KEEP IT STUCK-KNOW YOUR SURFACE WHEN BRANDING YOUR DEVICE
When you are branding a device, the type of surface of the device is a key point to communicate to your supplier so that the proper adhesive can be selected, removable adhesive or permanent adhesive. Whether you are choosing a nameplate, case badge, overlay or laptop skin, the surface to which it is adhered is of critical importance to the supplier.
Once you have decided the type of device you are branding, you’ll need to decide if you want a removable (low), standard (medium) or permanent (high) stick adhesion.
Various different surfaces are used in to-be-branded devices; Smooth surfaces (unpainted, painted metals or plastics) or Textured surfaces (powder-coated metals and textured plastics). Nameplates, case badges, overlays and laptop skins can use either low (removable) or standard (medium) stick adhesives when used with smooth, unpainted or painted metals or plastic. However, with powder-coated and textured surfaces, a high (permanent) stick adhesive is recommended. This is due to the amount of surface of the device to actually come in intimate contact with the adhesive. The high stick adhesives will ensure across-the-board adhesion.
So now you’ve made the decision to brand your product. The device has been selected, you’ve gone through artwork details, changes and final selection and now you’re at the point of contacting a supplier to make your nameplate, case badge, overlay or laptop skin. Your work isn’t done yet because now you have to communicate those details to a branding manufacturer/supplier. Making a checklist is a helpful tool to gather the information needed to communicate your specifications to the supplier. Here is a list of items that your supplier will need to know:
1- Type of branding product (nameplate, case badge, overlay or laptop skin).
2- Dimensions of the surface to be covered or size of the product you wish to brand.
3- Type of surface – (smooth or textured, metal or plastic, painted or unpainted).
4- Type of adhesion you require – Removable (low stick), Standard (medium stick) or Permanent (high stick)
5- Type of artwork file you have. The highest resolution is always the best for the sharpest print reproduction and a vector file is ideal.
SPECIAL NOTE!!! Do not overlook items #3 and #4. While they seem simple, they are critical to keeping your item “stuck” to your branded device!