What Prevents Ink from Rubbing Off an Item?

It's All in the Chemicals

However, many popular promotional products are made from materials like vinyl, plastics, or nylon, such as pens, tote bags, and cups, to name a few. The most common imprint methods for these materials are screen printing and pad printing, both of which take an ink and apply it to a product. Screen printing is ideal on flat surfaces, and it's the most common printing process used on plastic materials. Pad printing, in contrast, is used on irregular surfaces (like sunglasses or key chains). Both methods transform a plain promotional product into a branded beauty by creating a chemical reaction, which transforms the liquid ink to a solid film integrated into the product.

Printing Magic

Basically, printing operators aren't just pushing buttons ... they're also super science ninjas who understand the wizardry of chemical reactions. Armed with this knowledge, they can always match the right imprint method and ink to print a design on any product.

Most printing processes require a lengthy drying or curing time. Ultraviolet light is often used to dry the ink, like during the screen printing process. This method of drying ensures that the product absorbs the ink and allows for a permanent union between imprint and product. Once the imprint is applied and dried, it should be resistant to solvents, degreasers, alcohol, soap, water, and other chemicals.