Pad printing on promotional items
Pad printing transfers the logo using a silicone pad onto small, curved and irregular items - pens, bottles, watches and keyrings. Sharp and precise even where other techniques cannot reach.
- Even on curved and small items
- Sharp and precise detail
- Economical for large volumes
Pad printing (tampoprint) transfers ink via a flexible silicone pad from an engraved plate onto the item. The flexible pad adapts to curved, small and irregular surfaces - pens, bottles, watches, keyrings and mugs. It produces sharp detail and is economical even for large volumes; we prepare a free graphic design and a price quote within 1 hour.
How does pad printing work?
From the engraved plate to the finished printed item. We manage the entire process for you - you just approve the design.
- 1 Plate preparation We engrave the logo into a metal plate as a negative - the engraved areas will hold the ink.
- 2 Picking up the ink We flood the plate with ink, wipe off the excess and the ink remains only in the grooves. The flexible silicone pad picks it up from the plate.
- 3 Transfer to the item We press the pad onto the item and the ink transfers precisely even onto a curved surface. For multiple colours the step is repeated.
When does pad printing pay off?
It excels on small and curved items. To help you decide correctly, we will also tell you when another technique is better.
Things to bear in mind
What do we print with pad printing?
Works best on small and curved items. Click on a product to see materials, prices and examples.
Pens Precise logo print on the barrel or clip of a pen. 
Bottles Logo even on curved plastic and metal bottles. 
Watches Small, precise logo on the dial or case. 
Flasks Print on the cylindrical body of a stainless steel flask. 
Travel mugs Logo on travel and classic thermal mugs. We print hundreds of other promotional items - get in touch and we will advise whether pad printing is the right choice for your item.
When to choose a different technique?
Depending on the material, design and print area, another technique may be more suitable:
An overview of all techniques can be found in the services section. Not sure which to choose? We will advise you based on your item and logo.
Get samples to test completely free
We'll send you real samples and prepare a custom graphic design - no obligation, no fee. Impress your partners with perfect branding.
How much does pad printing cost?
The price depends on the number of colours, size of the design, type of item and quantity. For larger runs the unit price decreases.
- Pad printing = ink transfer via a silicone pad, ideal for small and curved items.
- Advantages: prints on irregular shapes, sharp detail, economical for large volumes.
- Suited to pens, bottles, watches, flasks, travel mugs and keyrings.
- For durable marking on metal consider engraving - we will advise and provide a quote within 1 hour.
„Communication with Mr. Sladký is perfect. A professional yet personal approach.“
“Promotex has a professional approach, takes the client’s individual requirements into account, and their products matched our requirements in both quality and appearance. They were very helpful and handled everything smoothly and on time.”
Soňa Gažáková
Matfyz UK BA
“Excellent cooperation, express delivery and quality production of all the materials we had prepared. Recommended.”
Nataly Černáková
GQsystems a.s.
“Mr. Sladký from Promotex is always flexible and finds solutions for our every request. We recommend them to our acquaintances too.”
Juraj Hrubo
3D Systems
“Maximum satisfaction with the business. Wide range of items, excellent quality, pleasant communication, favourable prices. Recommended.”
Lenka Petrášová
Agra poisťovňa
“The order of printed goods as well as the entire communication and delivery went completely smoothly and the goods were delivered in a very short time and in excellent quality. I definitely recommend RMS promotion.”
Barbora Arbetová
Georgian Air
“A professional yet personal approach, always looking for every way to choose the most suitable gift. Many years of satisfaction.”
Hana Dohnalová
HR HMMC
Frequently asked questions about pad printing
What it is, how it works, advantages, which items it suits and the difference from engraving.
Pad printing (tampoprint) transfers ink via a flexible silicone pad from an engraved metal plate onto the item. The flexible pad adapts to curved, small and irregular surfaces - plastic, metal, glass, ceramic and wood.
We engrave the logo into a metal plate (negative), flood the plate with ink and wipe off the excess. The silicone pad picks the ink up from the grooves and transfers it onto the item by pressing. For multiple colours the step is repeated.
Printing on irregular and curved shapes, sharp and precise detail even on small items, and low unit cost for large volumes.
Mainly small and curved items: pens, bottles, watches, flasks, travel mugs, keyrings and mugs.
Pad printing applies ink (including multi-colour logos) to the surface. Laser engraving marks without ink - it burns the logo directly into metal, wood or glass and is the most durable. For metal items we will advise which technique looks better.
A vector file is best (.ai, .svg, .eps, .pdf with outlines). If you only have a raster image, get in touch - we will advise or prepare the logo. Full details in the guide on how to prepare your logo.
Need custom
promotional products
with your logo? Get in touch.
Call us or send a message. We'll discuss what you need and prepare a tailored quote.
