Following numerous questions from our clients about the different types of markings available for personalizing their promotional items, we've compiled all the markings we use in creating custom products . We'll outline the advantages of each, their unique features, and, most importantly, which products they work best on. You can find the table of contents on the right to easily navigate these dozens of marking options.
The types of markings we carry out
There are several ways to add your logo to a promotional item. Discover the various marking techniques available to personalize your promotional products.
Screen printing marking
Screen printing is one of the most widespread marking methods in the promotional field. It involves applying ink to a surface to be personalized using a stencil . The stencil is shaped according to the desired design or logo, guaranteeing faithful reproduction.
This technique allows for precise and high-quality customization thanks to the use of inks prepared according to the Pantone color chart, offering an optimal match with the desired color. For each additional color, a new stencil is created, multiplying the creative possibilities on various promotional items, whether textiles, promotional products , or accessories.
Screen printing is an ancient marking method, invented in China in the 11th century. Exported to the US in the 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants, it was later popularized by artists like Andy Warhol, making this technique part of the history of art and design.
Today, screen printing is a preferred choice for personalizing promotional items in large quantities , due to its durability, quality, and cost control.
Screen printing is generally used for large quantities. Calibrating the stencil and the printing area are rather tedious and time-consuming processes that incur technical costs.
Personalized frisbee, promotional stress ball, customizable t-shirt, beanie, water bottle…
printing marking
Pad printing is a marking technique used primarily for promotional items and giveaways. It can be applied to almost any type of surface. The process involves transferring a design or logo directly onto a product using a silicone pad that applies an ultra-thin film of ink. This method allows for the personalization of objects of various shapes, whether flat, cylindrical, or angular.
Thanks to the flexibility of the silicone pad, it is possible to print complex designs on irregular surfaces, including materials that are difficult to mark. Furthermore, this technique allows for mass production at competitive costs, meeting large-scale marking needs.
Pad printing officially appeared in 17th-century England, initially used to decorate ceramic plates. It underwent a true revolution in the 1960s and 1970s with the introduction of silicone and rubber pads.
The marking is fast and accurate for any type of volume and surface.
The marking area is reduced compared to other marking methods for technical reasons (size of the stamp).
Personalized domino set, promotional water bottle, promotional notepad…
Laser Engraving Marking
Laser engraving is a marking technique that uses a concentrated beam of light to imprint designs, logos, or text onto various materials. This process relies on an optical lens that projects the laser light onto the object. At high density, the beam creates a slight indentation in the surface, resulting in a permanent and precise marking.
Thanks to the meticulous repetition of the laser beam's passes, laser engraving guarantees crisp , detailed personalization, ideal for promotional items. This marking method stands out for its ability to preserve even the finest details and to adapt to a wide range of materials such as metal, glass, or wood, offering a high-end finish.
Laser engraving, which emerged with the evolution of optical technologies, has established itself as a reliable method for personalizing objects. It is now an essential tool in the world of promotional items, allowing for a lasting and elegant imprint on their packaging.
The marking is indelible and adds real value to the promotional items and/or gifts. The marking is also very precise.
Laser marking is possible on certain types of materials due to its marking power, such as wood, aluminum, or metal.
Personalized aluminum keychains, promotional steel water bottles, advertising external battery packs for phones…
Embroidery Marking
Embroidery is a marking technique for textiles, ideal for personalizing clothing and accessories in a lasting way. Prized for its quality and durability, this process allows you to showcase a brand or company with elegance. There are several types of embroidery.
Among the various marking techniques, loop embroidery stands out for its soft, raised effect, perfect for highlighting logos or custom lettering. It is characterized by chain stitches and a wider thread, offering a distinctive and original personalization. 3D embroidery , on the other hand, provides a pronounced relief thanks to integrated foam, guaranteeing enhanced visibility and durability, particularly on promotional items like caps.
Embroidery, a technique dating back thousands of years, has evolved to meet modern needs for personalization and branding. From its artisanal use to embellish textiles, it has become a popular method for businesses to promote their image.
The result is of very high quality thanks to the volume and texture of the embroidery.
Embroidery requires significant implementation and human resources costs, which is why the cost per piece is higher than for flocking.
Personalized shirt, logo bag, promotional cap.
