PRINT GUIDE
Print techniques & file guide
The right print technique and file format directly affect the quality of the product. This guide will help you achieve the best results for your promotional products.
TECHNIQUES
Detailed comparison of 8 print techniques
Laser Engraving
Permanent, elegant engraving on metal and leather surfaces. Logo details are transferred clearly. No risk of fading, smearing, or peeling.
Single colour (natural colour of the material)
50 units
- + Permanent and durable
- + Elegant and professional appearance
- + Transfers fine details
- − Multi-colour printing not possible
- − Only on metal/leather surfaces
Pad Printing
Ink transfer via silicone pad. Applicable to curved and irregular surfaces. The most common promotional printing technique.
1–4 colours
100 units
- + Applied to curved surfaces
- + Economical
- + Fast production
- − May not be uniform on large print areas
- − Photographic printing not possible
Screen Printing (Silk Screen)
Also known as silk screen printing. A separate plate is prepared for each colour. Provides dense and vivid colour printing on large flat surfaces.
1–6 colours
100 units
- + Vivid and durable colours
- + Large print area
- + Economical at high quantities
- − Separate plate cost for each colour
- − Gradient/transition colours limited
Digital Printing
Ideal for multi-colour and photographic designs. No plate cost; economical even for small quantities. Unlimited colours in the CMYK colour gamut.
Unlimited (CMYK)
1 unit
- + Photographic quality printing
- + No plate cost
- + Economical for small quantities
- − Unit cost increases at high quantities
- − Adhesion limited on some materials
Embroidery
Thread-based stitching technique. Provides an extremely durable and prestigious appearance on textile products. Gives the logo a three-dimensional feel.
1–8 thread colours
50 units
- + Very durable, wash-resistant
- + Prestigious appearance
- + 3D effect
- − Fine details may be lost
- − High unit cost
- − Expensive on large print areas
UV Printing
Printing with special inks cured instantly by ultraviolet light. Applied to almost any surface including glass, wood, metal, and plastic.
Unlimited (CMYK + white)
50 units
- + Applied to many surfaces
- + Photographic quality
- + Printing on white background possible
- − Sensitive to mechanical abrasion
- − White underprint required on dark surfaces
Foil / Transfer Printing
Foil or transfer paper is applied to the product using heat and pressure. Metallic, hologram, and special-effect prints are made with this technique.
Single metallic colour or multi-colour transfer
100 units
- + Metallic and hologram effects
- + Elegant appearance
- + Suitable for large surfaces
- − Multi-colour applications are complex
- − Requires a flat surface
Sublimation
Special ink penetrates polyester or coated surfaces with heat. The colour becomes part of the surface and does not peel. Full-body printing is possible.
Unlimited (CMYK)
1 unit
- + Full-body printing
- + Colour does not peel or fade
- + Photographic quality
- − Only on white/light-coloured polyester surfaces
- − Does not work on cotton textile
FILE GUIDE
Prepare your logo file
Print quality is directly proportional to the quality of the file you send. Whilst vector formats deliver flawless results at any scale, low-resolution images create pixelation and blurring.
Prefer vector formats. AI, PDF, or SVG formats work independently of scale.
Specify Pantone code. Share your corporate Pantone code for colour consistency.
Embed fonts or convert to curves. An open font file may change during printing.
AI (Adobe Illustrator)
Best option. Vector, flawless at any scale.
PDF (Vector)
Ideal alternative if AI is unavailable. Fonts must be embedded.
SVG
Web-based vector format. Easily editable.
EPS
Old but common vector format. High compatibility.
PNG (300+ DPI)
Supports transparent background. Minimum 2000px width.
JPG (300+ DPI)
Acceptable but with quality loss. At least 2000px width.
JPG (72 DPI / web)
Insufficient for print. Pixelates when enlarged.
Word / PowerPoint
Not suitable for print. Vector export required.
COLOURS
Understanding colour systems
Pantone (PMS)
International standard colour matching system. Each colour has a unique code. Specifying the Pantone code in corporate identity work guarantees print consistency.
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black) — four-colour printing model. Used in digital printing and offset printing. Ideal for photographic images.
RGB
Screen colour model. Must be converted to CMYK before sending to print. Some bright RGB colours may not have an equivalent in print.
COMPATIBILITY
Material × technique compatibility table
| Material | Laser | Pad | UV | Screen | Embroidery | Digital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | ||||||
| Plastic | ||||||
| Textile | ||||||
| Glass / Ceramic | ||||||
| Leather / Faux Leather | ||||||
| Wood / Bamboo | ||||||
| Paper / Cardboard |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about printing
How large can the print area be?
It varies by technique and product. Pad printing is generally 5×5 cm, screen printing up to 30×40 cm, and digital printing can cover the entire product surface. The print area for each product is specified on the product page.
I don't have a Pantone colour — what should I do?
Send us your logo's digital file and our expert team will determine the closest Pantone match. A colour sample is shown before approval.
Can I receive a printed sample?
Yes. A printed sample is produced before a bulk order. The sample cost is deducted from the total price once the order is confirmed.
How long-lasting is the printing?
Laser engraving is permanently lasting. Pad and screen prints are resistant to washing and abrasion but may wear over time with industrial use. UV prints offer high durability.
I have a multi-colour logo — which technique is suitable?
If there are more than 4 colours, digital printing, UV printing, or sublimation is recommended. With these techniques, the number of colours does not affect the cost.
Can I make changes during the printing process?
Changes can be made before the plate is prepared and production begins. Once production has started, changes are not possible.
Which technique is right for you?
Our expert team can help you with product selection and print technique. Send us your logo and we will recommend the most suitable printing method.
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