Printing method

Pad printing for promotional products.

Pad printing transfers artwork from an etched plate to a product with a flexible silicone pad. It is an affordable, widely used choice for clear logos on compact, curved or uneven promotional products.

Get a quote Browse suitable products

Method guide

Advantages, limitations and artwork requirements.

A strong choice for simple, repeatable branding on smaller merchandise. Final capability depends on the product material, print area and number of colours.

Why choose it

Advantages

  • Suitable for curved and uneven surfaces
  • Produces clean detail on compatible products
  • Close PMS colour matching is possible on white and light surfaces
  • Metallic gold and silver inks may be available
  • A white underbase can improve prints on dark products
  • Selected products can support tightly registered multi-colour artwork

Before choosing

Limitations

  • Halftones may not reproduce consistently
  • Variable data such as individual names is not supported
  • PMS matches on dark products are approximate
  • Some inks require curing before dispatch
  • Each print colour requires a separate setup
  • Neon and fluorescent colours are not available

Production ready

Artwork requirements

  • Supply editable vector artwork where possible
  • Convert fonts to outlines or objects
  • Keep important detail at least 0.4mm and text at least 5pt
  • Greatrex will confirm colour count, print area and underbase requirements

How ordering works

Start with the product, then choose the decoration.

The right print method depends on the product material, shape, print area, logo detail, number of colours, quantity and deadline.

  • Choose the product or send Greatrex the product type you need.
  • Share your logo, quantity, required date and delivery location.
  • Greatrex checks the decoration method and prepares the quote path.
Quote details that help

Product, quantity, logo file, colours, branding position, deadline, delivery location and any special packaging or kitting needs.

Bulk order support

Need help with branding, quantities or deadlines?

Send the product, logo and deadline. Greatrex can help choose the right decoration method and quote the job correctly.

Get a quote
Is Pad printing suitable for every product?

No. The product material, shape and print area decide whether pad printing is suitable. Greatrex can check this before quoting.

What artwork file should I send?

A vector logo file is best where available. PDF, EPS, AI or SVG files usually give the cleanest result, but Greatrex can review what you have.

Can Greatrex help choose between print methods?

Yes. Send the product, quantity, logo and deadline, and Greatrex can recommend the branding method that best fits the product and budget.