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Pad printing
Pad printing is one of the most commonly used technologies for branding promotional products. It is especially suitable when a precise logo print is needed on a smaller area, a curved shape or an item made of plastic, metal, wood, paper, glass or another suitable material. You can find a broader overview of other methods on the printing technologies page.
What is pad printing?
The principle is based on transferring ink from a prepared printing plate to the product using a flexible silicone pad. The pad adapts to the shape of the item and can transfer the design even onto a slightly curved or structured surface. This makes pad printing popular for pens, keyrings, USB drives, plastic accessories and smaller office items.
Precise detail
A suitable option for smaller logos, text and graphics where sharp contours matter.
Pantone colors
Spot colors make it easier to keep brand shades close to the specified PMS color.
Different shapes
The silicone pad adapts to the product shape better than a standard flat print.
Serial branding
The technology is efficient for repeated branding of larger quantities of the same item.
When pad printing is suitable
We most often recommend pad printing for products with a smaller branding area, where accurate logo shape and clear detail are important. Typical examples include writing instruments, USB drives, keyrings, plastic accessories and smaller promotional gifts.
- A good choice for promotional products made of plastic, metal, wood, paper, glass and selected coated materials.
- The design is printed in individual spot colors, often up to four colors depending on the product and print area.
- For photo-realistic designs, gradients or larger print areas, digital printing or another technology may be more suitable.
Advantages and limitations of pad printing
Advantages
- Very detailed and sharp print for smaller logos, symbols and text.
- Cost-effective and commonly used branding for standard promotional products.
- Suitable for a wide range of shapes and materials.
- Spot Pantone colors help keep brand shades accurate.
Limitations
- Only spot Pantone colors are possible, without gradients or photographic motifs.
- Smaller maximum print size than screen printing or some digital technologies.
- On metal or glass, the print may be more sensitive to wear.
- Fine lines should usually be at least 0.3 mm.
- Artwork must be prepared in vector format.
- Multi-color printing increases the cost because each color is printed separately.
Not sure whether pad printing is suitable?
Send us the product, logo, quantity and required deadline. We will check the suitable branding technology and recommend the best next step.