- For one- or two-color logos in large quantities, screen printing (garment screen printing for apparel) gets cheaper as quantity rises.
- Photos and gradients are printed with plateless digital methods (UV printing, UV film, digital transfer).
- For a logo on metal or wood that cannot wear off, use laser engraving. Laser engraving is limited to one color.
- For products washed often, such as caps and uniforms, embroidery lasts long.
- If brand colors must match exactly, share the Pantone numbers and confirm with a physical mockup or sample.
How do I choose a print method for merch?
A print method for merch is chosen by three factors: the product material, the number of colors in the logo and the order quantity, and O-SEAN confirms which methods are available for each item at the quote stage.
Which method suits printing a one- or two-color logo in large quantities?
For printing a one- or two-color logo in large quantities, screen printing is the right method, and apparel uses garment screen printing on the same principle. The screen cost is paid once at the start, so the unit price falls as quantity rises.
How are designs with photos or gradients printed?
Designs with photos or gradients are printed with digital methods that reproduce full color without plates. Rigid products usually use UV printing or UV film, and apparel usually uses DTF or sublimation.
Which method suits a logo that cannot wear off on tumblers or metal products?
For a logo that cannot wear off on tumblers or metal products, laser engraving is the right method. Laser engraving marks the material itself, so there is no ink to peel, and on a coated tumbler the metal base under the coating shows through in the shape of the logo.
Laser engraving uses no ink, so the logo color is limited to the single color of the material.
Which method suits a long-lasting logo on caps or uniforms?
For a long-lasting logo on caps or uniforms, embroidery is the right method. Embroidery is stitched with thread, so the logo has a raised look and holds up to washing.
Small text and thin lines are hard to stitch, so prepare the logo in a bold, simple form.
What should I watch out for when printing on dark garments or clear products?
When printing on dark garments or clear products, first check whether a white base print is needed so colors do not sink into the background. Sublimation lets the base color show through, so sublimation does not suit dark fabric.
Which method suits small quantities or many design versions?
For small quantities or many design versions, plateless digital methods such as UV printing, UV film and DTF keep setup costs low.
Which method suits an exact match to a brand color (Pantone)?
For an exact match to a brand color (Pantone), screen printing with mixed ink or offset printing with spot-color plates works better. Digital methods approximate colors with CMYK, so some color difference can occur.
Which method suits cups or tumblers that go in the dishwasher?
For cups or tumblers that go in the dishwasher, consider laser engraving before surface-applied UV film. UV film can lose adhesion after repeated hot washing, while laser engraving marks the material and does not wash off.
How do print methods differ?
Print methods differ by use: screen printing and garment screen printing suit one-color logos in large runs, UV printing, UV film and digital transfer suit full color in small runs, laser engraving suits permanent logos on metal and wood, and embroidery suits caps and uniforms that are washed often. The comparison table sets out each method's color range, suitable materials, durability and cost by quantity.
| Method | Color | Suited materials | Durability | Cost by quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | 1 to a few spot colors, ink can be matched | Plastic, metal, fabric | Bold color tends to last | Better at high volume |
| Heat transfer | One color to full color (by transfer type) | Small tech goods, flat surfaces | Can wear with rubbing | Setup cost, then scales with quantity |
| UV printing | Full color, white base possible | Plastic, metal, acrylic, wood | Can come off under hard scratching | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| UV film | Full color, white base possible | Rigid curved items such as tumblers | Waterproof, weak to hot washing | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| Laser engraving | 1 material color | Metal, wood, leather | Does not wear off | Varies with area |
| Garment screen and rubber-ink printing | 1 to a few spot colors | Cotton apparel, eco bags | Good wash durability (varies by ink) | Better at high volume |
| Digital transfer (DTF, sublimation) | Full color | DTF on most fabrics, sublimation on light polyester | Sublimation soaks into the fiber, DTF bonds to the surface | Good for small runs, flat unit cost |
| Embroidery and patches | A few thread colors | Caps, jackets, heavy fabrics | Strong through washing | Varies with stitch count (size and density) |
| Offset and digital printing | CMYK full color, offset allows spot colors | Paper, PET | Depends on paper and coating | Offset for volume, digital for small runs |
The method characteristics are based on printing industry references such as Printful's DTF vs screen printing comparison and 4over4's digital vs offset printing comparison. Actual conditions vary by item and supplier, so O-SEAN confirms them per item at the quote stage.
