Q: See-Thru,
Liquid Pads,
Ergonomic,
PhotoPads,
Soft-Tops,
Frame-It Pad,
Thin Pads,
Hard-Tops,
3D Pads,
Licensed,
Vinyl Pads,
Mouse Paper. Why are there so many types and styles of mouse pads?
A: Because people have different needs and tastes. For example, people who use their mouse to create detailed drawings (a graphic designer) need as much control as the mouse pad can provide. For these people, a large size, fabric surface mouse pad is clearly the best choice. It provides them ample mousing area and the best mouse traction (and hence, control) a mouse pad can deliver. Other users may only need to click an icon from time to time (a secretary doing word processing). These users are often more interested in speed than control. For them, a hard surface pad may be best because the mouse glides across the surface very easily, making the mouse's movement quicker but less controlled.
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Many other considerations can come into play in pad selection, including price (fabric is less expensive), the importance of color matching (hard surface offers the best control of color), background color (white fabric will get dirty with use while a white hard surface pad will stay bright white), print resolution (hard surface pads permit high resolution printing of very fine text and graphics while the porous surface of a fabric is much more limited), durability (hard surface is most durable), and weight (MicroThin Pads™ and Magazine Pads™ are least expensive to ship and mail).
Q: What are the different printing methods available?
A: We utilize a number of printing methods, depending on the product,
the product material, the effects desired and the client's budget. Each method is described below.
Q: What is sublimation printing?
A: It is a heat transfer method of printing. First, a special piece of paper called a "transfer" is printed on an offset press. Then, using heat and pressure, the transfer's imprint is "dyed" into the fabric surface of the pad. Rub your finger across a sublimation imprint - all you will feel is the fabric, not the ink.
Q: Why is this important?
A: Because the process permits very complex imprints (4-color process, tightly registered multi-color imprints, and halftones) that will never chip or rub off. The mouse pad user also cares because the mouse will not lose traction and annoyingly "skip" on-screen as it would if it were passing over slick patches of surface ink.
Q: Why do most sublimation imprints require a white mouse pad?
A: Since sublimation inks are not very opaque, they will only print their true color if printed on a white background (and even then, exact PMS matches are not possible). Printing on a non-white pad will change (sometimes drastically) the color tone of most sublimation inks.
Q: What if I don't want a white background?
A: No problem; we only have to start with a white surface. We can print any background color you want by dyeing it into the fabric - most people will think the pad started out that color.
Q: What if part of my art is supposed to print white?
A: Because white sublimation ink does not exist, we simply print the background color(s) and "reverse out" white from the underlying pad. In other words, we use the white of the pad for the white of your imprint. This works for all but the thinnest and/or smallest of imprints.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the "sublimate on white" rule?
A: Naturally.
Exception #1: Black ink. Since black is extremely opaque, it is the one ink color that can be sublimated into any colored fabric surface (except black). You cannot sublimate anything onto a black pad - it won't show up at all.
Exception #2: Dark ink/Gray pad. Some dark ink colors like reflex blue, maroon or forest green will sublimate into our gray pads with little loss of color integrity. Somewhat lighter ink colors (like royal blue) can also be sublimated into gray pads, though the ink colors will appear darker or "dirtier" than if they were printed into a white pad. Light colors (like yellow) will not reproduce on non-white backgrounds at all.
Q: Any other limitations on sublimation printing?
A: We do not have every possible PMS color in stock as a sublimation ink. And, unlike silk-screening, you cannot readily mix two sublimation inks to create a third-colored ink. We can special order whatever color you want, but remember that exact PMS matches cannot be guaranteed with sublimation. We suggest a pre-production proof to satisfy color concerns. Also, you cannot sublimate metallic inks.
Q: What is "direct printing"?
A: Also called "silk-screening," it is a process whereby ink is applied directly on top of the fabric surface.
Q: What is wrong with direct printing?
A: Nothing, though it has several limitations: (1) Registration is difficult, so we offer 1-color imprints only on our fabric and leather pads; (2) large imprints in the center of the pad can interfere with traction; and (3) thin lines, halftones and bleeds do not reproduce well.
Q: Why even offer it?
A: Because direct prints are excellent for 1-color jobs where exact PMS matches or metallic inks are required. Also, they can generally be done on any of our fabric surface colors, which can spice up a 1-color imprint.
Q: What is offset printing?
A: Offset printing (also called "offset lithography") is a process of transferring ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder, then to a substrate, usually paper. It is by far the most commonly used method in commercial printing. Most brochures, cards, menus, and catalogs you see use the offset method.
Q: Anything else?
A: Remember that all offset/laminated products start with a white imprint surface, but (as with sublimated soft surface pads) we can print the whole pad with any background color; we can also do "reverse-outs" if your imprint includes white.
Q: What exactly is "four color process" printing?
A: "Four-color process" refers to an imprinting method that uses just four basic ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) in combination to create an image in whatever color(s) of the rainbow called for. It is a complex printing method that allows vivid imprints (such as photographs) to be reproduced.
Q: Which products can I imprint with four color process printing?
A: Every one of our products except our ExecuPad™ mouse pads and coasters.
Q: Which printing methods offer PMS matching?
A: PMS color matches are available for all offset/laminated products and all direct printed items. Note, however, that the lamination surface will affect the color of the underlying printed paper somewhat; we therefore recommend a pre-production press proof or a laminated color match print.
Q: What about sublimation imprints?
A: Exact PMS matching is not possible for sublimation imprints. The heat and pressure required to produce a sublimation imprint make it impossible to control color with 100% accuracy, and therefore to offer exact PMS color matches. Even if a new PMS ink is used "out of the can," very slight changes to the amount of heat and pressure may alter the printed color somewhat. Colors will be close but cannot be guaranteed as exact. If color is a concern for a sublimation imprint, we recommend doing a pre-production proof (so that you know what color you will get before the whole order is printed) or switching to an offset or direct print if possible.