Sticker marking
Sticker branding is a versatile promotional tool, ideal for conveying an advertising message on any product with your brand added by the sticker . Thin and easily interchangeable, it allows you to refresh your communication according to seasons, trends, or new products. This branding method fits perfectly into a personalization strategy.
Stickers come in a multitude of formats and finishes to meet all needs. Available options include opaque, transparent, scented, repositionable, fluorescent, reflective, phosphorescent, metallic, custom-cut, heat-sealable, varnished, and micro-perforated stickers. This wide range of customization options makes it easy to create unique and personalized promotional items.
Since their introduction, stickers have evolved into essential tools for personalization and communication. From simple stickers to advanced doming technology – stickers covered with a layer of resin – these media have constantly adapted.
This communication method is very affordable and allows for extensive customization. Furthermore, the production time is very fast.
Depending on the item being personalized, the finish may appear less high-quality than marking directly on the product.
Advertising magnet, personalized car, promotional display case…
Digital Transfer Marking
Digital transfer printing is a personalization method that allows digital designs to be printed on various materials. This process relies on the use of specialized inks and dedicated printers. The design is initially printed onto an intermediate material, such as transfer paper or film, before being transferred to the final material using a heat press.
Digital transfer uses pigmented or sublimation inks, which ensure excellent visual quality and durability. After printing onto the intermediate substrate, this substrate is placed on the item to be personalized (for example, a cotton t-shirt). The heat press, applying a temperature of 145°C and uniform pressure, activates the inks and allows them to be integrated into the fibers or surface of the final substrate.
Digital transfer is a recent and already essential technique in the field of personalization. Due to its precision and its ability to reproduce complex designs in small or large runs, it has become a preferred choice for the diverse needs of the market.
Even more precise than direct digital printing, this method allows for high-definition printing and maintains excellent color fidelity, even with a wide range of shades and gradients. It offers four-color process printing with a resolution of up to 1440 DPI.
The marking may fade over time due to repeated washing.
Personalized plush toys, promotional t-shirts, customizable jackets, etc.
Sublimation printing
Sublimation printing is a personalization technique that uses a special printer and sublimation ink. This ink is applied to a specific transfer paper before being transferred to a substrate. Under the effect of heat, the ink vaporizes and bonds with the fibers or material, resulting in a durable finish.
Sublimation printing is particularly effective for personalizing promotional items, especially polyester textiles or pre-treated rigid objects. These items must be coated with a polyester varnish to ensure the adhesion and durability of the print. With this method, the printed images become an integral part of the material, providing a smooth and durable finish
Historically associated with textile printing, sublimation has evolved to become a staple in the promotional merchandise industry. Offering rich color customization and unlimited design possibilities, this technique has now established itself as a standard.
The result is very high quality for complex visuals, such as those with photos. Its cost remains low for four-color process printing because all colors are printed in a single pass, unlike pad printing or screen printing.
Generally, sublimation printing does not withstand scratches very well.
Promotional mug, personalized pencil case, promotional flag, personalized cushion…
Hydrographic Transfer Marking
Hydrographic transfer printing, also known as immersion printing, is a personalization technique used to enhance promotional items. This process involves immersing the item in a tank containing a printed film floating on the surface of the water. When the item comes into contact with this film, the design is transferred seamlessly, conforming to the shape and curves of the promotional product.
This versatile method is suitable for a wide variety of materials such as metal, glass, plastic, and hardwood. It allows for precise customization of objects without compromising their integrity. Hydrographic marking is popular for promotional items requiring complex designs and detailed patterns.
Hydrographic transfer printing, initially developed for industrial applications (automotive) in the 1980s, quickly became widespread for promotional items. Also known as hydrographic printing, water transfer printing, or hydro dipping.
The marking perfectly matches the shape of the advertising object; this is called 3D marking.
The marking process is generally manual, which results in a variable cost that tends to be high.
Personalized water bottle, advertising lightbox…
Reactive Transfer Marking
Reactive transfer printing is a technique that allows for direct dyeing of textile materials. Unlike traditional methods that add an external layer, this customization fuses with the fabric to offer a visually flawless and highly durable result.
