Which branding method should I choose for a logo on cork?

Laser engraving

The mark is burned into the cork rather than printed onto it. There is no ink, so nothing can wear off, and the result is tonal, a shade darker than the surrounding cork. It is the finish most people mean when they picture branded cork.

It suits a single-colour logo, a wordmark or a monogram. It cannot reproduce colour, and very fine detail can close up, because cork grain is not a smooth surface.

Screen printing

Solid single-colour ink laid on the surface. It gives a cleaner, flatter, more graphic result than engraving, and it can hold a specific brand colour, which engraving cannot.

It needs a screen cut for each design, so it does not suit very small runs. That is why our smallest coaster pack is laser only.

DTF transfer

Full colour, including gradients and detailed marks. This is the route for a logo that cannot be reduced to one colour. It carries a small extra cost per piece, because it is a per-piece process rather than a one-off setup.

What we do not offer, and why

We do not do deboss or doming on cork.

UV printing is not offered on the coaster or QR stand pages either. On a coaster it costs more than the coaster does, and it carries a minimum run that makes no sense at the quantities those pages sell. Multi-colour work goes to DTF instead, or to a conversation if a piece genuinely needs UV.

What to send us

• A vector file is always best: CDR, AI, EPS, SVG or PDF. Vector has no resolution, so it can be scaled to any size without falling apart.
• If you only have a raster file, aim for at least 1200 pixels on the long edge. A 100 mm print area at proper print resolution is about 1200 pixels, so anything smaller is being enlarged.
• A transparent PNG is the best raster option. A JPG on a plain white background also works, and we remove the white for you.
• You can see your own logo on the product before ordering. The preview on each product page runs in your browser, and nothing reaches us until you place an order.

What is the best way to put a logo on cork?

Laser engraving for a single-colour logo you want to be permanent, screen printing for a bold flat mark in a specific brand colour, and DTF transfer for anything with more than one colour or a gradient. Laser and screen cost the same, so the artwork should drive the choice.

Does laser engraving on cork wear off?

No. Laser engraving burns the mark into the cork rather than printing on top of it, so there is no ink layer to rub away. The mark is tonal, a shade darker than the cork around it.

Can you print a full colour logo on cork?

Yes, using DTF transfer, which handles multiple colours, gradients and fine detail. Laser engraving and screen printing are both single colour.

What file format is needed for branding on cork?

A vector file is best: CDR, AI, EPS, SVG or PDF. If you only have a raster image, aim for at least 1200 pixels on the long edge, because a 100 mm print area at print resolution is roughly 1200 pixels. A transparent PNG is the best raster option.