Which methods are used on hard goods like tumblers and electronics?
Hard goods mainly use screen printing, heat transfer, UV printing, UV film and laser engraving, with digital methods for many colors and laser engraving for logos that must not wear off.
What is screen printing?
Screen printingScreen printing makes a screen for each color and pushes ink through it, and screen printing suits one- or two-color logos in large quantities.
- How it works
- Screen printing makes a logo-shaped stencil in a mesh screen, and a squeegee pushes ink through the screen onto the product surface. Screen printing makes one screen per color and prints the colors in order.
- Color
- Screen printing prints spot colors (mixed inks) one at a time, so one-color logos come out crisp, and the ink can be mixed to match a brand color. More colors mean more screens and more steps.
- Good for
- Screen printing is good for flat or gently curved plastic and metal products, everyday goods such as multi adapters and tumblers, and fabric (for apparel, see garment screen printing).
- Avoid when
- Avoid screen printing for designs with photos or gradients, many-color designs in small runs, and sharply curved or very small areas.
- Durability
- Screen printing lays a thick ink layer on the surface, so bold colors tend to last. Actual durability depends on the material and ink type.
- Watch out for
- Screen printing needs a screen for each color, so cost and steps rise with the number of colors. Very fine lines may not print, so keep line weights generous. Gradients must be converted to halftones or simplified to solid colors.
- Cost pattern
- Screen printing has a fixed setup cost for screens and ink mixing, so the unit price falls as quantity rises. Small runs or many-color designs cost more per piece.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use screen printing are the multi adapter and tumblers (offered alongside laser engraving and UV film).
What is heat transfer printing?
Heat transfer printingHeat transfer printing prints the design on transfer paper or film first and moves the design onto the product surface with heat and pressure, and heat transfer printing is used to apply multi-color logos to products.
- How it works
- Heat transfer printing outputs the design on transfer paper or film, places the transfer on the product and applies heat and pressure to move the design. Heat transfer printing is used for shapes or materials that are hard to print on directly.
- Color
- Heat transfer printing can produce anything from one color to full color, depending on how the transfer paper is printed.
- Good for
- Heat transfer printing is good for small tech goods such as power banks and toothbrush sterilizers, and for multi-color logos.
- Avoid when
- Avoid heat transfer printing on heat-sensitive materials and sharply curved surfaces (the transfer paper may not sit flat).
- Durability
- Heat transfer printing leaves the design attached to the surface, so long rubbing or scratching can wear the design. How much heat transfer printing wears depends on the transfer paper type and product material.
- Watch out for
- In heat transfer printing, the possible materials and effects depend on the transfer paper type (heat transfer, water transfer and others). The print area is limited to the size of the product's flat surface.
- Cost pattern
- Heat transfer printing needs transfer paper to be made, which adds a set setup cost, and after setup the cost scales with quantity. The exact pricing structure varies by item and supplier.
- O-SEAN items
- Items listed with transfer printing in O-SEAN product specs are the power bank, USB-C 2-in-1 fast power bank, MagSafe wireless fast-charging power bank and toothbrush sterilizer. The transfer method for each item is confirmed at the quote stage.
What is UV printing?
UV printingUV printing is a digital method that jets ink directly onto the product and cures the ink instantly with ultraviolet light, and UV printing can print full-color designs without plates.
- How it works
- In UV printing, a digital printer jets ink onto the product surface and immediately cures the ink with ultraviolet light. UV printing makes no plates, so many colors and fine images print in one pass.
- Color
- UV printing mixes CMYK inks for full color, and depending on the equipment, a white ink base lets colors show on dark surfaces and clear materials. Spot colors are approximated with CMYK.
- Good for
- UV printing is good for rigid materials such as plastic, metal, acrylic, glass and wood, logos with photos or gradients, and small runs on small areas such as pens.
- Avoid when
- Avoid UV printing on soft materials such as fabric and on sharply curved surfaces (depends on equipment).
