Iron On versus Adhesive Patches
There are many uses for iron on and adhesive patches. Learning which variety of patch to choose for different events and uses can easily be outlined below. The discussion starts first by understanding what the many different patches offer in design and then how they can be used for different situations.
The Patch Industry
Many refer to iron on or adhesive patches by the popularized term developed by Scouts as badges. However, as a whole, the industry has accepted the moniker patch to describe a more inclusive role for these designs. The patch can be used in organizations such as Scouts, for badge work, but can also have great uses in marketing for small and large companies.
Patch Designs
There are many types of patch designs that can be used for different events. The two most common include the iron on or adhesive backed patch. Yet there are many other designs in the industry as well, which include Velcro backed, plastic backed, pin backed, magnetic backed, security backed, and button loop back patches.
Iron on patch – Probably the most widely used type of patch is the iron on adhesive patch. These patches can adhere to almost any fabric surface including clothing such as shirts, hats, gloves, jackets, bags, and backpacks. Yet they could be adhered to almost any fabric surface including furniture such as fabric sofas or to fabric window coverings. Most iron on patches will stay attached through 30-80 machine washes depending on the adhesive used and the type of wash cycle used. These semi-permanent patches are great for use for organizations that have consistent marketing targets. It is a cost-effective way to brand corporate apparel with an eye to updating marketing on a consistent basis.
Adhesive patches – Are also known as “sticky backs”. They have adhesive glue on the back of the patch that is covered by a paper covering. Removing the paper and adhering the patch to almost any surface provides a temporary marketing solution. If you have a number of employees attending conferences or conventions supplying adhesive patches for instant branding provides a great marketing option. These patches do not generally survive through a machine wash and do not leave permanent marks on clothing, therefore providing a great solution for instant brand marketing. They have also been used in guerrilla marketing and street marketing for instant brand blitzes.
Patch Providers
Looking for a patch provider that can meet your needs should include a vendor that has multiple options. Besides the most common patches already listed, they should be able to provide other solutions to customized problems. Patch technology has also advanced with the use with dye sublimated patches. Traditional embroidered patches could often look washed out, yet with the new dye sublimation, logos and patches have amazing color clarity. With photorealistic clarity your logo or brand can achieve instant recognition and quality not available with every patch provider. Great patch providers will also offer customized embroidered patch solutions with exacting standards.
Make an impact at a conference or convention or provide guerrilla marketing with great adhesive patches were instantly brand corporate apparel cost-effectively through iron on patches. One of the most inexpensive ways to provide a clear and recognizable logo is as easy as a peel and stick adhesive patch, or a simple iron on patch.
Written by James Kirk of Artex Group. The company are one of the leading organizations of patch embroidery that are serving clients worldwide and going above and beyond with customer service.