| In regards to promotional pens, the artwork is | | | | (note, some printing companies may not have the |
| naturally a most important element. Not only must | | | | appropriate set-up to do this). Similar to screen |
| the overall quality of the product be as high as | | | | printing but somewhat more versatile, pad printing |
| possible but so too should the accuracy of the print. | | | | can be used to print on smaller print areas and angled |
| However, it is important to understand that each | | | | faces. |
| printing method has its advantages and | | | | Whilst both printing methods enjoy the advantages |
| disadvantages. What follows is a short word on | | | | of colour printing on business gifts, there are, |
| some of the issues and main factors, specifically | | | | however, certain things one should be aware of. For |
| regarding artwork, anyone looking into personalised | | | | example, when printing onto any surface colour (that |
| pens, particularly for promotional means, should be | | | | is, the colour of the printing area) other than white, |
| aware of. | | | | the colours will overlay, causing a change (usually |
| As a starting note, it is usually best to stick to a | | | | dulling) in colour. Additionally, there is a slight issue |
| traditional, round barrel. This choice allows for easier, | | | | with the ink longevity. Though it is accepted that inks |
| slightly less expensive printing methods to be | | | | will wear down from prolonged use, metallic inks are |
| employed. As an aside to this, one should be mindful | | | | particularly susceptible to this problem largely due to |
| that fewer colours to be printed will in turn mean | | | | a lower resistance to sweat from the user's hands. |
| quicker print runs (fully automated runs can be | | | | To help protect the inks from this sort of damage, |
| completed within 24 hours). However, sacrificing | | | | there is the option of 'over-varnishing' though this can |
| image quality probably won't leave the best nor | | | | slightly spoil the aesthetics of the artwork. It is |
| lasting impressions on recipients. | | | | therefore important to carefully consider colour in |
| There are several types of transfer/print methods, all | | | | artwork for printed pens and that any decisions |
| of which are suited to particular needs. For metallic | | | | made regarding this are effectively communicated to |
| bodied pens, one option may be laser engraving. | | | | the printers. |
| Once engraved, it is difficult to remove and will thus | | | | To conclude, the artwork is a key factor for any |
| be there to see for as long as the product, which is | | | | personalised pens but most especially for promotional |
| a definite advantage for promotional pens. Screen | | | | products. A carefully thought-out and simple design |
| printing is perhaps a little more involved (particularly | | | | combined with smart use of colour (in the case of |
| when using manual or semi-automated machines), yet | | | | screen or pad printing) and appropriate choice of print |
| is a relatively simple and versatile method. It is also | | | | transfer method will help to ensure highly aesthetically |
| capable of multi-coloured, close registration prints | | | | effective as well as cost effective promotional pens. |