- Durability
- UV printing leaves the ink as a layer on the surface, so hard scratching can remove the print. UV printing is less resistant to wear than methods that cut into the material, such as laser engraving.
- Watch out for
- The printable size in UV printing depends on the printer's print area and the product's height. Ink adhesion in UV printing depends on the surface finish, so a test print may be needed for each item.
- Cost pattern
- UV printing needs no plates, so setup costs are low and the unit price stays fairly flat across quantities. UV printing favors small runs and many-color designs.
- O-SEAN items
- The O-SEAN item that uses UV printing is the link pen.
What is UV film?
UV DTF transfer filmUV film is a sticker-style film printed with UV ink and applied to the product, and UV film is used for full-color logos on round products such as tumblers.
- How it works
- UV film is made by printing the design on film with UV ink and adding an adhesive layer, and the film is pressed onto the product surface without heat. Peeling off the top film after application leaves only the design.
- Color
- UV film can combine full color with a white base, so colors stay vivid even on dark or clear products.
- Good for
- UV film is good for rigid products with curved surfaces such as tumblers and cups, and for full-color logos that need a slightly raised texture.
- Avoid when
- Avoid UV film on fabric products and for uses with frequent dishwasher washing (repeated hot washing can weaken the adhesion).
- Durability
- UV film is waterproof, but long soaking in hot water or repeated dishwasher cycles can weaken the adhesion. For uses with frequent dishwasher washing, consider laser engraving as well.
- Watch out for
- UV film lasts longer when oil and dust are cleaned off the surface before application. UV film is hard to reposition once applied.
- Cost pattern
- UV film is a plateless digital method, so small runs are affordable and the unit price changes little with quantity.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use UV film are tumblers (offered alongside laser engraving and screen printing).
What is laser engraving?
Laser engravingLaser engraving marks a logo by burning or cutting the product surface with a laser, and because laser engraving uses no ink, the logo cannot wear off and shows in the material's own color on metal and wood.
- How it works
- In laser engraving, a laser beam burns or vaporizes the surface in the shape of the logo. On a coated tumbler, laser engraving removes the coating and reveals the metal base underneath.
- Color
- Laser engraving uses no ink, so the logo color is limited to the one color the material reveals. Laser engraving has only one color, so it is usually called one-color engraving.
- Good for
- Laser engraving is good for stainless tumblers, metal products, wooden products such as wood pens, leather, acrylic and some plastics.
- Avoid when
- Avoid laser engraving for logos that need several colors and for photos or gradients.
- Durability
- Laser engraving cuts into the material itself, so the mark is permanent and does not peel or wear off.
- Watch out for
- Laser engraving can blur very thin lines and small text, so bold fonts and vector files are recommended. The color tone of a laser engraving depends on the material and coating.
- Cost pattern
- Laser engraving needs no plates, so setup costs are low, and the cost follows the engraving time per piece. A larger engraving area takes more time.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use laser engraving are the 3-in-1 charging stand, fans (one-color laser engraving), tumblers and the wood pen.
What is full-color printing?
Full-color printingFull-color printing means printing with no limit on the number of colors, including photos and gradients, and the actual process for full-color printing varies by item between UV printing, heat transfer, digital printing and others.
- How it works
- Full-color printing mixes four CMYK inks to create a wide range of colors. Full-color printing is done with UV printing, heat transfer printing or digital printing, depending on the product material and shape.
- Color
- Full-color printing has no limit on the number of colors, but spot colors are approximated with CMYK. Print results can differ from the RGB colors seen on a monitor.
- Good for
- Full-color printing is good for designs with characters, illustrations or photos, and for goods where color matters, such as PP tumblers, acrylic coasters and slippers.
- Avoid when
- Avoid full-color printing when a brand spot color must match exactly (color differences can occur).
- Durability
- The durability of full-color printing depends on which process is used: UV printing, heat transfer printing or digital printing.
- Watch out for
- Full-color printing uses a different process for each item, so the printable area and file requirements also differ by item.
- Cost pattern
- Full-color printing is mostly done with digital processes, so adding colors makes little difference to cost.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use full-color printing are the PP reusable tumbler, LED acrylic coaster, fans and slippers.
What is one-color printing?
One-color printingOne-color printing means printing in a single color, and one-color printing lowers cost and steps when the logo is a single color.
