Glossary of Print Terms and Decoration Methods in the Promotional Product Industry
A
- Artwork: Prepared material used to imprint on promotional products.
- Aqueous Coating: A clear, fast-drying water-based coating used to protect printed pieces.
B
- Bleed: Printing that extends beyond the edge of the sheet before trimming.
- Blind Embossing: A design or text embossed on a product without using ink or foil.
C
- CMYK: Short for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black), the four process colors used in full-color printing.
- Color Matching: The process of matching the colors of the logo or text to specific Pantone colors.
D
- Debossing: Pressing a design into the surface of an item to create a depressed effect.
- Digital Printing: Printing digital-based images directly onto a variety of media substrates.
E
- Embossing: Creating a raised image on promotional products, typically used on paper, leather, and some types of plastic.
- Engraving: Cutting an image into metal, glass, or wood with a laser or other tools.
F
- Foil Stamping: A printing process that uses heat, pressure, and metallic paper (foil) to create shiny designs and graphics on various materials.
- Four-Color Process: A printing method that combines four colors (CMYK) to create a full-color print.
G
- Glow in the Dark Printing: Specialty printing using a photo-luminescent ink that glows in the dark after exposure to light.
- Gravure Printing: A type of intaglio printing process that uses a rotating printing cylinder.
H
- Heat Transfer: A method where designs are transferred to a product using heat and pressure.
- Hot Stamping: A dry printing method where a heated die and foil are used to apply graphics to a surface.
I
- Imprint Area: The area on a promotional product that is designated for printing the logo or other artwork.
- Inkjet Printing: A type of digital printing that sprays tiny droplets of ink onto a substrate.
L
- Laser Engraving: Using lasers to etch or mark an image onto various materials, often used for metal and wood products.
- Letterpress: A technique of relief printing using a printing press, where text and images are inked and then stamped onto the surface.
M
- Matte Finish: A non-glossy finish applied to the printed product to enhance its appearance and reduce glare.
- Metallic Ink: Ink mixed with metal particles, typically gold or silver, to create a shiny effect on printed areas.
P
- Pad Printing: A printing method that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object. It involves an ink-filled etched image being transferred by a silicone pad onto the product.
- Pantone Matching System (PMS): A standardized color reproduction system used to ensure colors match without direct contact between different parties.
R
- Rotary Printing: Printing by means of a rotating cylinder, typically used for long runs of labels and wallpapers.
- Rubber Stamping: Using a rubber stamp coated with ink to imprint images or text on various surfaces.
S
- Screen Printing: Forcing ink through a screen with a stencil blocking off desired areas to create an image on the surface beneath.
- Sublimation: A process of printing to fabric (and other substances) whereby the inks sublimate into the fibers of the material.
T
- Thermal Printing: A digital printing process that produces a printed image by selectively heating coated thermochromic paper.
- Tone on Tone: This involves printing with one color in various shades, giving a subtle and sophisticated look.
U
- UV Coating: A surface treatment which involves curing a photo-reactive coating under ultraviolet light, creating a protective and glossy finish.
V
- Vinyl Graphics: A type of sticker or decal made from vinyl, typically used for outdoor applications and vehicle wraps.
W
- Watermarking: A method of imprinting an image or pattern into paper during its production that can only be seen when held up to the light.
- Woven Label: Labels that are woven on a loom and sewn into the seams of clothing or accessories as a form of branding.
Summary
This glossary includes the key print terms and decoration methods used within the promotional products industry. Understanding these terms is crucial for effectively discussing and specifying project requirements with suppliers, ensuring the desired outcomes for promotional campaigns.