Ideal for personalizing promotional items, reactive transfer printing is particularly well-suited to materials requiring excellent resistance to wear and repeated washing. This method ensures optimal visibility of the message or logo.
Reactive transfer printing, which emerged with technological advancements in the 2000s, quickly established itself as an essential alternative to traditional marking methods. Its integration into the promotional merchandise sector has revolutionized industry standards.
The result is completely customized with impeccable print quality.
This communication method requires significant production volumes.
Customizable towel, all textile materials can be customized…etc.
In-Mold Marking
In-mold printing is a personalization technique that allows for the direct integration of an image into a promotional item, such as a giveaway, during its manufacturing process. Unlike traditional surface printing methods, this technique embeds the image within the material itself.
This method relies on plastic injection molding, where the design is fused with the final product, offering perfect adhesion and exceptional wear resistance. Ideal for promotional items, in-mold printing guarantees customization that meets the needs of companies seeking impactful communication materials.
In-mould printing has its origins in the evolution of industrial techniques. Developed to meet the growing demand for unique and durable promotional items, it reflects a know-how where design and technology meet to enhance each personalized object.
The promotional image does not deteriorate over time.
In-mold manufacturing is only possible with plastic surfaces.
Promotional lunchboxes, personalized trays…
Temporary Marking
Temporary marking, highly valued by major brands, is a technique for temporary customization. It allows for the printing of a message or image on a surface intended to disappear over time, thus meeting targeted communication needs. This one-off customization is also an environmentally friendly alternative.
Temporary marking, born from a need for short-term communication, first became established in the events and advertising sectors. Gradually, it gained popularity with brands wishing to offer personalized promotional items.
The message is generally very impactful, because this way of communicating is relatively recent.
The ephemeral nature of this type of printing is both its greatest strength and its main drawback. It must be carefully adapted to the objectives of the advertising campaign.
Promotional tattoos, custom clean tags…
Lenticular Marking
Lenticular printing is a visual personalization technique that uses a print composed of a series of images. These images are modified and arranged under a special lens, creating visual effects such as image changes, movement, or 3D depth, depending on the object's orientation. This process adds a dynamic dimension to promotional items and marketing materials.
Thanks to its ability to transform a simple object into a unique visual experience, whether it's promotional gadgets, labels, or packaging, it elevates giveaways by offering a visual interaction that immediately captures attention.
Lenticular printing, which emerged in the 1940s, was initially developed for artistic and advertising applications. With the evolution of printing technologies, it has become popular for its ability to combine visual innovation, leaving a lasting impression.
This process adds life to the marking, giving it the illusion of movement. This process can be applied to all types of objects.
Lenticular marking requires making at least a hundred pieces depending on the object in order to cover design and technical costs.
Promotional magnet, lenticular cup, advertising keychain.
Digital Printing Marking
Digital printing is a modern technique that allows printing directly onto promotional items using precisely projected ink droplets. This method guarantees a crisp, vibrant result, perfectly suited for personalizing promotional gifts. Once applied, the ink dries quickly under UV light, ensuring optimal durability.
This technology offers high precision, even on complex surfaces, and allows for the reproduction of detailed visuals or high-definition logos. It is suitable for a wide range of promotional items, from pens and mugs to textiles.
Digital printing, born from the evolution of printing technologies, has established itself as a solution to meet the growing demand for personalized promotional items.
This technique is perfectly suited to multi-color logos on small production runs (less expensive than other forms of marking). This method is suitable for various types of materials: paper, plastic, etc. Flat or slightly curved surfaces are preferred.
The print texture appears less high-quality than other types of printing such as screen printing.
Personalized communication labels, advertising speakers, business notebooks…etc.
Embossed and Debossed Marking
Embossing is a personalization technique that uses a hot press to imprint a logo, design, or other communication element in relief or debossing onto leather or imitation leather surfaces. This process creates an elegant and timeless look, highly valued in the creation of premium promotional items.
This method can be enhanced by applying color to recessed or raised areas, adding a unique aesthetic touch to the customization. This option allows you to play with contrasts for an even more striking visual result.
Embossing and debossing are techniques used for centuries in the field of crafts, particularly for decorating bookbindings or precious objects. Today, they combine tradition and modernity for a prestigious and lasting marking solution.
