Umbrellas have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple tools for sheltering against rain or sun. In the world of branded umbrella manufacturing, innovations are constantly evolving to improve both the functionality and aesthetics of branded and corporate umbrellas. An example of this is to use a reflective lining, a silver layer of material which backs onto either the outer or inside canopy. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the reflective lining is, why experts in the field of umbrella manufacturing suggest using it, and how this clever design enhances the overall umbrella experience.
What is a reflective lining?
The reflective lining used is a silver layer of material, backed onto either the outside layer or inside layer of a double canopy umbrella. This layer serves a dual purpose: preventing the visibility of the print on the outer canopy from the inside and vice versa. It’s a thoughtful addition to the manufacturing process that addresses a common challenge faced by clients who are after separate designs on the inside and outside of the umbrella.
Why use a reflective lining on branded umbrellas?
1. Print Clarity:
One of the primary reasons we often suggest incorporating reflective linings when purchasing branded umbrellas is to enhance the clarity and vibrancy of prints on both the inner and outer canopies. Without the reflective lining, there’s a risk of the design or pattern on one side interfering with the visibility of the print on the other side. The silver lining acts as a visual barrier, ensuring that each side maintains its distinct appearance. A good example of this would be, if the canopy underneath is dark but the logo on the outer canopy needs to be white or a much lighter colour, we would suggest a lining here as the logo often becomes lost within the design.
2. Aesthetics:
Double canopy corporate umbrellas are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, to showcase creative designs and are an impressive branding opportunity. Reflective linings contribute to a more polished and professional look by preventing any design interference. This feature is particularly crucial for umbrellas featuring intricate or vibrant prints, where maintaining the integrity of the design is paramount.
3. Enhanced User Experience:
For the end user, the reflective lining translates into a more enjoyable and seamless experience. Whether shielding from rain or sun, users can appreciate the well-defined prints without any visual distractions. It adds a layer of sophistication to the umbrella’s design while ensuring that functionality is not compromised.
How does it work?
The reflective lining functions by bouncing light away from the inner surface of the outer canopy. This prevents the design or colour from bleeding through to the inside, maintaining the clarity of the inner print. Simultaneously, it reflects light away from the outer surface of the inner canopy, preserving the distinct appearance of the outer design. The silver colour of the lining is particularly effective in this regard, acting as a neutral background that minimizes any interference between the two canopies.
In the world of umbrella manufacturing, the reflective lining stands out as a clever solution to a common challenge. Its ability to maintain the clarity of prints on double-canopy umbrellas adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall user experience. As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of design and functionality, the reflective lining remains a shining example of how thoughtful innovation can elevate a seemingly simple product to new heights.
When it comes to corporate branding, every detail matters, even the seemingly mundane items like umbrellas. In recent years, corporate umbrellas have evolved beyond their utilitarian purpose and become stylish accessories that can enhance your company’s image. Whether you’re using them as promotional items, gifts for employees, or part of your marketing strategy, here are some trending design ideas that can make your corporate umbrellas stand out.
1. Printing on the Inside Canopy
One of the most popular trends in corporate umbrella design is to print on the inside of the canopy. While the outside of the umbrella can showcase your logo and brand colours, the inside offers a hidden canvas for creativity. Printing on the inside canopy can be a surprising and delightful detail for anyone opening the umbrella. You can use this space to share your brand’s story, display motivational messages, or create a captivating visual experience.
Imagine opening an umbrella and being greeted by an inspiring quote or a stunning image that resonates with your company’s values. This unexpected touch can leave a lasting impression on your clients, partners, and employees. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to engage your audience and spark conversations about your brand.
2. Engraved Handle Rings
The handle of an umbrella is often an overlooked aspect of its design, but it’s also an opportunity for customisation. Engraved handle rings have gained popularity in the world of corporate umbrellas. These rings are typically placed at the top of the handle and can feature your company name, logo, or a short message.
Engraved handle rings add a touch of sophistication to your umbrellas and make them instantly recognizable. They provide a tactile element that can enhance the overall user experience, making the umbrella feel more luxurious and well-crafted. Additionally, engraved handle rings are a subtle yet effective way to reinforce your brand identity.
