How to Make Promotional Product Imprints Last

It’s the case of the disappearing imprint! Your logo was looking really great on that pen a couple months ago. Now it’s hardly visible. So let’s do a little detective work to figure out where it went…

Click to Watch “Promotional Products – Getting a Longer Lasting Imprint” on YouTube

As discussed in the video, there could be a number of factors affecting how long your imprinted message lasts on a promotional product:

Quality of Product and/or Imprint. Sometimes the quality–or qualities–of either the product or imprint could be a factor. Slicker surfaces have a higher rub-off quality and those with a bit of texture or matte surface. Problems with either the inks and/or the imprinting process may also cause it to not stick as well. Largely a factor out of your (and your distributor’s!) control. But, in general, a higher quality product built to withstand the rigors of promotional product use can reduce this risk.
Erosion. A perfect example of this issue is a pen that gets slid into a pen pocket hundreds of times. The rubbing of the imprint against another surface will eventually wear down the imprinting.
Hand Oils and Lotions. Oils from human hands, especially when coated with hand lotions, can be very destructive to imprints.

Some ideas for getting imprints that are longer lasting include:

Use a Product that Allows a No-Ink Imprint. Choose laser engraving (which etches your imprint onto a metal or glass surface) or debossing (impresses your logo into a soft surface with heat, such as for totes and portfolios). This is not available for all products.
Choose an Appropriate Color and Imprint Process for the Product. As shown in the video, uncoated paper products may absorb inks, making the imprint unreadable, even when fresh! Ask your promotional products advisor for suggestions that would work on the surface of your item.
Don’t Select the Cheapest Product if Going for Long-Term Impact. Do you anticipate that those pens you’re ordering will be used for a long time? Do you care if the imprint lasts long beyond their initial use? If not, don’t worry about imprint longevity. If yes, select a higher priced/quality pen that will withstand the abuse.

Most ink imprints should, emphasize “should,” last for at least a year with normal use. I have examples of imprints that still are intact after many years.

Don’t let your imprint do a disappearing act! Select the right product and printing process for your purpose!

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