Branding Guide

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a technique that involves pressing ink through a mesh screen to produce a printed design. However, unlike pad printing, screen printing is limited to solid colours and cannot achieve gradient effects.

In what instances is this method employed?
Most commonly used for larger items like bags, t-shirts and hoodies, utilising a custom-made screen to apply (or literally “squeeze”) ink onto the surface.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a comprehensive printing technique that covers the entire surface with the design. The ink is heated until it actually transforms into a gas and integrates into the fabric.

For instance, when sublimation printing is applied to shirts, initially the design is printed onto a specialised sheet of paper, which is then transferred onto another material, often polyester or a polyester blend.

In what instances is this method employed?
Primarily utilised for smaller items that require full-colour edge-to-edge designs. Commonly used on items such as lanyards, stubby coolers, caps, toys, sports jersey and polos. It’s worth noting that sublimation printing occurs over a white base material, resulting in a visible white base underneath the product.

Digital Transfers

Digital Transfer or SupaColour uses heat to affix intricate designs onto various products. It allows for detailed logos or artwork, encompassing gradients and delicate lines. It is also capable of reproducing high-resolution images and graphics.

In what instances is this method employed?
Particularly suitable for achieving long-lasting results on apparel items, especially t-shirts and bags. It can serve as a cost-effective alternative to screen printing when multiple colours are involved.

Key considerations:
Products adorned with digital transfers or SupaColour can withstand regular washing machine cycles without compromising the design’s integrity.

Embroidery

The conventional decoration technique of thread sewing provides a resilient outcome, characterised by a lasting, textured and high-quality finish.

In what instances is this method employed?
Mainly utilised for embellishing uniforms, particularly well-suited for jackets, vests, caps, beanies, scarves, towels and blankets.

Key considerations:
Products adorned with this method can endure regular washing machine cycles without compromising the decoration’s durability.

3D Embroidery

3D embroidery involves the stitching of thread onto a foam surface, resulting in an elevated pattern. This technique is frequently employed to “embellish” clothing items such as hats and knit caps.

In what instances is this technique employed?
3D embroidery is effective when aiming to make your logo very prominent. It is particularly effective with logos featuring distinct text, shapes and vibrant hues.

Key considerations:
The intricacy of this method sometimes imposes limitations on the number of colour threads utilised in a design. Delicate lines and minuscule text reproduction may not be possible when employing this technique.

Rotary Printing

Rotary digital print is a printing technique that utilises full-colour capabilities, enabling the creation of highly vivid and intricate designs on cylindrical products such as drink bottles and mugs.

In what instances is this technique employed?
Frequently employed when branding drink bottles, especially when the logos feature gradient colours or need to be printed onto a spacious area.

Key considerations:
It is advisable to hand-wash items decorated with rotary digital print for optimal longevity and preservation of the design.

Embossing

Embossing entails the utilisation of a metal press to produce an elevated three-dimensional design on the product.

In what instances is this method employed?
Commonly employed on paper, card stock and even apparel items like beanies and caps. The metal stamp is applied from beneath the material.

To summarise:
Embossing = raised design Debossing = stamped design