3. Photo Prints
Photo prints on umbrellas are a fun and eye-catching design trend that can create a strong visual impact. Whether you choose to display stunning landscape images, team photos, or product shots, photo prints on umbrellas are a creative way to showcase your brand’s personality. They can be particularly effective for businesses in the tourism, fashion, or photography industries.
Photo prints add a unique and personal touch to your corporate umbrellas, and they’re bound to catch people’s attention. They can also be used to tell a story about your company or promote specific products or services. Furthermore, the vibrant colours and high-resolution prints on the canopy can make your umbrella an instant conversation starter.
4. UV Printing
UV printing technology has revolutionised the customisation of umbrellas. This method allows for high-quality, full-colour printing that is resistant to fading and scratching. UV printing is perfect for intricate designs, gradients, and fine details, and it ensures that your branding stays vibrant and sharp for a long time.
With UV printing, you can be more creative in your corporate umbrella designs, and it allows for a broader colour palette. It’s a reliable choice for making a lasting impression, and it ensures that your umbrellas can withstand various weather conditions, from bright sunshine to heavy rain.
In conclusion, corporate umbrellas have evolved from mere protection against the elements into powerful branding tools. By incorporating these trending design ideas – such as printing on the inside canopy, engraved handle rings, photo prints, and UV printing – you can elevate your corporate umbrella game and leave a memorable impression on your audience. Whether you’re using these umbrellas for promotional purposes or as thoughtful gifts, these design trends can help your brand stand out in style. So, don’t let a rainy day go to waste; make it an opportunity to showcase your brand’s creativity and innovation.
Umbrella fact: we’re fascinated with umbrellas. We see a direct impact of the weather changing outside, with our UK office phone ringing consistently from September to May, with the mostly daily occurrence of rain outside of our windows. We do a little rain dance and help our clients with ordering their branded umbrellas that they give to clients, employees or use for interesting displays, events and performances.
We’re sharing with you, interesting things we’ve learnt about umbrellas in ten years of manufacturing them. If you’ve got more to add, then do let us know, we’re always pleased to learn more.
Five unusual umbrella facts
1. Recycled umbrellas have muscles
Recycled umbrellas have muscle. They are waterproof, storm proof and can be personalised! We’re not content with the throwaway cheap umbrellas that are seen discarded on the street or end up in landfill, we’ve only ever manufactured premium quality umbrellas that last a lifetime. Our umbrellas have a two-year guarantee for quality. We’ve taken this a step further, we are now manufacturing recycled umbrellas. Recycled plastic bottles (RPET) can be made into a fully functioning, storm proof umbrella and personalised with print. There’s an umbrella fact for you!
2. Women were umbrella trail blazers
It was women who championed the umbrella before men took up the habit of carrying them. Identified as early as 1708, women were using the umbrella to protect them from the outdoor elements, women were also able to accessorise their outfits with accompanying umbrellas. Kersey’s dictionary references an umbrella as ‘a screen commonly used by women to keep off rain.’ Another umbrella fact for you – it was John Hanway, a philanthropist and traveller from London who took up using the umbrella and was vilified and laughed at for carrying it by Hackney coachmen.
3. An umbrella makes you credible
Widespread use of the umbrella in Europe was promoted by Princess Palatine in 1712. Her use encouraged the aristocracy to accessorise with an umbrella. A Paris magazine in 1768 is reported to have advised that without an umbrella, one is considered vulgar!
“The common usage for quite some time now is not to go out without an umbrella, and to have the inconvenience of carrying it under your arm for six months in order to use it perhaps six times. Those who do not want to be mistaken for vulgar people much prefer to take the risk of being soaked, rather than to be regarded as someone who goes on foot; an umbrella is a sure sign of someone who doesn’t have his own carriage.” (Source: Wikipedia)
4. Umbrellas used to be called Robinsons
“I covered it with skins”, he says, “the hair outwards, so that it cast off the rain like a penthouse, and kept off the sun so effectually, that I could walk out in the hottest of the weather with greater advantage than I could before in the coolest.”
The book, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe refers to the protagonist creating his own umbrella which imitates one he’d seen in Brazil. From this, the umbrella was referred to as a ‘Robinson’ for many years before is slowly phased out.
5. National Umbrella Day is February 10
National umbrella day is celebrated across the world to pay homage to our reliable best friend. This important invention keeps us dry when it rains and protects us from the sun when it shines. Join us and celebrate our humble umbrella.
