DIW Print: Innovation and Quality in Print Embellishment

DIW specialise in high-end print embellishment techniques that elevate every project to a new level. The Slovakian printing house’s expertise spans across collectible sports cards, packaging, and marketing prints, with each product crafted with the utmost precision and care. DIW offer a range of advanced techniques, including traditional hot foil stamping, digital 3D embossing, spot UV varnishing, blind embossing, and screen printing. 

Combining cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship under one roof, DIW deliver the highest possible quality to their clients, and excel in producing unique, high-end print products. In addition to their digital B2 HP Indigo printer, they also offer B2 UV offset printing. Their experience in manufacturing collectible sports cards has allowed them to continuously innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. They’ve created cards featuring pieces of jerseys, hockey sticks, and goalkeeper gloves, with some cards incorporating over 15 different embellishment techniques and effects. DIW apply this same level of dedication and precision to their packaging solutions, where they also have extensive experience delivering innovative, premium designs that make products stand out in the marketplace. 

DIW’s journey began in back in 2012 with the creation of a unique project aimed at connecting customers with high-quality printing services. It was an innovative platform that allowed clients to find the best print solutions while helping print shops secure new business. During that time, the concept of online marketing was still new to the print industry, but they saw great success with this project. 

Their first major in-house project was a large-scale printing order for a significant client. Faced with tight deadlines and a high volume of work, the team decided to invest in their own printing equipment. That first machine not only fulfilled the order but also set the foundation for the future of DIW. Today, that machine remains a small piece of history in their office, a reminder of how they’ve grown from humble beginnings. 

As DIW evolved, they began to realise that offering customised, high-quality solutions was what truly set them apart. Their focus shifted towards specialised embellishments and bespoke printing solutions, where they could use their expertise to deliver exceptional results. Whether it’s creating intricate designs, selecting the perfect materials, or ensuring the highest standards of quality control, DIW pride themselves on their ability to handle every detail of the process. 

Below, DIW tell us about three of their standout projects so far, showcasing different embellishment techniques within their repertoire including hot foil stamping, embossing, and laser cutting:

1. Menu for Mirror Bar Carlton  Brief for the project: 

We are thrilled to present this unique print project, designed by David Tlčimuka for the prestigious Mirror Bar in Bratislava. The goal was to create a cocktail menu that would provide guests with a truly memorable experience, with each element—both visual and tactile—reflecting the sophistication and creativity of the bar’s offerings. Each cocktail category needed to be represented with its own distinct design technique, making the menu an essential part of the overall experience. 

Why we chose these techniques: 

Given the luxurious setting of the Mirror Bar and the artistic vision behind its cocktails, we selected a combination of premium embellishment techniques that would bring the essence of the bar to life. Each cocktail category was distinguished by different printing methods, such as digital 3D hot-foiling, traditional foil stamping, spot UV varnishing, blind embossing, and laser cutting. This approach allowed each section of the menu to stand out as a piece of art, complementing the individual stories behind each cocktail, inspired by various themes like personalities, space, artificial intelligence, and sci-fi. 

Production Process: 

Creating the Mirror Bar menu involved utilising advanced technologies and executing several specialised techniques to achieve the desired luxurious and artistic result. Here’s an overview of what was implemented:

– Print embellishment techniques: Inside the menu, we incorporated a variety of embellishment techniques, including blind embossing, traditional hot foil stamping, digital 3D embossing, and digital UV printing. These methods combined to give each page a distinctive feel, ensuring that the tactile experience matched the visual appeal

– Laser Cutting: Laser cutting was used to craft precise, layered designs that added a refined, detailed look to the menu pages.

-Special digital 3D embossing: This unique method applied gold metallic foil using a specialised technology that worked exclusively with individual points, which together formed a picture. This unconventional technique created a stunning visual effect, adding a modern, artistic touch to the menu.

– Binding: Each menu page was carefully assembled by hand, ensuring that every component was perfectly aligned. Once the pages were in place, they were stitched together to create a seamless and robust structure. After binding, the pages were glued using black-dyed glue, adding a sleek finish to the final product.

