We Explain All the Branding Methods for Promotional Products

All Our Branding Options Explained in Detail

Click on a branding method below for a detailed explanation

Colourflex Transfer

Colourflex® is a CMYK+W digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Debossing

Commonly referred to as ‘Blind’ debossing, a heated custom metal plate is pressed firmly onto the product leaving an impression of the artwork. Thermo debossing is also available on certain products, using additional heat to create a unique and eye-catching two-tone finish.

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.

Artwork Requirements

The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

DigiFlex

DigiFlex Transfer is a DTF or Direct to Film digital transfer process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.

Advantages

More economical for short runs.
Ideal for personalisation and variable data, including names and numbering.
Eco-friendly water-based inks.
Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable.
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.
Minimum detail advised at 1mm.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Digital Label

Digital adhesive labels are used to brand products that cannot be branded with any other method. They are printed with a digital printing press and applied to the product.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Digital Packaging Print

Digital Packaging Print offers a single-pass CMYK digital print onto paper bags and pre-cut flat-pack corrugated media.

Advantages

Ideal for producing full colour, complex images with gradients.
Variable data, including names, is available on select products.
Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Dries instantly, so products can be shipped immediately.

Limitations

Some colours, including closely matched PMS, RGB, metallic and neon colours, cannot be produced.
Cannot print on dark coloured substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork.
Edge-to-edge branding cannot be achieved.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts should be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Digital Print

This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges, and fridge magnets etc. This printing process uses CMYK values.

Advantages

Ideal for producing full colour, complex images with gradients.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Dries instantly so products can be shipped immediately.
Select products can be cut to custom shapes.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on certain products.

Limitations

Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
White print cannot be produced on kraft, clear, silver or gold stock.
Cannot print on dark coloured substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Direct Digital

Direct digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce both full colour and closely matched spot colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.

Advantages

Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Embroidery

Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel, and other textile products. It offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes cannot match. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product and has a slightly raised effect.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Vector artwork is preferred.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
We recommend avoiding fine detail – the minimum text heights for embroidered artworks are:
- 4.5mm for Sans Serif fonts
- 5.5mm for Serif fonts

Imitation Etch

Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch-like effect on glass products.

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.

Limitations

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Laser Engraving

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.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.

Limitations

Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Pad Print

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.

Limitations

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Prism Digital Print

Prism Digital Print is a UV-DTF (Direct to Film) decoration method designed for high-impact branding on hard surfaces. The process prints CMYK colours along with white ink and a clear varnish layer using UV-curable inks. These inks are printed onto a specialised film, instantly cured under UV light, laminated, and then transferred directly onto the product surface.

The result is a premium, sticker-style application that bonds securely to the item without the use of heat presses or adhesive powders. Once applied, the decoration delivers sharp detail, strong colour vibrancy, and excellent durability.

Advantages

Bright, full-colour results with a glossy finish
Highly durable print resistant to wear, scratching, and fading
Suitable for a wide range of rigid product surfaces
No screens, heat presses, or powders required
Well suited to personalisation, including names, numbering, and variable data
Self-weeding process improves efficiency and accuracy
Single setup fee regardless of the number of colours used
Products can be dispatched immediately after printing

Limitations

Not recommended for soft, flexible, or fabric items
Metallic, neon, and fluorescent colours cannot be accurately reproduced
Fine details should be no smaller than 0.8 mm
Designs that fade to full transparency are not suitable

Artwork Requirements

Artwork may be supplied in vector or high-resolution bitmap format
Bitmap files must be a minimum of 300 DPI at final print size
All fonts should be converted to outlines or objects to prevent font substitution issues

Puff Print

Puff Print is a specialty Screen Print process used for branding apparel. Puff Print uses a special ink which expands during curing to create a raised, textured, three-dimensional finish.

Puff Print is best suited to bold logos, large typography, and simple graphic elements where a tactile look is desired.

Advantages

Adds a retail-style finish to garments.
Produces a highly tactile and eye-catching result.
Can be combined with one colour Screen Print to add dimension to your design.
Durable and long-lasting branding process.

Limitations

Not suitable for fine detail, thin lines, or gradients.
Small text and tight spacing may close during Puff Print expansion.
Exact colour matching cannot be guaranteed.
Puff Print expansion can vary slightly across different garment types.
Puff Print is available in one colour per artwork.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Minimum line thickness is 3mm.
Minimum negative space/open gaps is 4mm.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Resin Coated Finish

This CMYK branding process is produced by printing artwork onto a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is then coated with a crystal-clear resin. Once dry, the finished decal is applied to the product and the adhesive forms a permanent bond.

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.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Rotary Digital Print

Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink and a varnish coating from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed gloss artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full colour branding.

Advantages

Ideal for large or complex full colour gloss 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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Rotary Screen Print

Rotary Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for cylindrical objects.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Screen Print

Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for branding flat objects.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Silicone Digital Print

This production method is a CMYK+W digital branding process designed specifically for silicone surfaces.

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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.

Sublimation Print

Dye sublimation print is used for branding products that have a special coating on them, or fabrics suitable for the sublimation process. A transfer is produced by printing sublimation ink onto transfer paper and then heat pressing it onto the product.

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.
Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
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.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.

Supacolour

Supacolour is a heat transfer printing process that combines the best of screen printing and digital printing. It uses high-quality, water-based inks to create clear, colourful designs that don’t fade or crack.

Advantages

Vibrant, Full-Colour Prints – Handles unlimited colours, gradients, and fine details with sharp clarity.
Long-Lasting & Durable – Resists cracking, peeling, and fading, even after multiple washes.
Smooth, Soft Finish – The print sits flat on the fabric, making it more comfortable than some traditional transfer methods.
Eco-Friendly – Uses water-based, non-toxic inks, reducing environmental impact.
Fast Production & Application – No complex screen setups mean quicker turnaround times, especially for multi-colour designs.
Works on Various Fabrics – Ideal for cotton, polyester, blends, and other materials commonly used in promotional products.
Great for Small & Large Runs – Suitable for bulk orders but also cost-effective for smaller batches.
High Detail Reproduction – Perfect for complex logos, photographic prints, and fine text that screen printing might struggle with.

Limitations

Not Ideal for Dark Fabrics Without a Base Layer – While vibrant, some colours may lose intensity on very dark materials.
Higher Cost for Large Runs vs. Screen Printing – For very high-quantity orders, traditional screen printing may be more cost-effective.
Limited Texture Options – Unlike embroidery or puff printing, Supacolour does not add raised or textured effects.
Requires Heat Press Application – Needs proper heat and pressure settings, which may limit DIY applications.
May Not Adhere Well to Some Surfaces – Works best on flat, smooth fabrics and may not be ideal for stretchy or textured materials.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.