- How it works
- One-color printing is printing in one color, and in Korean print terms the word "do" counts the colors used in printing. 1-do means one color and 2-do means two colors, and the term is mostly used for methods that make a screen per color, such as screen printing.
- Color
- One-color printing uses only one color, so the logo must be prepared in a one-color version. The ink can be mixed to match a brand color.
- Good for
- One-color printing is good for one-color logos, text logos, and products that suit a simple look, such as clear PVC eco bags and hard pouches.
- Avoid when
- Avoid one-color printing when a logo with several colors must keep all its colors.
- Durability
- The durability of one-color printing depends on the print process actually used, such as screen printing.
- Watch out for
- One-color printing requires converting a multi-color logo to a one-color version. One-color printing on clear materials may need a white base print so the color does not look see-through.
- Cost pattern
- One-color printing needs only one screen, so setup costs less than multi-color printing.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use one-color printing are the waterproof clear eco bag (PVC) and the hard pouch.
Which methods are used on apparel and fabric like tees and caps?
Apparel and fabric use garment screen printing, rubber-ink printing, digital transfer, embroidery, woven labels and patches, with the method chosen by the fabric and the number of logo colors. Options and estimated prices for apparel are on the light crew neck tee product page.
What is garment screen printing?
Garment screen printingGarment screen printing applies ink to fabric with the screen printing method, and garment screen printing is mainly used to print the same design in large quantities, such as team tees.
- How it works
- Garment screen printing makes a frame like a stencil, mixes the ink to color and applies the ink onto the fabric. After printing, heat treatment fixes the ink.
- Color
- Garment screen printing prints mixed spot-color inks one color at a time. Dark fabric needs a white base printed first for colors to come out vivid.
- Good for
- Garment screen printing is good for cotton tees, sweatshirts and hoodies, logos with one or a few colors, and large runs of the same design.
- Avoid when
- Avoid garment screen printing for photos or gradients and for small runs of many-color designs.
- Durability
- The wash durability of garment screen printing depends on the ink type and fabric, so for team wear that will be worn for a long time, share the care method as well (wash inside out at about 30℃, no machine drying).
- Watch out for
- Garment screen printing needs a screen for each color, and for O-SEAN apparel the decoration cost depends on the print size tier (small, medium, large).
- Cost pattern
- Garment screen printing has a fixed screen cost, so the unit price falls as quantity rises.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN apparel (light crew neck tee, sweatshirt, hoodie) offers front and back print sizes in three tiers, small 2 to 10 cm, medium 10 to 20 cm and large 20 to 28 cm, and the actual print method is confirmed after mockup approval based on the design and fabric.
What is rubber-ink printing?
Rubber-ink screen printingRubber-ink printing is screen printing with rubber-based ink, and rubber-ink printing forms a smooth, slightly thick layer on the fabric so colors look sharp.
- How it works
- Rubber-ink printing makes screens and prints the same way as screen printing, but uses a rubber-type ink that forms a film on top of the fabric instead of ink that soaks into the fabric.
- Color
- Rubber-ink printing uses opaque ink, so colors show well even on dark fabric. Rubber-ink printing needs a screen for each color, the same as screen printing.
- Good for
- Rubber-ink printing is good for canvas and cotton eco bags and for light-colored logos on dark fabric.
- Avoid when
- Avoid rubber-ink printing for photos or gradients and when the fabric's soft feel must stay unchanged.
- Durability
- Rubber-ink printing forms a film on the fabric surface, so colors stay vivid, but hard folding or long use can crack the print. How much rubber-ink printing cracks depends on the ink formula and fabric.
- Watch out for
- Rubber-ink printing can make the fabric stiff when the print area is large. Rubber-ink printing needs as many screens as there are colors.
- Cost pattern
- Rubber-ink printing has a fixed screen cost like screen printing, so the unit price falls as quantity rises.
- O-SEAN items
- The O-SEAN item that uses rubber-ink printing is the eco bag (two-color rubber-ink print).
What is digital transfer?
Digital transfer (DTF, sublimation)Digital transfer outputs the design digitally on film or transfer paper and moves the design onto fabric with heat, and digital transfer can apply full-color designs without plates.
