5. Printing techniques
Zaprinta offers several printing techniques. For each order, our experienced team will study the best possible way to print it with your logo or text. This is because one printing technique may be suitable for some products and not for others. In total, we can offer you the following printing techniques: screen printing, pad printing, laser engraving, sublimation, doming, digital printing, embossing, transfer printing and embroidery. Below you will find more information on each technique.
Screen printing is a printing technique that has been used for many years to print advertising objects and for many other graphic applications. We use screen printing mainly for printing textile products and clothing. For screen printing we always use a frame on which a very thin screen is stretched with a light-sensitive layer. We place your logo on this frame during the exposure. This creates dark areas that can then be rinsed off. After rinsing, this part of the stencil allows the ink to pass through during the printing process. During the printing process, the ink is pressed through the stencil with a squeegee and adheres to the garment or product to be personalised. The result is a very clear print of your logo or company name. This technique is adapted according to the number of colours of your logo. For example, if your logo consists of three colours, three stencils must be prepared to print your complete logo on the chosen product. Each colour is therefore applied in a separate layer.
Pad printing consists of applying ink to the chosen product by means of a silicone pad. We also call this technique indirect printing. The beauty of this printing technique lies in the fact that the pads are flexible and adapt to the surface to be printed. Thus, uneven, hollow and curved surfaces can also be printed easily. We prepare the machines with a cliché and here, too, we print in colour. A three-colour logo therefore means three clichés, each filled with one colour of ink. In three layers, your logo is completely printed on the product. And thanks to the ink repellent property of the stamps, the ink will only adhere to the product you choose. This technique guarantees quality printing.
Laser engraving is increasingly used for printing promotional items and business gifts. This printing technique is very precise and allows logos and texts to be printed with great precision on the item of your choice. This technique also makes it possible to add an individual name to the products (one specific name per product). In addition, engraving gives your logo a luxurious look and a scratch-resistant final result. Ideal for surprising your best customers. Keep in mind that laser engraving allows printing in one colour at most. Printing in several colours is unfortunately not possible with this technique. The colour of your logo will be determined by the material to be printed and the underlay of the product. With the laser, the top layer of the product, in the shape of your logo, is removed so that the underlayer becomes visible. With wood, the effect produced is different from that of plastic or aluminium.
Sublimation is a printing technique consisting of two steps. First, your logo or design is digitally printed with a special "sublimation" ink. This print is then integrated into the product material itself using a heat press. This printing technique is only possible on specific sublimation-compatible materials. The heated surface will impregnate the ink as it cools, resulting in a very durable print. Your logo will be integrated into the material after this process, guaranteeing a very long life. So, for example, a cup printed by sublimation is dishwasher-safe.
Doming is a printing technique consisting of two steps. First we print a "doming" sticker, i.e. a dome-shaped vinyl sticker with a colour print. Then a layer of synthetic resin is applied on top. The end result is a spherical sticker that is scratch-resistant and gives your logo a luxurious look. The advantage of doming is that this printing technique is very flexible. All shapes and sizes can be produced. Moreover, thanks to this process, your logo is resistant to water, fading and UV rays. The result is therefore very durable.
Digital printing allows you to print your logo or company name in full colour directly on the chosen item. Even a colour gradient or a photo is no problem with this technique. Digital printing is a technique of the future and is extremely popular for printing business gifts and promotional items. With this technique, the colours are converted into a digital CMYK file. The digital control allows for fast printing in small quantities. Furthermore, with digital printing there is no limit to the number of colours allowed, this is the main advantage.
Embossing is a printing technique that does not use ink. Embossing gives your logo a luxurious look. This technique makes it possible to apply relief on the surface of the chosen product, which gives it a very chic result, ideal for surprising your best customers or for presenting yourself professionally. Embossing is often applied when printing notebooks or cases.
Transfer is a printing technique that allows us to produce very detailed prints in several colours. This technique consists of two steps. First, we print your logo, company name or any other design in mirror image on a special transfer paper. In the second step, this paper is placed on the selected item and pressed at high temperature using a hot press. The heat allows the ink to detach from the paper and attach itself to the promotional product. The result is an extremely sharp logo. With transfer printing, we create a durable print with endless possibilities to promote your brand.
Embroidery is a printing technique that most of us are familiar with. Using a needle and thread, your logo or company name is sewn onto an item. We opt for polyester threads so that the final result does not shrink and the colour remains unalterable. Textile products and clothing are very suitable for this printing technique. For example, embroidery is often used to place a logo on a polo shirt, towel, bag or cap. Embroidery is not only durable but also offers a luxurious feel. It is ideal for corporate clothing with which your employees promote your activities.
