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Branding

Branding technologies

Nine ways to apply your logo - from pad printing on pens to embroidery on clothing. Discover how each technique works, suitable materials, advantages and limitations.

Branding methods

Ink printing

Pad printing

Ink is transferred from an etched plate onto the item with a flexible silicone pad, reproducing small details on uneven surfaces.

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Suitable productsPens, lighters, USB drives, keyrings, plastic and metal items

Advantages: Precise small logos; economical for larger runs; suitable for curved surfaces

Limitations: One colour per pass; print area usually up to 50 × 50 mm; unsuitable for photos and gradients

Base material: Plastic, metal, small and curved items
Colours: 1-4, one per pass
Quantity from: 50-100 pcs
Durability: High

Stencil printing

Screen printing

Ink is pressed through a mesh stencil directly onto the fabric or item. Each colour needs a separate stencil.

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Suitable productsT-shirts, hoodies, cotton bags, carrier bags, cylindrical mugs and folders

Advantages: Vivid opaque colours on dark materials; durable; economical for larger runs

Limitations: Separate stencil for each colour, usually up to 4-6; unsuitable for photographic images

Base material: Cotton, textiles, bags, mugs
Colours: Up to 4-6 spot colours
Quantity from: 30-50 pcs
Durability: High

Film and heat press

Heat transfer

The image is printed on transfer film and applied to fabric using heat and pressure.

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Suitable productsSynthetic and sports clothing, umbrellas, backpacks and textile accessories

Advantages: Full-colour detailed images; suitable for small runs

Limitations: The film is noticeable to the touch; the fabric must withstand heat pressing

Base material: Synthetic and sports textiles
Colours: Full colour
Quantity from: From 1 pc
Durability: Medium

Hot stamp

Embossing

A heated metal stamp presses the logo into the material, either blind or with coloured, gold or silver foil.

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Suitable productsLeather, faux leather, diaries, folders, card holders, wallets and cardboard packaging

Advantages: Premium appearance and texture; resistant to wear and fading

Limitations: One foil colour per stamp; requires a flat area and an outline design without gradients

Base material: Leather, faux leather, cardboard
Colours: 1 foil colour
Quantity from: 20-50 pcs
Durability: Very high

Thread

Embroidery

The logo is digitised into an embroidery programme and stitched directly onto the item by an industrial machine.

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Suitable productsCaps, polo shirts, shirts, jackets, fleece, towels and textile bags

Advantages: Durable, textured and premium; withstands washing

Limitations: Small text and fine lines may be unclear; colours follow the thread palette; large areas cost more

Base material: Caps, polos, jackets, fleece
Colours: Up to 8-12 thread colours
Quantity from: 10-20 pcs
Durability: Very high

Kiln firing

Decal printing

A printed decal is transferred onto the item and fired at a high temperature so the ink becomes part of the glaze.

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Suitable productsPorcelain, ceramic and glass: mugs, plates, tableware and drinking glasses

Advantages: Full-colour printing; durable and dishwasher resistant

Limitations: Suitable for ceramics and glass; firing increases lead time; shape must be suitable

Base material: Porcelain, ceramic, glass
Colours: Full colour
Quantity from: 50 pcs
Durability: Very high

Polymer penetration

Sublimation

Heat turns the ink into a gas that penetrates a polymer coating or polyester fibres, becoming part of the material.

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Suitable productsWhite polyester, sports clothing, specially coated mugs and bottles, mats and puzzles

Advantages: Photographic quality; unlimited colours; no raised print layer

Limitations: Requires a light base and polyester or a special coating; unsuitable for cotton

Base material: White polyester, special coatings
Colours: Full colour
Quantity from: From 1 pc
Durability: High

Laser

Engraving

A laser removes or changes the top layer of the material, creating a contrasting logo without ink.

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Suitable productsMetal, wood, glass, leather and suitable plastics: travel mugs, power banks, knives, USB drives and tools

Advantages: Permanent marking; precise small details; suitable from one item

Limitations: Monochrome result; shade depends on the material; not all plastics are suitable

Base material: Metal, wood, glass, leather
Colours: Monochrome
Quantity from: From 1 pc
Durability: Very high

Digital printing

UV printing

UV ink is printed directly onto the item and instantly cured with ultraviolet light.

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Suitable productsRigid surfaces: plastic, wood, metal, glass, cases, power banks and chargers

Advantages: Full colour with a white underbase; suitable for dark items and small runs

Limitations: Requires a flat or gently curved surface; may peel on flexible items; unsuitable for fabrics

Base material: Rigid, flat surfaces
Colours: Full colour + white
Quantity from: From 1 pc
Durability: Medium

Compare technologies

Technology	Base material	Colours	Quantity from	Durability
Pad printing	Plastic, metal, small and curved items	1-4, one per pass	50-100 pcs	High
Screen printing	Cotton, textiles, bags, mugs	Up to 4-6 spot colours	30-50 pcs	High
Heat transfer	Synthetic and sports textiles	Full colour	From 1 pc	Medium
Embossing	Leather, faux leather, cardboard	1 foil colour	20-50 pcs	Very high
Embroidery	Caps, polos, jackets, fleece	Up to 8-12 thread colours	10-20 pcs	Very high
Decal printing	Porcelain, ceramic, glass	Full colour	50 pcs	Very high
Sublimation	White polyester, special coatings	Full colour	From 1 pc	High
Engraving	Metal, wood, glass, leather	Monochrome	From 1 pc	Very high
UV printing	Rigid, flat surfaces	Full colour + white	From 1 pc	Medium

These figures are indicative. The technique, quantity, colours and lead time depend on the product and artwork - please check with your manager.

The right technique for your merchandise and logo

Send us your artwork - we will show how it looks on the product and calculate the branding cost.

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