- How it works
- Digital transfer outputs the design digitally and moves the design onto fabric with heat. DTF prints ink and a white base on a special film, melts an adhesive powder onto the film and bonds the film to the fabric with a heat press, while sublimation turns dye into gas with heat so the dye soaks into polyester fibers and produces color.
- Color
- Digital transfer produces full color with no limit on the number of colors. Sublimation ink lets the base color show through, so sublimation colors come out properly only on light fabric.
- Good for
- Among digital transfer methods, DTF is good for a wide range of fabrics such as cotton, polyester and nylon and for dark garments, sublimation is good for 100% polyester uniform jerseys and sportswear, and both methods suit photos, gradients and many-color designs.
- Avoid when
- Sublimation does not suit cotton fabric or dark fabric, and DTF should be avoided when the fabric's original feel must stay, because the printed area can have a noticeable film layer.
- Durability
- Sublimation soaks the dye into the fiber and leaves no print layer on the surface, so the printed area does not peel. DTF bonds an ink layer onto the fabric, so DTF holds up well to repeated washing, but the printed area feels different from the fabric.
- Watch out for
- The choice between DTF and sublimation in digital transfer depends on the fabric content (cotton, polyester and nylon share). Sublimation colors weaken as the polyester share drops.
- Cost pattern
- Digital transfer needs no plates, so digital transfer suits small runs and the unit price changes little with quantity.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use full-color digital transfer are the windbreaker (100% nylon) and uniform jersey (100% polyester).
What is embroidery?
EmbroideryEmbroidery stitches a logo directly with thread, and embroidery is widely used on caps and uniforms because the raised thread gives the logo depth.
- How it works
- Embroidery converts the logo into stitch data that an embroidery machine can read, and the machine sews thread into the fabric to form the logo.
- Color
- Embroidery shows color through thread, so the number of colors is limited and gradients must be turned into solid areas. Thread colors are chosen from the supplier's color chart.
- Good for
- Embroidery is good for ball caps, bucket hats, chest logos on polo shirts, jackets and uniforms, and bold, simple logos.
- Avoid when
- Avoid embroidery for very small text and thin lines, photos or gradients, and thin, stretchy fabric.
- Durability
- Embroidery sews thread into the fabric, so embroidery holds up well to washing and the logo tends to keep its shape even if the thread wears a little.
- Watch out for
- Embroidery makes small text hard to read, so make the lettering large enough. Embroidery costs more for larger, denser logos because the stitch count rises.
- Cost pattern
- Embroidery has an upfront cost for creating the stitch data (digitizing), and after that the unit price follows the stitch count (logo size and density).
- O-SEAN items
- Among O-SEAN products, the ball cap and bucket hat are made with logo embroidery, and embroidery (2 to 8 cm) is also an option on apparel product pages.
What is a woven label?
Woven labelA woven label is a label with a logo made by weaving fine thread on a loom, and a woven label shows small text and detailed logos in a flat, soft form.
- How it works
- A woven label is made by weaving thin thread tightly so the logo and text form within the fabric itself. The finished label is sewn onto the garment or bag.
- Color
- A woven label shows color through thread and uses finer thread than embroidery, so finer detail is possible.
- Good for
- Woven labels are good for garment neck labels, brand labels on bags and pouches, and logos that include small text.
- Avoid when
- Avoid woven labels when a raised, textured look is needed.
- Durability
- A woven label has the logo woven in thread, so the logo does not peel like a print, and the flat, soft surface works well on areas that touch the skin.
- Watch out for
- Woven labels have a limit on the number of thread colors.
- Cost pattern
- A woven label is made separately and then sewn on, so label production and attachment costs both apply. The cost difference between woven labels and embroidery depends on the design and quantity.
- O-SEAN items
- A woven label (5 cm) option is available on apparel product pages, and woven labels for other fabric products are set through consultation.
What is a patch?
PatchA patch makes the logo as a separate piece of fabric that is attached to the product, and a patch lets a logo go on products that are hard to embroider directly.
- How it works
- A patch is a logo piece made separately by embroidery or weaving and attached to the product by sewing or heat bonding. An embroidered patch is stitched with thread on a base fabric, and a woven patch is woven from thread.
