General information
Printing: Each product page shows details of how the product can be printed, for example, specific colour print (pad), screen and full colour printing. There may also be a link to a template to show where the product can be printed. Specific colour printing and screen printing are ideal if you only want to print in a few colours, for example, white, blue and black. The artwork needs to be prepared properly for this to work: JPEG and PNG files will not be suitable unless they are only one colour, and even then they will need to be traced which may incur a fee.
Pricing: The price per product may change depending on how many products you select. The Quantity Slider indicates, and the Description text may mention, “Price breaks” which are the quantities at which the product gets cheaper. Anything less than the smallest quantity will attract a Packing fee (normally around $18.00).
GST: The prices shown do not include GST. The GST amount will be shown in the Cart.
Setup fees: Printing costs on promotional products like pens and drinkware depend on how many colours and positions you print. For example, printing in white and blue (2 colours) on the front and back of the barrel of the pen (2 positions) will attract 4 setup fees and 4 printing costs. Full colour printing only attracts a full colour printing cost and one setup per position. The setup fees, if any, will be shown in the interactive cost calculator.
Artwork: If you have existing artwork you can email this to us when we send you payment details. Ideally, artwork should be in a vector format (everything is defined in terms of lines and curves) rather than a bitmap format like JPEG or PNG. Common vector file formats are PDF, EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator). JPEG and TIFF files are fine for full colour printing—assuming they have enough detail (resolution). We will advise you if we think the format you supply is unsuitable for the print, and can also advise on options and alternatives.
Pre-production samples: If requested, we can supply a pre-production sample. However, there will be a cost for this (normally around $60 plus the product cost plus GST).
Colour matching
We cannot guarantee that the colour you see on your computer screen will be the colour you get when you print. Our print processes are calibrated so we can get colour consistency, but what you see on your computer screen is as individual as you are.
CMYK: Printing normally uses 4 inks to create the other colours: (C)yan (M)agenta (Y)ellow and Blac(K). Any artwork you have in RGB (Red Green Blue) colour will be converted to CMYK before printing and there will be colour variation due to this.
PMS colours: Pantone Matching System. Pantone colours are used to specify the exact component mixing of inks and are useful when a logo has to be a certain colour(s), for example, “Kiwibank Green” or “Cadbury Purple”. Pantone colours can be approximated using CMYK but their accuracy will vary from colour to colour.
Product colours: The product colours illustrated are matched closely but will still vary from the actual product colour. Product colours can also vary from shipment to shipment and this is beyond our control. If unsure, ask to see a sample to verify the product and product colour is suitable for your requirements as we do not accept returns due to minor colour variations.
Printing methods
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.
- Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.
- Metallic gold and silver is available.
Limitations
- Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
- The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
- Unable to print variable data.
- Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.
- Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.
- Pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.
- A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
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 or cylindrical objects.
Advantages
- Large print areas are possible on both flat and cylindrical products.
- Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.
- Ideal for large solid areas of colour.
- Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing.
- Metallic gold and silver is available.
Limitations
- Halftones and very fine lines are not recommended.
- Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.
- Unable to print variable data.
- A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving produces a permanent natural finish using a laser to mark the product. Different materials produce different effects when engraved so 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.
- Gives a similar finish to etching on glassware at a much lower cost.
- Can mark curved or uneven products.
- Can produce variable data including individual names.
- The product can be shipped as soon as marking is finished.
Limitations
- The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
- Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Imitation Etch
Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch like effect on glass products.
Advantages
- Much lower cost than real etching.
- Can brand curved or uneven products.
- Produces a subtle, high perceived value finish that looks like etching.
Limitations
- Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
- The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
- Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.
- Requires a curing period before the product can be shipped.
- Unable to print variable data.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Resin Coated Finish
Resin coated finish is produced by printing the artwork onto a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is coated with a crystal clear resin which is allowed to dry. 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 spot colour branding.
- Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Branding can bleed off the resin coated area.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- The resin requires a one day curing period before the product can be shipped.
- Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.
- Larger print areas tend to be more expensive.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bleed of 3mm should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product (the image goes to the edge).
Colourflex Transfer
Colourflex transfers are used for branding fabrics and are printed on transfer paper using a digital printing machine then heat pressed onto the product.
Advantages
- Cost effective method for producing spot colour or full colour transfers.
- Crisp, clear artwork reproduction is possible even on textured fabrics.
- Has a matt finish and will not crack or fade under normal circumstances.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
- A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Sublimation Print
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 actually a dye so there is no ink build-up on the finished print and it looks like part of the product.
- Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- The branding can bleed off some products.
Limitations
- Can only be used for suitable products with white surfaces.
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
- When printing large images some minor imperfections may appear in the print or around the edges of it. These are unavoidable.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bleed of 3mm should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product (the image goes to the edge).
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.
Advantages
- Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Can be cut to special shapes.
- The branding can bleed off the edges of the product.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bleed of 3mm should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product (the image goes to the edge).
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 spot colour branding.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Can be cut to special shapes.
- The branding can bleed off the edges of the product.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bleed of 3mm should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product (the image goes to the edge).
Direct Digital
Direct to product 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 spot colour and full 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.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Instant drying so products can be shipped immediately.
- Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
- The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
- Larger print areas tend to be more expensive.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bleed of 3mm should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product (the image goes to the edge).
Debossing
Debossing is produced by pressing a hot engraved metal plate into the surface of a product with a lot of pressure. This produces a permanent image below the products surface.
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.
Limitations
- Fine detail is not possible.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
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 can’t match and the finished image has a slightly raised effect. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product.
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.
- It is best to avoid both fine detail and font sizes which are less than 4mm high in the artwork.
- Individual naming not available.
Artwork Requirements
- Vector artwork is preferred.
Colourflex Transfer
Colourflex transfers are a CMYK+W (white) digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.
Advantages
- Ideal for producing full colour images (including gradients) as well as approximate spot colour branding.
- High definition, complex, vibrant artwork suitable on a range of garment fabrics.
- Eco friendly water-based inks.
- Durable, flexible, and 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 colours.
- A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.
- Unable to print variable data.
- Minimum detail is advised to be no finer than 1mm.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Bitmaps supplied ideally 300dpi resolution at the actual print size.
- Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Foil Printing
Foil Printing is a printing method that applies a metallic foil onto a flat surface using heat and pressure. However, this method utilises modern digital foiling, which is more cost-effective and eliminates the need for plates or stamps, allowing for direct printing from a digital file to the product.
The printing will inherit the texture of the substrate, so textured notebooks will cause the foil to reflect that texture. The foil finish will vary slightly when applied to soft-touch PU compared to Standard PU due to the different substrates. The available foil colour options include Gold, Silver, and Copper.
Advantages
- Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
- The product can be shipped as soon as printing is finished.
- Offers variable data such as individual naming.
- The foil is flexible which means it is suitable for softcover notebooks.
Limitations
- Detailed artwork can get lost on textured substrates.
- Min line thickness 0.4mm for smooth substrates.
- Min line thickness 1mm for textured substrates.
Artwork Requirements
- The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
- Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
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 are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.