(Left) Imprinted ribbon with standard die. (Center) Imprinted ribbon with metal die. (Right) Full Color ribbon.

This week we'll explore some of the differences and advantages between Imprinted Ribbons and Full Color Ribbons. Both are excellent products and have uses that they are best for.

First, let's explore the process itself. For an Imprinted Ribbon, a raised
“stamp” is made of whatever you're putting on the ribbon, and this stamp
uses heat to press a thin foil onto the surface of the ribbon. For a
Full Color Ribbon, inks are used to print directly on the surface of the
ribbon.

Here are some pros and cons:

Imprinted Ribbons Pros

• The only way to get a shiny, metallic look to the contents of the ribbon.
  If you need it to sparkle, Imprinted is the way to go!
• Imprinting ribbons is typically faster than getting the Full Color ribbons – production times can be as much as 5 DAYS faster!

Imprinted Ribbons Cons

• Imprint will not hold super-fine detail, so text and graphics must be kept larger.
• Limited to one or two color choices from a limited palette of 5 options.
• Main ribbon surface will be one solid color, chosen from a list of 46 ribbon colors.
• Available only with “pinked” ends (ends of ribbon are cut in a zig-zag pattern
  to prevent fraying), or with one end cut into a “fishtail” (large “V”
  removed from ribbon end).

Full Color Ribbons Pros

• No limits to the number of colors used, with almost any color possible!
• Captures detail finer than what Imprinting will hold, so you can do whatever you need to with your text and graphics!
• You can create a multi-colored background instead of a solid color! Have a
  gradient, a design, a photo – almost anything you can imagine!
• Available in a variety of shaped finishes – choose from the standard “pinking”
  or “fishtail”, but also have the top pointed, flat, or hemmed!

Full Color Ribbons Cons

• There are no metallics possible.
• Production time is typically around 7 business days, so you will need to plan ahead.

So if your next ribbon project will just be something plain to go on a
name badge and designate key people at next week's gathering, Imprinted
ribbons will work great. But if you've got a bit more time, and want
something a little more exciting, a little more customizable, then why not try Full Color Ribbons? You'll love the results!

About the Author:

Melanie Bunch has been a graphic artist for over 13 years and is on our Design Team at Coller Industries. In her spare time she enjoys scrap-booking, Taekwondo, and arts and crafts. Be sure to watch for more of her articles from a designer’s perspective!