Q: How tightly can you register an imprint?
A: Except for direct print jobs, all of our mouse pads, wrist rests and jar openers are offset-printed onto paper sheets in near perfect color-to-color registration. However, the perfectly registered printed sheet must then be applied to a spongy rubber-based product.
In the case of fabric pads, the image is offset-printed onto a "transfer" sheet and then placed on top of the pad, where the ink is transferred into the fabric. In the case of hard surface mouse pads, the image is offset-printed onto paper and the paper is then "sandwiched" between the laminate top and rubber base. Because the flexible pad cannot be held in precise position while the printed sheet is placed onto the pad, placement of the overall imprint relative to the pad's edges may be off +/-1/16".
Q: How are borders affected?
A: Borders that are designed to follow the outline of a square or round pad are not recommended due to registration limitations just discussed. As you may know, the human eye is very adept at picking up lines that are even slightly out of parallel, for example, the lines creating the border and the edge of the pad. Similarly, on a round pad, the eye is very good at noticing non-concentric circles, for example, a round border and the edge of the round pad.
A border that is out of position even 1/16" will be picked up by the eye and will appear noticeably crooked. As discussed, the flexible nature of rubber based pads limits our registration to off +/-1/16", and therefore we recommend that borders not be used.
Before getting to how you can personalize your workspace, let’s see why you need custom mousepads in the first place.
Here's the thing - mousepads are more than just a surface for moving your mouse around.
As an essential and permanent element of your workspace, they can in fact act like a mini canvas for you to showcase your creativity, and add a personal touch to your space.
Custom mousepads with your favorite photos and artwork instantly add a cozy and familiar vibe to your desk. Going beyond that, they can also come in handy for advertising your brand or business.
Additionally, you can also print out any inspirational quotes or affirmations on them to get you through a difficult day.
Want more information on Custom Printed Mouse Pads? Feel free to contact us.
In short, custom mousepads are more than just functional accessories - they’re versatile tools for self-expression, organization, and motivation.
By adding your personal flair to something as simple as a mousepad, you can transform a boring workstation into a reflection of your unique style and personality. So make sure to invest in one, and let your creativity shine.
When it comes to buying custom mousepads, you need to first and foremost choose a theme that resonates with your interests.
Well, the good news is, there are endless possibilities for how you can personalize your mousepads. Here are a few pointers to help narrow down your options:
Hobbies and Interests: One of the ways to go about selecting a theme is to pick a hobby. Think about what you're passionate about, and look for pictures accordingly.
Favorite Characters: Got a favorite TV show character? Add a touch of nostalgia to your workspace by printing out characters from your beloved shows and books onto your custom mousepads.
Nature: If you’re a nature lover, consider using scenic landscapes, wildlife, or serene beaches as high-quality images for custom mousepads.
Abstract Art: For those who appreciate intricate patterns, minimalistic designs featuring geometric shapes and bold colors are a great way to add artistic flair to the desk.
Custom DIY Designs: Feeling creative? Let your imagination run wild, and use online tools to create your own design for a custom mousepad.
Ultimately, what truly counts is selecting a theme that brings familiarity and happiness to your workspace. So keep exploring design ideas for custom mousepads until you find something that speaks to you.
Once you’re set on a particular theme, the next step is to look for a good picture.
Before I expand on different aspects of a high-quality image, it is essential that you understand what the quality of an image entails.
Well, quality images are those that are clear, sharp, and detailed. They have high resolution, which gives smoother and more precise prints. Results? You get custom mousepads with crisp and vibrant prints, with colors that pop, and details that stand out.
Choosing high-quality images for custom mousepads is often challenging because people don't know how to find a suitable resolution, ensure color accuracy, and navigate copyright restrictions, all of which influence the final appearance and legality of the design.
Here’s a quick guide on how you can go about it:
Resolution refers to the amount of detail an image holds and is typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI).
High-resolution images have more pixels per inch, which eventually gives sharper prints. In contrast, low-resolution images contain fewer pixels and hence appear pixelated or blurry when printed.
This is why, for custom mousepads, you should ideally go for an image that is at least 300 DPI.
Sometimes you find that one image you fall in love with, but the quality might not be good enough... That's when it is helpful to contact upscaling experts who can help.
A well-composed image is one that is carefully arranged and balanced, with all its elements organized in a visually appealing way.
Factors like symmetry, leading lines, and rule of thirds , all come together to give a perfectly balanced image. This is essential to avoid clutter and distractions.
Therefore, when you’re selecting an image for custom mousepads, prioritize those with good composition and a harmonious design. Be sure to look for pictures with clear focal points, balanced elements, and adequate negative space so it maintains visual interest.
Vibrant colors play a significant role in personalization, and can add more personality and visual appeal to your custom mousepads.
Color accuracy is crucial for achieving a good look in prints. Therefore, ensure that the colors in your chosen image are vivid and enhance the overall impact of the design.
When selecting an image, pay close attention to color saturation, contrast, and brightness to ensure they translate well onto the mousepad. Opt for pictures with appealing colors so your custom mousepad stands out and grabs attention.
The trend of custom mousepads is in full swing, and you should definitely not miss out on the fun.
However, for the best aesthetics, it is crucial to ensure that you select a high-quality image that results in clear, precise prints on the pad.
This article aimed to guide you through the basics of concepts like resolution, color, and balance, so now you can create a visually appealing mousepad that’s truly unique to you.
So, gear up, choose an image, send it to us, and let us make you a custom mousepad in no time!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Ergonomic Gel Mouse Pad.