From our decoration and product guides

What is pad printing and what does it look like?

Pad printing (tampography) transfers ink from a silicone pad onto the item, so the pad flexes into curves, angles and recessed areas that a flat application cannot follow. The result is a thin, nearly flush ink layer with well-defined edges. Each color prints as an opaque spot-ink solid that holds evenly on contoured or darker surfaces, and the cured ink resists everyday wear. More about Pad Printed →

When should I choose pad printing over screen printing?

When the artwork has fine lines, small text or tight detail that must stay sharp on a contoured or uneven surface, such as a pen barrel or a curved drinkware wall. The conforming pad holds crisp edges where flat methods cannot reach. Pad printing suits fine detail better than flooding large areas, so for broad solid fills, photographs or gradients look at screen printing or a full-color process instead. More about Pad Printed →

What is PMS color matching?

Pantone Matching System (PMS) color matching means the printer mixes ink to your exact Pantone number instead of substituting the nearest stock color, so the merchandise in the field matches the logo in your brand guide. It is the difference between branded merchandise that looks like your brand and merch that almost does. More about PMS color matching →