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As a general rule the cost of decorating any item is based on the number of colours involved in the image, whether there is more than one position or image to be applied and the number of items to be decorated. The main exception to this rule is embroidery where it is the number of stitches that determines the price not the number of colours involved. Pad Printing, Screen Printing, Plastisol Transfers, Decals, Off Set Printing and Embroidery all have multiple colour options.
Initial set up fees apply with virtually every form of decoration. 99.8% of these fees are quoted separately to the decoration costs as they generally apply only to the first decoration run. Some decorators will also charge a reduced set up fee for repeat decoration runs.
Set up fees are charged to cover the cost of putting an image onto positive or negative film, making a printing plate for each colour and setting up a jig to ensure each item is decorated in exactly the same position. This can be a lengthy process which is why it is usual to have up front fees on the first run rather than amortise these fees into the decoration costs and pay them again and again on repeat runs.
Set up fees will vary from decorator to decorator depending on what is involved in setting up a job for the form of decoration chosen.
Embroidery is a method of stitching a logo onto clothing, hats, bags, towels and many other items. Multiple colours are available and it is the only multiple coloured process that does not have a separate charge or separate set up fee for each colour. The logo being reproduced is digitised by using a specialised embroidery digitising software. The cost of embroidery is based on the number of stitches in the design and the number of items being embroidered.
Screen printing is a process where an art screen in placed over an item, i.e T-Shirt and ink is then applied over the screen. Each colour requires an individual screen.
Pad printing is a process of using a silicone pad to lift up an image from a printing plate after it has been inked and transferring the image to another surface. Each colour requires an individual plate. There are restrictions on how large an image can be depending on the type of product. Items traditionally pad printed include pens, pencils, keyrings and a wide range small promotional and small gift items.
Decals are normally used to decorate porcelain, glass and ceramic items. These decals with one or more colours are produced, then applied to the item i.e. coffee mugs and placed in an oven for up to 6-8 hours at a temperature of 800 degrees. This almost melts the image onto the mug leaving a very permanent decoration
Laser engraving is used primarily on metal type objects. Stainless steel items and silver or gold metal objects are often laser engraved with an image as an alternative to pad or screen printing.
Sublimation is simply a process of transferring a photo or picture and applying it to a ceramic object i.e coffee mugs. Photos can also be sublimated on to other items like t-shirts etc.
This is a relatively new process of printing t-shirts and other small items. DTG meaning “Direct To Garment”. A full colour print can be printed dictly to your t-shirt from an image on the computer, with no set ups involved.
Our trained professionals will advise you on the best option for decoration based on the item you will be decorating