Logo Printing: Screen Printing Vs Gold Printing
In our last post, we talked about some differences between logo processing techniques of decal and their variations. Actually, there is more to logo processing than just these, because in this article we are going to introduce you to logo printing: screen printing and gold printing. These techniques are quite popular among American clients so you need to know how they are done as well as how to maintain your glassware for prolonging its usage. The material used and the processing procedures between these two are so distinguishable that the logos react differently to the same environment. Stay close if you want to learn more.
Screen printing
Screen Printing is also known as silk-screen printing. The mechanism is to use specialized silk cloth to print the logo directly onto the products. The process is similar to developing photographs in a darkroom but it is not exactly the same. The craftsman turns the logo into silkscreen films after submitting the manuscripts, then crafts a stencil of the correct size from the film. A photosensory membrane will be applied to the stencil before covering the film and exposing it to high-intensity light for exposure. With that, you have a “photo” waiting for the image to appear like it was back in the olden days. However, the process does not end here since you want your logo to be on the glass. Utilizing a silk screen printing machine allows you to print your logo straight away on the glass, like any normal paper-printing machine. That is how silk-screen printing works. This logo printing technique is widely used for gift wrappers and trademark boards for its flexibility in product shapes, strong adhesion, and vivid colors.
Logos of silk-screen printing usually does not cost much and has low maintenance in daily use. Do avoid placing your glass in high heat, strong acid, or anything involving oxidizing agents. This unfortunately means silk-screen printing logos do not go well with dishwashers. Wash the glass with dish detergent by hand should be more than enough for cleaning purposes.
Gold Printing
Interestingly enough, gold printing is a logo processing technique that does not actually involve any printing but painting. The gold “paint” is a chemical compound mixed in proportions. When the glasses are out of the furnace and are cooled down, technicians start painting directly in circles around them to form the so-called gold brim before putting them back into the furnace for another round of firing. The gold print will now be adhesive and permanent on the glasses when they are out and cooled again, finalizing your product into ideal and luxury.
The cost of gold printing is closely related to the gold price that is recently reported in our March news brief. Therefore, the price of our related products, such as this whiskey decanter with the gold brim, is sensitive to fluctuations in gold prices.
Many of you may have this question about gold printing: is real gold actually used in the process and how can I tell from the “fake” one? The short answer is yes, real gold is applied. One obvious difference between real gold and “fake” gold is whether it is translucent under natural light. You cannot see through the “fake” gold (not fake per se, perhaps just a golden silk-screen printing or a golden decal) printing while a clear reflection appears on the surface of an actual gold printing. A rather subtle difference is a real gold printing is more durable and does not come off easily. Still, it is highly recommended against cleaning your glass with gold-printing logos using a dishwasher for its turbulent nature.