You've probably ordered embroidered polos or screen printed t-shirts for your employees before, but it's time to try something different! Something BIGGER. We're very excited to talk about the next big thing: mixed media printing. If you really want people to stop and take a look at your logo, or get excited to own one of your promotional items, mixed media printing is for you!
You may be thinking, "Okay, that sounds great and all, but what is mixed media printing?" We're here to provide you with everything there is to know about this exciting new decoration method!
Mixed media printing means you have the opportunity to combine two different imprint methods in one location. For example, you could combine a laser decoration with a screen transfer of your logo. Or you could mix a laser decoration of your logo and have your website URL embroidered on top.
The bottom layer of your mixed media printed items will always be laser decorated, which is a light, controlled surface burn of your design onto your garment. You can add embroidery, screen transfer, or a full color imprint on top of your laser design in the same location!
Mixed media printing is a retail-focused imprint method. In other words, these items look more like something you would buy at the store rather than something you would pick up at a corporate trade show.
If you want a show-stopping piece (and we know you do!), mixed media printing is a good choice! An eye-catching mixed media design would be a great way to appeal to all of your customers such as the employees at your startup or the customers who frequent your trade show booth. There's no wrong way to use mixed media printing, and the benefits are endless!
Mixed media printing is a great option, but it comes at an additional cost. For screen transfers with fewer than 5 colors and embroidery with fewer than 25,000 stitches, the additional charge for a second decoration will be about $3.50 per item. If you use more than 5 colors or 25,000 stitches, the charge will range from $3.84 per item to upwards of $5.00 per item.
A mixed media imprint is a technique that combines two different promotional product decoration methods in one location. For example, you could have a simple splatter design laser engraved first before your logo is heat pressed onto a t-shirt or hoodie. Not only is this printing process simple, but it also doesn't come with a costly price tag, meaning your logo will look great at an affordable price!
First things first, after you've worked with your sales rep and all of your art proofs have been signed and approved, your artwork is sent to the factory to be decorated.
After you're ready to go with printing, the factory will calibrate their laser engraving machine to create a light surface burn over the imprint area.
Once the items receive their laser decoration, they are moved to the next machine for further decorating, whether that be a screen transfer or embroidery. We chose a screen transfer overlay, so our items were moved over to the heat transfer presses to be stamped with our logo. For screen transfer, your CMYK artwork is turned into a sticker-like print on a piece of paper. The piece of paper is placed on your garment imprint-side down, and then a hot transfer press puts the design onto your garment.
Finally, our items were sent over to the embroidery machines to have our URL embroidered on the back of our hoodies. (Again, this was for fun and was not part of our mixed media printing). For more about embroidery, check out this Promo University® page. Once our embroidery was completed, the items were detailed, packaged, and shipped!
We currently offer both apparel items and non-apparel items that can be printed with mixed media. Unfortunately, not all of our items are capable of being printed with mixed media, but we're sure you'll find something you love among the list of available items! Just as not all items are capable of being printed with mixed media, not all items that can be printed with mixed media have the same mixed media options. Let's take a look at the options available!
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As great as everything looks with mixed media printing, there are a few details to keep in mind when choosing this printing process. When deciding on the right customization method for your promotional products, it's important to consider the following:
Now that you know how mixed media is done from start to finish and you have all the insider secrets, are you ready to get your hands on some mixed media printed items of your own? It's an exciting and new printing method and our knowledgable staff will help guide your brand to mixed media success!
Quality Logo Products are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!
Kyrsten's vast knowledge of promotional giveaways and marketing has led to several hit articles. She has also published work for PPB Magazine, a publication from the Promotional Products Association International.