More umbrella facts: history of umbrellas
Umbrella fact that didn’t make the list is that they have a long, enduring history and have been depicted in the history books for more than 4000 years in Greece, China and Egypt.
They’ve come a long way from the sunshades and paper umbrellas that evolved into protection from the rain. Gaining popularity in the 17th century, the umbrella took various forms and became more popular with Europeans to protect them from the rain.
Fast forward to now and the umbrella is a staple in most people’s handbags or the boot of a car. In fact, they feature in the top 5 most popular items left in the London Underground with more than 10,000 getting left on the tube.
Types of umbrellas
Umbrella fact! There are three models of umbrellas to choose from. The golf umbrella , which is a large model, favoured in the sports industry due to its large branding estate across all 8 panels. The Umbrella Workshop offer this model with various differences including a vented option plus an automatic or manual opening function.
The walker umbrella has a crook handle and can be in wood or a slick black silicon and gun mental finishes. This umbrella is smaller than the golf umbrella that can be used to weave through urban spaces, but still large enough for applying visible branding.
Telescopic umbrellas also known as folding umbrellas are the smallest model and can be folded down to fit in a bag when not in use. Often accompanied by a carry case that can be printed or Pantone matched to suit the panels of the umbrella. The handle can be changed on this model to either be small to sit in a hand or a crook handle in wood for a deluxe feel to a telescopic umbrella.
The Umbrella Workshop only uses premium quality materials. This includes high quality polyester called pongee, as well as recycled RPET and different printing methods to create unique branded umbrellas that are built to last.
What can we do for you? The Umbrella Workshop.
Wurlin-The Umbrella Workshop are not just fascinated with umbrella facts, we are specialists in bespoke umbrellas, bags, packaging and customised merchandise. Progressive and flexible, we work with creative agencies and brand owners to diligently explore concepts and develop custom branded solutions. Experienced in sourcing products with a global supplier reach, we are trusted partners to clients for innovative manufacture, structured project coordination and international distribution.
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What is promotional marketing?
Simply put it’s a marketing strategy which aims to get potential customers to choose your product or brand. The primary objective of promotional marketing is to keep your product or brand in the mind of the customer. You want them to buy from you so it’s essential to promote your business effectively.
Create a distinctive brand identity
Your logo is part of this and you have probably thought about the design, colours and message but this is only part of your identity. Your brand identity represents your values, services, personality and ideas so it is important you get this right.
Get your message out there
So you’ve got your eye-catching logo, you have thought long and hard about your brand identity… what next? You need to get your brand visible to potential customers. First thing’s first: know who your target customers are as this information is key to your campaign.
Promote your business
Once you have an idea who you are targeting you can think of the best way to get your message across. If you have more than one target market this message could be different. This is a competitive time and you want to stand out from the crowd. There are plenty of ways to promote your business including:
- Mass media advertising ( business directories, magazines, newspapers etc)
- Public Relations (press releases, launches, events, tours)
- Sales based methods (competitions, discounts, coupons, gift vouchers)
- Direct marketing (letters, emails etc)
- Digital marketing through websites and mobile phones
- Social networking
Promotional marketing focuses on getting your brand noticed and subsequently chosen by customers, ultimately that is what you need to succeed.
Spending time thinking carefully about your strategy can save you time and money. Some ideas to think about are:
- Who is the target of your campaign?
- Which incentives might work best for your intended customers?
- What is your available budget?
- Who will be responsible for running the campaign?
Promotional marketing is something that we know a lot about at Wurlin and we can get your brand noticed. Promotional products are an excellent way to keep your brand visible. It is important to choose the right promotional product for your campaign.
Promotional Umbrellas
These offer a great return on investment, not only practical but they promote your logo or brand every time they are used.
Promotional USB
A highly practical promotional item to give to clients, printed with your logo and you can have your brochure pre-loaded on to it and make it non erasable, so potential customers always know where to find it. The possibilities are endless.
We recognise that consistent branding is paramount to your business and we can help with a number or innovative and creative ways to ensure that your campaign is a success.
Tell us what you want to communicate and we will do the rest. Our design team will come up with products and designs that target your audience cost effectively.
Contact us info@wurlin.com
Content created by Wurlin LTD