- Color
- A patch shows color through thread. An embroidered patch is thick and raised, and a woven patch is flat and detailed.
- Good for
- Patches are good for caps, jackets and bags, raised logos (embroidered patch) and detailed logos (woven patch).
- Avoid when
- Avoid patches for photo-like images with many colors.
- Durability
- A sewn-on patch lasts a long time, while a heat-bonded patch may lift at the edges depending on washing conditions.
- Watch out for
- An embroidered patch has limits on small text, so a flat, detailed woven patch suits logos with a lot of text.
- Cost pattern
- A patch has separate costs for making the patch and attaching the patch. The price difference between embroidered and woven patches depends on design and quantity, so O-SEAN confirms the price with a quote for each design.
- O-SEAN items
- A patch (5 cm) option is available on apparel product pages, and patches for other products such as caps are set through consultation.
How are paper cards and print items printed?
Paper cards and print items are made with offset printing or digital color printing depending on quantity and color needs, and some methods, such as lenticular printing, use special sheets.
What are offset printing and digital color printing?
Offset and digital printingOffset printing makes a plate for each color and prints in large volumes, and digital color printing outputs the file directly without plates. Paper print items are usually made with digital printing for small quantities and with offset printing for large quantities or when spot colors must match exactly.
- How it works
- Offset printing makes a plate for each color and prints in large volumes, and digital color printing outputs the file directly without plates.
- Color
- Offset printing and digital color printing both produce CMYK full color. Pantone spot colors can be matched exactly in offset printing with a dedicated ink and plate, while digital printing approximates spot colors with CMYK.
- Good for
- Offset printing and digital color printing are good for table mats, cards, packaging boxes, and dessert picks and straw picks (single-sided color on PET).
- Avoid when
- Avoid digital printing when an exact Pantone spot color is needed, and avoid offset printing for small runs of a few hundred pieces or fewer.
- Durability
- The durability of paper print items depends more on the paper type and finishing such as coating than on the print method.
- Watch out for
- Digital printing is limited to the paper types the equipment supports, and thick paper printed digitally can crack along the fold when folded.
- Cost pattern
- Offset printing has high plate and setup costs, so the unit price drops sharply as quantity rises, while digital printing has low setup costs but a similar unit price at any quantity. Which method costs less depends on quantity and paper, so O-SEAN chooses the method at the quote stage after receiving the quantity.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN paper and PET print items include table mats (80 g woodfree paper), dessert picks and straw picks (white PET, single-sided color) and the single box package (New Eco Black 300 g, inside and outside gold foil), and the print method is chosen by quantity and color requirements.
What is lenticular printing?
Lenticular printingLenticular printing makes an image change or look 3D depending on the viewing angle, and lenticular printing is used to add visual interest to cards and merch.
- How it works
- Lenticular printing cuts two or more images into thin strips, prints the strips interlaced, and laminates a ridged lens sheet over the printed surface. Tilting the card changes which strips the lens shows, so a different image appears.
- Color
- Lenticular printing uses full-color images. How the design is prepared depends on the effect type (flip, animation, 3D).
- Good for
- Lenticular printing is good for lenticular cards, postcards, and designs that show a before-and-after change or motion.
- Avoid when
- Avoid lenticular printing for designs with a lot of small text.
- Durability
- In lenticular printing, the lens sheet covers the printed surface, so the print is not touched directly.
- Watch out for
- Lenticular printing requires aligning the lens direction with the image layout, so dedicated file preparation is needed.
- Cost pattern
- Lenticular printing needs a lens sheet and alignment work, so lenticular printing involves more preparation than standard printing.
- O-SEAN items
- O-SEAN items that use lenticular printing are the lenticular card and lenticular keyring.
What kinds of finishing are there?
