Branding Techniques for Stubby Holders

Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation is an abbreviation for the words "Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer Printing." Simply put, it's a way to print full-colour graphics onto neoprene. This print process applies ink onto a polyester cloth which is on the surface of the neoprene. The application of sublimation ink is done through heat and pressure. Your graphics and images are printed onto a transfer sheet which is then heat applied to our neoprene fabric. In essence, it works like a gigantic stamp. The entire process is somewhat similar to that of an inkjet printer, which you may find at home, where graphics and materials are simply fed through a machine. The key difference, though, is the superior results).

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A dye-sublimation printer is typically twice the cost of a regular printer. In our instance we use industrial sized printers that are quite expensive to buy, maintain and operate.

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What is So Special about Dye Sublimation Ink?

Dye sublimation ink is special in that it can be converted from a solid state into a gas without ever changing into liquid. It is this special property that makes sublimation branding significantly different from other branding processes. You see, when printing is performed; your graphic is transferred onto film. This film is then fed through the printing machine, and using heat, this forces the ink pigment to leave the film and enter into the neoprene to create the final printed graphic. When the ink is cooled down, it becomes solid (heating turns it into vapour).

 

As the ink never ever changes into liquid, the result is a precise print each and every time.

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Fantastic Print Results

The quality of a dye sublimated stubby cooler is extremely high from many perspectives. Firstly the absolute precision makes dye sublimation ideal for printing small details. Colours are more vibrant because dye sublimation prints more intense colour. Typically all printers create results based on dots. A dye sublimation printer produces dots that are smoother to the naked eye and results in less pixilation or grain in the final image.

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Screen Printing

Screen printing is the most budget friendly method for decorating your custom stubby coolers. Using only the highest grade plastisol inks, our printing machine will brand your message or logo onto your stubby cooler with ease. Based on an ancient technique, screen printing has long since been refined by modern technology and is a reliable way to achieve a crisp and clear look for your logo at a low price.

 

How Do We Screen Print?

The screen printing method of branding is performed by utilising a mesh screen and stencil to print colours onto garments. Ink is applied and pressed through the mesh screen. The stencil blocks ink from transferring through the screen onto areas not highlighted by the stencil. The resulting print of your logo is thus crisp, clean and durable.

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Typical Set Up Costs

As with most printing techniques, screen printing requires a print set-up cost. This cost covers the process of creating a film for print, artwork digitising, and stencil production, as well as a few sample trial runs to ensure the equipment is correctly aligned before branding on your actual koozies takes place. Our general set-up cost is $75 AU + GST per colour, but please double-check with your sales contact to ensure that this price is accurate for your particular order.

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Ink Colour Change Cost

If your stubby cooler order requires a colour change and not a change of your graphic, we can handle this easily. Just let our friendly staff know - colour change costs can be as cheap as $30 AU + GST. The cost covers washing and drying the stencil and mesh as well as changing the colour and printing a couple of samples to ensure consistent colouring

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If none of these neoprene colours is suitable for you, then you should ask us about our custom-made option, where we can have personalised stubby coolers made to order in the colour of your choice.