March 2026

How to Brief a Glass Decoration Partner

A clear brief saves time. It reduces quote iterations, prevents misunderstandings and compresses your timeline from concept to production. This guide covers what a decoration partner needs to give you an accurate quote and a realistic schedule.

1. The component

Start with what you are decorating. Specify the substrate: glass, aluminium, zamac or ceramic. Provide the supplier name and article reference. If you are using glass from Saverglass, Heinz-Glas, Verescence, Bormioli Luigi, Stoelzle or another manufacturer, include the catalogue reference number.

Share a technical drawing if available. Dimensions matter — height, diameter, weight, wall thickness. For perfume bottles and flacons, specify whether the component includes a cap, and whether the cap requires decoration too.

If you do not yet have a component selected, say so. A decoration partner can advise on which shapes work best for your design intent.

2. The artwork

For digital sublimation, supply artwork as a high-resolution file. CMYK colour space. 300 dpi minimum, 1200 dpi preferred. PDF, TIFF or AI format. Include bleed areas if the design wraps to the base or neck.

Specify colour references. Pantone numbers are helpful for target matching, even though sublimation reproduces colours through CMYK calibration rather than spot-ink mixing.

If the design is not final, share the concept. Even a rough sketch helps the decoration partner assess feasibility and flag potential production issues early.

3. Finish and primer

The primer determines the tactile and visual character of the decoration. Common options include:

Glossy — smooth, reflective surface. Colours appear vivid.

Matte — soft, non-reflective finish. Creates a premium tactile quality.

Soft-touch — velvety texture. High perceived value.

Ceramic-effect — mimics fired ceramic. Warm, textured appearance.

If you are unsure, request samples. A good decoration partner will send primer samples on your chosen substrate so you can evaluate the finish before committing.

4. Additional finishing

Specify any post-decoration processes. Hot stamping with metallic foils (from suppliers such as KURZ). Selective varnish for raised or textured areas. UV protective coating for products exposed to sunlight. Each additional process affects cost and lead time.

5. Quantities

Provide the total order quantity. Indicate whether this is a one-time production run, a recurring order or a phased release. For limited editions, state the exact quantity. For ongoing production, provide an annual forecast.

Digital sublimation has no screen setup costs, so short runs are economically viable. But knowing the volume helps the decoration partner plan capacity and optimise pricing.

6. Timeline

State your target delivery date. Work backwards from your launch date, allowing time for logistics, filling and secondary packaging. A realistic decoration timeline depends on artwork approval, component availability and production scheduling.

If the timeline is tight, say so upfront. It is better to discuss feasibility at the brief stage than to discover a conflict during production.

7. Quality and compliance

Mention any specific quality requirements. Resistance to alcohol, UV exposure, abrasion or dishwasher cycles. Regulatory requirements for your target market. Food-contact compliance for spirits or olive oil bottles.

ATIU is ISO 9001 certified, which means quality management systems are already in place. But project-specific requirements should be communicated in the brief.

8. Samples and prototyping

Request a sample or prototype before committing to a full production run. A decorated sample on your actual component — not a generic test piece — confirms that the design, colour, finish and tactile quality meet expectations.

ATIU operates two production plants in Verona, Italy, and can produce samples on short timelines. Sample turnaround is typically faster with digital sublimation than with screen printing, because there are no screens to produce.