Finishing is work that adds gloss, texture or shape after printing, and O-SEAN products use foil stamping, epoxy, coating, rounded corners, hole punching, overlock edging and nickel plating.
| Finishing | Description | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Foil stamping | Foil stamping presses a metallic film onto the surface with a heated metal die so logos or text shine. The die shape becomes the foil shape, so foil stamping needs a vector file. | Single box package |
| Epoxy coating | Epoxy coating places clear resin over the printed surface to form a raised, glossy surface. Epoxy coating suits flat or slightly curved surfaces, and small text too close to the edge may be hard to read. | Golf ball set |
| Gloss and matte coating | Gloss and matte coating adds shine or a calm matte texture to the printed surface and protects the print. Gloss and matte coating is mainly applied to stickers. | Holographic sticker, removable die-cut sticker, lenticular card |
| Rounded corners | Rounded corners finishing cuts the four corners of a printed piece round. Rounded corners wear less and feel softer in the hand, and rounded corners can be combined with foil or coating. | Lenticular card |
| Hole punching | Hole punching makes a hole in the product so a ring or strap can be attached. | Dessert picks, straw picks |
| Overlock edging | Overlock edging wraps the fabric edge with stitched thread so the fabric does not fray. Overlock edging is used to finish mouse pad edges. | Full-color overlock natural rubber mouse pad |
| Nickel plating | Nickel plating coats the surface of metal products with a nickel layer to add shine and reduce corrosion. Nickel plating is applied to items such as pin badges. | Pin badge |
How should I prepare print-ready design files?
To prepare print-ready design files, provide logos as vector files and photos at 300 dpi or more at actual print size, and give brand colors as Pantone numbers to reduce color differences in the result. How to send files and the schedule are also covered in the production guide.
- 1Prepare the logo as a vector fileVector files such as AI, PDF and EPS keep clean edges when enlarged. Methods that make plates or paths, such as screen printing, laser engraving and foil stamping, need vector files.
- 2Convert text to outlinesConvert text to outlines before sending so the lettering does not change where the font is not installed. The copy may need edits, so keep the file from before conversion as well.
- 3Prepare images at 300 dpi or more at actual sizeWhen using photos or raster images, check that the images are 300 dpi or more at the actual printed size. Low-resolution images downloaded from the web print blurry.
- 4Specify colors as CMYK or Pantone numbersRGB colors on a monitor cannot be reproduced exactly with printing ink. Use CMYK for full-color printing and give Pantone numbers for brand colors that must match exactly to reduce color differences.
- 5Thicken fine lines and small textVery fine lines may not print, so keep line weights generous. Embroidery needs taller lettering because of the thread thickness.
- 6Plan a white base for dark backgrounds and clear materialsWhen printing on dark fabric or clear materials, white often needs to be printed first so colors do not sink into the background. Marking the white print area separately in the design file makes the work more accurate.
- 7Confirm with a physical mockupThe same file can give different results depending on the material and method. Before a large run, checking color and position with a mockup or sample is the safe choice.
These print file guidelines reflect common printing industry standards, and detailed conditions can vary by item and method. O-SEAN confirms the conditions for each item at the quote stage.
For how to specify brand colors, see Pantone's color system guide.
FAQ
Who decides the print method?
The print method is proposed by your O-SEAN consultant at the quote stage based on the product material, the number of logo colors and the quantity, and the consultant checks whether any method you prefer is possible. Each item has a set range of methods, and tumblers, for example, offer laser engraving, screen printing or UV film.
Does printing cost more when the logo has many colors?
With methods that make a screen per color, such as screen printing, more logo colors mean more screens and steps, so printing costs more. With plateless methods such as UV printing or digital transfer, the cost changes little as the number of colors rises.
What should I do if the print on my merch is peeling or cracked?
If the print on your merch is peeling or cracked, let O-SEAN know with photos within 5 business days of receipt (Terms, Article 11). O-SEAN reviews the report and arranges a remake, exchange or refund depending on the extent and cause of the defect.
How do I choose the print size on apparel?
The print size on apparel is chosen from three tiers, small 2 to 10 cm, medium 10 to 20 cm and large 20 to 28 cm, to fit the logo position and size. Decoration costs and estimated prices by size are on the light crew neck tee product page.
Choose a print method by material, colors and quantity
A merch print method is set by three factors: the product material, the number of logo colors and the order quantity. Screen printing suits one-color logos in large runs, UV printing and digital transfer suit full color in small runs, laser engraving suits logos that must not wear off, and embroidery suits apparel that is washed often.
Send your logo file and quantity, and your consultant will compare the suitable methods and decoration costs for each item in a quote.