Add dimension to your promotional items; the finished product looks high-quality, perfect for corporate gifts or employee appreciation. A unique 3D effect. Gold or silver plating is available.
Embossing isn't always available as it requires fairly specialized and expensive equipment. The marking tends to be quite discreet, which promotional merchandise specialists will greatly appreciate (it's non-intrusive).
Customizable keychains, promotional diaries, logo wallets.
Baking Mark
Firing is a personalization method that uses inks specifically designed to withstand the heat of a fire. This technique is particularly well-suited to materials such as glass, ceramic, and porcelain, allowing for precise and long-lasting results. It comes in two variations: low-temperature firing, which allows for multi-color personalization (up to 10 colors), and high-temperature firing, preferred for its durability, although limited to black and/or white printing. This technique is also known as firing.
In addition to the initial imprint, a touch of originality can be added by applying color to the indentation created by the baking process. This technique enhances personalization by adding depth and color to the design. These finishing touches make baking an ideal solution for enhancing promotional items over time.
Heat transfer printing, rooted in traditional techniques, has evolved thanks to technological advancements. Today, it is commonly used to personalize high-end promotional items. Its blend of tradition and modernity makes it an aesthetically pleasing and enduring choice.
This type of marking allows for the creation of complex and detailed logos. The texture of the marking is very pleasant to the touch.
This marking is more expensive than other types of personalization because it requires more time and equipment. Furthermore, we are limited to heat-resistant materials suitable for baking
Printed mug, glass with logo, promotional plate.
Sandblasting Marking
Sandblasting, also known as sandblasting, involves projecting a high-pressure jet of sand onto a surface. This technique creates a subtle and elegant embossed effect. Ideal for materials such as glass, ceramic, or porcelain, it offers a precise and durable finish. Sandblasted marking is widely used to personalize objects and give them a high-end look.
Sandblasting is distinguished by its finesse and precision, offering an impeccable finish, even on complex shapes. This method is perfect for personalizing promotional items, whether logos, designs, or text. Unlike other techniques, sandblasting ensures deep, durable engraving while maintaining a pleasant and natural feel.
Sandblasting, or marking by sandblasting, has its origins in ancient methods of abrasion carving dating back to the 1870s. Modernized by advanced technologies, and used in the production of high-quality promotional items, it embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
This type of marking allows for a high level of detail. The tactile texture is highly appreciated, adding value to the promotional item.
This type of marking is only available on certain surfaces. It's a rather unusual marking that we offer only on specific products.
Personalized glass, promotional carafe, personalized mug, promotional tumbler.
Printing styles
This glitter-based personalization technique offers an eye-catching style for showcasing your logo.
A technique that makes your logo visible day and night thanks to the reflection of light, a personalization often applied to children's clothing for safety during their journey between school and home.
A printing technique that gives your logo a glossy, metallic effect. This embossing can be gold or silver on textiles.
This technique gives your logo a “commando” effect; the principle is to start with the color of your logo or your brand guidelines to give a camouflage effect around your logo or inside it.
Visibility day and night through screen printing or phosphorescent ink transfer which feeds on ambient light and then emits it in the dark, for a logo visible in the darkest places.
Whether using transfer printing or screen printing, make your logo's colors pop on textiles. Only 4 colors available: green, pink, yellow, orange.
Allows customization of curved surfaces all around the advertising object while remaining fairly economical in terms of cost.
How to choose the right marking?
Promotional merchandise represents a real asset for a company, association, or any other organization. This medium, a fully-fledged communication tool, offers numerous advantages:
- Useful and unobtrusive, it is very popular with consumers
- High visibility means it remains top of mind for customers for a long time
- Low cost per person
- Creating an emotional connection between a company and its clients
However, finding the right promotional item to represent your company and meet your objectives isn't always easy. Many factors come into play, starting with choosing the right branding. This will depend on:
- of the shape of the object
- of its material
- budget
- the urgency of the project
- the desired quantity
- of its lifespan
Choosing a promotional item that aligns with the values of your company or association begins first and foremost with defining precise objectives.
Marketing Création, specialists in promotional gifts and incentives for children, supports you throughout your project and provides you with all the advice and key questions to ask yourself to ensure the success of your communication campaign