine a number of materials to achieve the desired effect. Within the promotional industry, metal dies and molds are often used to create the customized designs using pressure or silicone. 3D printing is also available from CAD drawings on printers with polymers, metals and ceramics, making it a versatile option for the manufacturing industry.

Promotional products don’t always need to be decorated with a logo to help enforce your brand. We can fill high quantity orders, including items in specific colours to match your brand, which traditionally are not available at retail outlets. Contact us to check inventory availability.