The result was a cocktail menu that elevated the entire bar experience. Every detail, from the design to the craftsmanship, helped create an immersive and memorable journey through the world of cocktails for every guest at Mirror Bar. 

2. Packaging for ATHMO  Brief for the project: 

ATHMO, a brand within the highly competitive CBD market, sought to differentiate itself through an exclusive lifestyle-focused brand image. With a colourful gradient logo in an irregular shape resembling an aura, they wanted to integrate this distinctive design into their product packaging. The goal was to create packaging that not only underscored the premium nature of the products but also seamlessly aligned with ATHMO’s unique brand identity. 

Why we chose these techniques: 

To achieve the desired high-end look, we worked closely with designer Adam Križka, combining a range of advanced embellishment techniques. We selected Foilco’s silver diffraction foil, paired with a transparent foil, to replicate the vibrant aura effect in ATHMO’s logo. This combination created a reflective, eye-catching finish on the box. Additionally, the brand’s slogan was embossed using blind embossing, adding a tactile detail that enhanced the overall sophistication of the packaging. 

Production Process:

– Foil Stamping: We applied a double foil stamping technique using Foilco’s holographic foil. The reflective surface changed depending on the light, creating a dynamic effect that perfectly complemented the branding.

– Blind Embossing: Subtle details, such as the brand slogan on the box opening, were crafted with blind embossing, adding texture and depth to the design.

– Custom Colour Matching: The inside of the box was colour-matched precisely with the product lids, ensuring a cohesive look between the packaging and product labels. This level of attention to detail was crucial for ATHMO, as it unified the overall design, enhancing the brand’s premium image.

The final result was an elegant, visually striking box that reflected ATHMO’s commitment to quality and branding. The combination of foil stamping, blind embossing, and colour coordination ensured that the packaging stood out in a competitive market, reinforcing the product’s exclusivity. 

 3. Limited Edition Cards for SportZoo  Brief for the project:

SportZoo approached us with a unique project: to create a series of special, limited-edition collectible cards featuring pieces of original player socks. The goal was to design and produce high-quality, extra-thick cards that would showcase these unique memorabilia while incorporating advanced embellishment techniques to enhance their visual appeal and collector’s value. 

Why we chose these techniques: 

To emphasise the exclusivity of the cards, we used a multi-layer construction method that provided the necessary thickness for encasing the sock pieces while ensuring durability. The cards were adorned with rainbow foil stamping from Foilco and a glossy UV varnish, giving them a vibrant, high-end finish. Each card was also signed by the player, adding authenticity and increasing its desirability among collectors. Additionally, for some cards, we applied a silver rainbow edge trim, which added a striking metallic effect to the edges, further enhancing their visual impact. 

Production Process:

– Multi-layer Construction: We crafted the cards from several layers to achieve the required thickness, ensuring they could securely hold the sock pieces while maintaining a luxurious, solid feel.

– Rainbow Foil Stamping and Glossy Varnish: The cards were embellished with rainbow foil stamping from Foilco, creating a holographic, reflective effect that made each card visually dynamic. The glossy varnish added a sleek, high-shine finish, complementing the foil and enhancing the overall aesthetic.

– Silver Rainbow Edge Trim: Certain cards in the collection featured a silver rainbow edge trim, adding a metallic sheen to the edges and making the cards stand out as truly premium collectibles.

– Player Autographs: To give each card a personal touch, they were hand-signed by the respective players, making them highly desirable for collectors due to the added element of authenticity.

This project received recognition for its uniqueness, winning an award for its innovative design and execution. The award underscored the craftsmanship and creativity that went into creating these exceptional collectible cards. 

The final product was a series of limited-edition cards that combined complex design, unique materials, and personalisation, delivering an unparalleled collector’s experience and reinforcing SportZoo’s position in the high-end sports memorabilia market. 

Head over to DIW’s website to learn more about all of their offerings and get in touch. From stationery products, to packaging and marketing materials, their expert team of craftsmen are on hand to help.

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