The art of pad printing is a relatively unknown skill. Pad printing is the process of applying ink to an uneven, irregular, or curved surface. In addition, by using different inks, a pad printer can apply an image on almost any surface material, from glass to leather to latex, plastic, paper, lexan, the list is almost endless. Have you ever seen a logo on a golf ball? That is done by pad printing. At Print Pro San Diego, we do it all the time.

How is it done?

First, we etch an image on a photo-sensitive plate for each color in the logo. This plate will deliver a high resolution layer of ink to the silicone "pad". The silicone pads are very pliable, and they will take the shape of the irregular surface to be printed on. The pads then release the ink to the target surface. The inks are very strong and opaque, and once they melt their way into the surface, they can even withstand a strike of a golf club.

Ink pens, coffee cups, golf balls, letter openers, and just about every kind of promotional product is printed with a pad printer.

So go ahead and send us your artwork. Let us know what events you are planning, new product releases, marketing programs, fundraisers, or other promotional needs you may need help with. We are not only experts on how to print, but where and why to print as well.