Pad printing on promotional products
Pad printing transfers ink from an engraved plate to the object using a flexible silicone pad. This pad conforms to shapes: it is the go-to technique for printing a sharp logo on small items and curved surfaces, such as pens or USB sticks.
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Ideal for
- Pens, pencils and writing accessories
- USB sticks, lighters, keyrings
- Small desk items and trade show giveaways
- Logos in one or a few colours
Less suitable for
- Photos and gradients (prefer digital printing)
- Very large flat areas (screen printing is more suitable)
Not sure about the technique? We advise you for free in the quote.
How it works in the workshop
The engraved plate
Your logo is engraved on a plate, one per colour.
Inking
Ink fills the engraving, the excess is scraped off.
The transfer
The silicone pad picks up the ink and deposits it onto the object.
The drying
The ink dries and the object is inspected.
The principle in a diagram
- Engraved plate The logo is engraved in relief on a plate, one plate per colour.
- Inking and scraping L'ink fills the engraving, l'excess is scraped off: only the shape of the logo remains inked.
- Silicone stamp The flexible stamp descends onto the plate and picks up the ink.
- Application onto the item It conforms to the shape of the item and deposits the logo, even on a curved surface.
- Curved or small items Pens, lighters, USB keys, cups: pad printing goes where a screen cannot.
In pictures: pad printing
Objects marked with this technique. Each product is available with your logo.
Example of brandingCalculator 12 digitsSee product 
Example of brandingColour-changing star lightSee product 
Example of brandingHand warmerSee product 
Example of brandingStress heartSee product 
Example of brandingPlastic scraperSee product 
Example of brandingBottle opener and stopper.See product 
Example of brandingFanSee product 
Example of brandingFolding charging stationSee product
“Example of marking”: demonstration photo supplied by the product manufacturer, with a fictitious logo.
The technique for small items
A pen is round, a USB stick is small, a keyring has relief: you cannot use a screen for those. The silicone pad used in pad printing deforms to follow the object's surface and deposit a sharp logo, even just a few millimetres in size.
Which items?
- Pens and writing accessories.
- High-tech items : USB sticks, phone accessories.
- Office items and small goodies.
- Keyrings, lighters, tools and car accessories.
Good to know
- Each colour requires a screen: a one-colour logo is the most economical.
- The marking area depends on the item: we specify the maximum size in the quote.
- For a coloured design or a photo, digital printing is more suitable.
Discover all our ideas on the personalised promotional products page.
Models ready to personalise
A selection from our catalogue, ready for your logo.
Light-up LED memo board
from 5,70 € excl. VAT
Parker IM achromatic ballpoint and rollerball pen set with gift box (black/blue ink)
from 73,42 € excl. VAT
Scribe A5 recycled soft cover notebook
from 4,04 € excl. VAT
5 colour highlighter
from 1,74 € excl. VATCompare techniques on items
The right technique depends on your design, the quantity and the material.
| Technique | Quantity | Colours | Finish | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pad printing | Runs/series | 1 in a few colours | Clean, precise | Pens, USB sticks, small items |
| Object screen printing | Runs/series | 1 to 3 colours | Opaque, solid | Bottles, mugs, bags, umbrellas |
| Digital printing | Small quantities | Unlimited, photos | True-to-colour | Mugs, bottles, notebooks, gifts |
| Laser engraving | From the first item | Tone-on-tone | Very durable | Pens, stainless steel, wood, bamboo |
| Doming | Small and medium runs | Four-colour printing | Glossy relief | Keyrings, badges |
| Embossing | Medium runs | Tone-on-tone | Elegant, pleasant to the touch | Notebooks, faux leather |
| Sublimation | Small and medium runs | Unlimited, photos | Smooth, integrated | Mugs, light polyester |
Frequently asked questions
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