The world of promotional products branding can be very confusing to outsiders! There are over 25 different branding methods available across our entire product range and choosing the correct branding method can be baffling beyond belief. That’s where the team at Action Promote come in. We have and in-depth knowledge of all the branding methods and our job is to advise you which is the most suitable for your requirements.
The branding methods available will vary from product to product and logo to logo so contact our friendly team today to find out how we can help with your merchandise requirements.
To help explain the options available we’ve given a brief outline below of the 13 most common branding methods we use.
CO2 Engraving
A very similar branding method to laser engraving, CO2 engraving uses the same principle but a high-powered CO2 jet is used instead of a laser. Leaves a premium finished when compared to laser engraving – available on a limited range of products
Doming
Essentially a full colour printed sticker with a clear resin dome coating. Extremely durable and unlikely to scratch/scuff. Mainly used on flat products such as powerbanks, badges or sweet pots
Embossing/Debossing
This branding method gives your logo a 3-dimensionsal feel. Your design is created in a metal die and this is then applied to the product using significant pressure. Embossing is a long lasting branding method that is mainly used on leather products like notebooks and conference folders. Embossing involves pressing your logo into the material while debossing involves pushing your logo out of the product
Etching
A strong acid (or similar substance) is used to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal object. This creates a design that is actually ‘part’ of the product and will last for the lifetime of the item. Etching is effective on metal items such as pens and keyrings but isn’t used often these days, as engraving is more popular
Laser Engraving
A precision laser beam is used to literally ‘cut’ your design into the product. Engraving is mainly used on metal products such as pens, powerbanks and thermal mugs. This is the most durable branding method for metal products as your design becomes part of the product. Guaranteed to last the life time of the product
Screen Printing
one of the most popular printing methods for promotional products. Low cost, hard wearing and very durable. Mainly used on flat products such as notebooks, conference folders and clothing
Transfer Print
your design is printed onto a sticker which is then applied to the product using heat and pressure. Transfer printing is mainly used on clothing and has the advantage of being able to include full colour/photographic designs
Digital Printing
The best print method for short runs or personalised promotional products. Your design is printed on a full colour (CMYK in printers talk) machine and applied directly to the product. This is the best print method to use if you have a complicated/detailed logo or if your design contains pictures. Digital print can also be used to create stunning designs on umbrellas & glass awards
DTG Printing
an improvement on traditional transfer printing, DTG is mainly used for clothing and involves your design being printed to products using a full colour printer. One of the most durable garment printing methods available, DTG printing ‘soaks’ the inks into the garment so your design actually becomes part of the garment. Effective for small quantities and adding individual names to garments
Embroidery
Your design is literally ‘stitched’ into the garment using commercial sewing machines. Mainly used on clothing as it is the most durable and hard wearing branding option available for clothing. This is also the most popular method for adding individual names to garments as it is significantly cheaper than screen printing
Foil Blocking
this is a similar process to embossing but it includes a coloured foil (usually gold or silver) when embossing. This leaves a very attractive and premium finish and is mainly used on high quality products such as Moleskine notebooks. Your logo is applied using heat and pressure to achieve the desired effect
Pad Printing
One of the ‘traditional’ branding methods for promotional products, pad printing is still very popular due to its ability to print on 3D objects such as torches, golf balls and bags. Pad printing is a very cost-effective branding method and can usually only be used for printing 1-4 spot colours
If you’re still confused, click here to get in touch with our team and discuss some fresh and exciting merchandise ideas.