Color standardization in printing did not exist in the 1960s. It was all too common for a product’s packaging to have different shades depending on where it was printed, leading consumers to take it for granted. To avoid this, the company Pantone created the first color identification system to serve as a reference for printers and thus the company can control the result of its product in any corner of the world.

How do Pantone colors work?

Pantone colors are identified in graphic arts by the numerical code called PMS (Pantone Matching System). It was created in 1963 and has been used in printing, packaging and screen printing ever since. For example: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating correspond to a certain shade of gray and yellow.

Both have been chosen by this brand as the colors of the year 2021, an initiative that seeks both to inspire the community and to open trends in this sector. In fact, Pantone colors are very popular in the graphic creative sector and there are many materials created around them, such as T-shirts or mugs.

Contributing to this interest in Pantones is the fact that some colors have their own names and not just a numerical code. In this way a reference is made to a concept, product or place. For example: Niagara, Kale, Coral, Marsala, Primrose Yellow… This is very useful to help graphic designers choose the right colors.

Chromecard, an excellent promotional product

Combining products can be a strange mix, but the success of the sticker-card proves that sometimes it works. We have been offering the sticker-card as an alternative to the classic game cards for a few years now and our customers tell us that it works very well for promotions.

The name makes it clear: the sticker-card is a hybrid of chrome and card. At first glance it looks like any other card, but when you peel it off, you discover that underneath it is a card. Consider it the other way around, that is, a chrome is glued to a card to give it a more special finish.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a two-in-one product that takes the benefits of both worlds. On the one hand, the card is part of a game that entertains while surrounded by favorite characters or brands. On the other, the chrome involves some dedication to open the envelope and glue them one by one in the album, also some excitement during the exchange. In addition, both are very popular collectibles in loyalty campaigns.

sticker card

The chromo card has an element that other playing cards do not have: the double surprise! It is a factor that makes the difference in the enveloping of promotions because the first time they are shocking: those who think it is a card are shocked to also get a sticker card and those who thought it was just an envelope of stickers are even more amazed. This makes them more exciting and desirable than other promotional gifts and every time you get them.

At Loyal Print we take care of the entire process of producing the entire sticker card. Each element is printed separately, so you can choose how each one looks like but with more customization, for example: the stickers can use special inks and the cards can have blunt edges. This way the mix will be even more impressive and will fulfill two objectives at the same time: to attract and to build loyalty.

We then apply the glue to join them together using a production method that leaves no trace of adhesive on the card once the chrome has been peeled off. This is very important because otherwise the card could be damaged, the experience of the game would be affected and therefore also the image of the company giving the gift.

sticker card with blunt edge

For the enveloping of the sticker card, we can use paper or flowpack, as with other game cards. With the former, the sticker envelopes can be hidden because it is not transparent, which adds extra excitement to the promotion, while with the latter, the inside can usually be seen. In both cases we can print messages and logos to personalize them.

There are many printing and enveloping options for promotional products and at Loyal Print we have years of experience to advise you and make the right choice. Ask us!

Agendas with stamping

Metallic inks are a way to add elegance to the packaging of any product. We have chosen professional agendas as an example of this type of finish because it is where a company’s brand can stand out, for example by giving it as a gift to suppliers, customers or employees.

The stamping technique can also be used on a promotional box, book covers, playing cards, greeting cards… there are many options at your fingertips!

wire-o bound school agenda

Boxes printed on polyester

In our offset printing shop we can take care of polyester printing jobs. This is a finish that attracts attention anywhere.

It is suitable for children’s books because of its touch, but also for boxes and containers because of the possibility of adding additional reliefs that will make the product stand out even more. Applying them, for example, only on the name or logo makes the consumer focus more on these elements and get a good impression.

Cards and stickers with holographic finish

Stickers and playing cards usually have a different one, with a special finish, difficult to find: it is the most desired card for collectors. Holographic printing achieves this because it also gives a depth to the drawings that surprises both boys and girls.

Holography is also present in bags and product packaging to give it a modern, technological and even premium look because it is very eye-catching.

card with special finish

Die-cut stickers with glitter effect

The glitter effect is very common in stickers and materials for children. This special finish is visually appealing, but it is also a bit rough so it adds touch to its sensory characteristics.

Our customers use it mostly for die-cut stickers and children’s book covers, but it would also be useful for drawing attention to a promotional box.

Flocked cardboard storytelling

Of all the finishes we offer as an offset printer, flocking is the smoothest. With this technique, the materials become more pleasant to the touch.

The velvet effect can be applied to any printed product, although the publishing industry appreciates it especially for cardboard stories. Flocking works very well on the inside of pages, to highlight a particular element of the story so that children can touch it.

flocking finish

Textured covers

Children’s materials benefit most from different finishes because they are aimed at an age where sensory stimulation is needed. In this sense, textured printing works very well on book covers and also for the inside pages if it is to be used in a way that accompanies the child’s learning.

This technique can be combined with other effects such as those we have already seen, for example flocking or polyester printing to provide an even more provocative result.

Promotions with 3D printing

Giving a three-dimensional effect is a resource that is very popular in packaging and promotions because it provides a sense of movement that helps to “enter” the product. It is achieved with lenticular printing and can be applied to all kinds of materials, including catalog covers or corporate magazines.

Like holography, this finish is also very interesting in cards and cards to highlight a special one.

Cards with codes

Whether as a promotional element or as a way of loyalty, we can print alphanumeric codes on cards, flyers or wherever you need it. It is a very simple way to create discounts, they can be used as a game to facilitate access to a sweepstakes or to try your luck for a direct gift.

In addition, QR codes can link to an exclusive video, a landing page to get registrations or even lead to a private area for customers only.

amazon flyer printing

Foam-based figures

Foam cut-out figures are a lot of fun and that makes them a good promotional material for brands of child-related products. For example, they can be applied to puzzles or stickers to collect them. There are many possibilities when the foam serves as a support for a print.

The result is an entertaining game, but it can also be educational and thus offer added value.

Printed foam figure

As an offset printer, we are up to date with trends and novelties to make any printed product stand out thanks to a special finish. In addition, everything is done in our facilities so we control the process to maintain the high final quality to which our customers are accustomed.