Printing Methods & Finishing Techniques

Laser engraving is often used for promotional items to create individual and durable markings or logos on various materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. A high-energy laser beam selectively removes material to create precise and detailed engravings. In the promotional items sector, laser engravings are popular on metal drinking cups, for example. In some cases, even 360° all-around laser engraving is now possible. Laser engraving is also a stylish way to add a promotional message or logo to wooden breakfast boards or knife handles. With laser engraving, individual name personalization is also possible, for example, on high-quality writing instruments.

Doming is a technique in which a transparent synthetic resin (epoxy resin) is applied to a surface to create a raised, glossy, dome-shaped 3D effect. This method is often used for stickers, labels, and badges to make them more visually appealing and durable. The resin hardens and forms a protective, three-dimensional layer over the design, which is usually printed in 4C printing. This finishing technique enhances the visual appeal of the promotional item. Doming is often used in umbrella handles, magnets, or lapel pins.

Embroidery is a craft or machine technique in which fabrics or other materials are decorated by sewing on threads. Various stitches and techniques are used to create patterns, images, or logo inscriptions that can be both decorative and functional. Embroidery is used in fashion and textiles and as a means of personalizing clothing and accessories. In the corporate fashion environment, we find embroidery on T-shirts, baseball caps, or shirts. But this high-quality refinement technique is also popular on terry cloth items like towels. To make a logo appear even more elegant, it can also be applied to the base textile with 3D embroidery, creating a beautiful, tactile effect. 

Transfer printing is a printing process in which a design or motif is transferred from a carrier film to another material, such as textiles, ceramics, metal, or plastic. This process is often used in the textile industry and in the production of promotional items. The term transfer printing is an umbrella term for various printing methods:

Sublimation printing: Here, the carrier material with the printed motif is placed on the item to be printed and heated. The ink sublimates, meaning it changes from a solid to a gaseous state and penetrates the material. This results in a durable and washable print. Sublimation printing is especially popular for promotional items made of polyester, such as T-shirts, aprons, towels, or pillowcases. But also cups and bags, specially coated, are very well suited for this printing method.

Thermal transfer printing: A design is printed with special inks on a carrier paper, placed on the object to be printed, and heated using a press. The ink is transferred to the desired item through heat and pressure.

Flock transfer printing: Flock printing is a printing process with a unique, velvety surface that feels soft and looks high-quality. Flock printing is often used for sportswear such as jerseys, but also for other promotional textiles or fashionable accessories, providing striking, high-quality accents. A clear advantage of flock printing is its durability. Even after many washes, the color remains intense.

Digital transfer printing: A combination of digital printing and transfer process, in which the print motif is digitally printed on special paper and then transferred to the final material through heat.

Embossing is the refinement of products through a relief that is transferred onto the material either by pressure or by heat and pressure. This can be done in various ways:

Hot foil stamping: Here, a special foil is applied to the material under pressure and heat. The foil can be metallic shiny, matte, or in various colors, creating a raised, shiny, or matte relief.

Blind embossing: In blind embossing, no color is used. The pressure creates a relief-like pattern or texture on the material, which is particularly effective on high-quality papers or cardboard.

Relief embossing: This technique is often used in the production of packaging. A three-dimensional pattern is embossed into the material to create a tactile effect and make the product more eye-catching.

In the advertising world, embossing is mainly used on paper or printed products such as notebooks or business cards. In the meantime, it is also possible to emboss textiles or bags. The products gain an elegant appearance through this visual and tactile enhancement. 

Etching is a process for refining surfaces, in which a pattern or design is etched onto the material through chemical action. This is often used on metals such as stainless steel or aluminum to permanently and precisely apply logos, inscriptions, or graphics. Etchings offer a high-quality and durable way to personalize and design products like knives, signs, or awards, giving them an elegant and professional appearance.

Sandblasting refers to a process in which fine sand or other abrasive materials are blown onto a surface under pressure to create a specific pattern, logo, or text. This is often done on glass, metal, or stone to create a permanent and precise engraving or inscription. In the promotional products field, sandblasting is often used on glassware or trophies to give them a personalized and high-quality look.

Digital printing is a modern printing technology where digital data is printed directly onto various materials without the need for printing plates. Unlike traditional offset printing, which requires a transfer via printing plates, digital printing allows for the direct transfer of digital files onto printing media such as paper, films, textiles, and much more.

This technology offers high flexibility and precision, as it enables the quick implementation of individual print jobs without the need for large print runs. Therefore, digital printing is particularly suitable for personalized print products, small to medium print runs, as well as for prints that need to be regularly updated. Digital printing is often used for promotional items, such as textiles, microfiber products, or packaging.

Pad printing is a printing process in which a flexible stamp or pad made of silicone transfers ink from an engraved plate onto uneven or curved surfaces. The print motif is first engraved onto a carrier plate, creating a depression. Ink is then applied to this depression. The pad picks up the ink and prints the motif onto the desired object. Pad printing allows for precise and detailed prints on various materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. This process is ideal for promotional items as it is cost-efficient and versatile. In promotional items, pad printing is often used on drinking cups, stress relief figures, or pens.

Screen printing is a printing process in which ink is pressed through a fine-mesh screen (screen printing screen) onto the material to be printed. Each color requires its own screen, allowing multicolored designs to be created in several passes. This process is particularly well-suited for textiles, plastic, glass, and metal. It offers high color brilliance and durability, but is less economical for small print runs. Screen printing is often used for T-shirts, bags, or for example on bottles.