This colour can be either a metallic, matt or gloss finish. Holographic foils are also available. In order to imprint a product with an image, type, an etched metal plate or photo polymer plate is used. Moulded plastic items with a raised surface can be hot foil tipped without the need for a printing plate. Pad printing is an ink based process that utilises a silicone rubber transfer pad, etched printing plate and ink, to transfer an image to a product.
Products can be of regular or irregular shape.
A good example of the versatility of this process is the ability to imprint a golf ball with a photographic style image. Pantone colour matching is available using this process. Printing plates can be made of photo polymer or metal depending on the size of the print run. Screen printing is another ink based process that uses a fine mesh screen and squeegee to transfer ink onto the product. Embossing is a three dimensional decoration method, used widely on textiles.