Printing Methods

screen print

Screen-printing is a method in which the ink is pushed through a design-bearing screen onto the item being printed. This is a popular form of printing used mainly for items of different shapes and sizes such as; writing instruments, rulers, umbrellas and T Shirts.

litho print

This method of printing is usually used for paper products such as notepads, sticky notes, block pads and calendars. Litho printing is preferable to screen printing where there are tints/shades/gradients in the artwork as these come out much clearer with a litho print.

tampo print

Tampo print is also known by pad printing as it involves printing ink onto the product by use of a rubber “pad”. It is most often used on relatively small areas, usually on plastic items and when the area to be printed is difficult to get at or is contoured i.e. clips on pens.

engraving

Engraving is where a design is incised onto a hard, flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. Gold or silver can be engraved, as can glass, crystal and metal.

blocking

This print method uses mostly gold or silver foil to block the print onto the product using heat and pressure. An imprint called blind embossing can also be created, without foil. Blocking is usually used on leather products and creates an attractive effect.

die stamping

Die stamping engraves a metal product by pressing a metal die into the product in a similar way to blocking, creating and indentation which can be subsequently filled with colour. This way of printing is popular with stainless steel products like keyrings.

embroidery

Embroidery is decorative needlework in which designs and pictures are created by stitching strands of some material on to a layer of another material. This is usually most effective on clothing and is particularly suited to knitwear. Prices for products with embroidery included in the price are usually based on 5000 stitches per item.