1. Offset printing is the most common commercial printing process used by specialty printers.
2. Specialty printing companies use screenprinting to print images on T-shirts, hats, wood, metal, CDs, DVDs and other materials.
3. Some custom printing jobs are done using engraving or letterpress printing, which produces raised letters on paper.
4. Specialty printing services use thermography printing, which is less expensive than engraving, to produce raised letters on business cards, letterhead and other marketing materials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Advertising specialty printers can print on virtually anything

Ad specialty printers often use thermography printing, also known as heat stamping to print logos or text on metal, plastic or glass products.

I recommend: Branders.com online catalog features thousands of ad specialty promotional items. Premier Corporate Specialties offers custom imprinted coffee mugs, clocks, tools, golf balls and numerous other promotional advertising gifts. Crown Awards offers specialty printing on pins, patches, trophies, plaques, medals, and certificates.

Ticket and wristband specialty printers

Special event producers, concert promoters and nightclubs often use wristbands rather than traditional paper tickets to allow attendees come-and-go privileges and to reduce security line waiting. Other specialty printers print traditional tickets exclusively.

I recommend: National Ticket Company prints Tyvek, plastic, vinyl, holographic and thermal wristbands and tickets including roll and raffle tickets, bar-coded, custom roll, strip and sheet and thermal tickets. Premier Southern Ticket Company is a specialty printer that manufactures tickets including roll tickets, coupon books, scratch off tickets, VIP tickets, general admission tickets and coatroom checks.

On-demand specialty printers

Some printers that use traditional offset or digital printing offer specialty printing services for printing on paper. There are a growing number of specialty printers that offer on-demand printing with delivery overnight.

I recommend: Mimeo is an on-demand printer that specializes in bound printed items, such as manuals, handbooks and brochures. You upload your documents to their website and voila, overnight your job is printed and delivered to you. VistaPrint is another popular specialty printer because of their low prices on a wide variety of printed items, such as business cards, custom calendars and holiday cards. SonicPrint offers specialty printing of paper items, including menus, table tents, door hangers and rack cards.

Use specialty printers for luxury letterhead

As a contrast to on-demand quick printers, some specialty printing companies specialize in the art of engraving and letterpress printing. This process is often used for custom printing jobs, such as stationery.

I recommend: Lucky Paperie specializes in bespoke stationery and luxury printed paper goods. Dauphine Press is a specialty printer for custom letterpress printing. William Arthur offers multiple specialty printing services, including letterpress and engraved printing for business and personal stationery.

Go to specialty printing companies for custom T-shirts and other apparel

For custom printing projects involving apparel products, such as T-shirts, tank tops, uniforms, jackets, hats or aprons, choose specialty printing services that offer screenprinting. These specialty printers can typically print images on any item made of fabric.

I recommend: CustomInk allows you to design T-shirts and sweats online, upload your designs and have them digitally printed and delivered within two days. If you are ordering multiple T-shirts, you can opt for screenprinting or embroidery processes with a one- to two-week delivery timeline. Paw Media’s Speedy Prints website offers specialty printing on T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, dress shirts, jackets, hats, aprons and blankets.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Opt for specialty printing companies when you need to impress. For example, business cards with raised type and bespoke engraved stationery or business letterhead can make a good first impression.
• •  Don't wait to hire specialty printers for ad specialties until you host an event. It's a good idea to have ad specialties on hand to distribute at tradeshows or to dole out as employee appreciation or customer appreciation gifts.
• •  Some specialty printing processes require a die to be cut before your logo can be printed on products. Make sure you ask about any additional die cut set-up fees before you place an order. These fees can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the process.