Pad printing is a method of printing logo's or images onto products using a thick, soft silicone pad. The image is transferred from a photo-etched plate which is inked, then pressed by the silicone pad and transferred onto the surface of the product being decorated by using the right amount of pressure to deliver the image.

Pad printing is ideal for use on small promotional items (typically limited to 80mm diameter in size) as well as irregular shaped, or curved products that would prove difficult to print on. This is because the pad is able to wrap itself around a small object as much as 180degrees. As a result pad printing provides excellent ink coverage, and is ideal for transferring high (or rather fine) details onto promotional items without losing clarity or detail of the image. Promotional items include: pens, golf balls, desk accessories (clocks, calculators, rulers, pen holders, etc), mugs / glassware, stress items, tin canisters, metals, plastics, computer items, yo-yo's, tape measures, etc.

Pad printing can however be limited. It is not suitable to non-stick materials, and some surfaces do require pre-treatment before the ink will adhere to them.