FAQs

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Our minimum order is 1,000 units per SKU, and this applies across all of our decoration techniques. It's worth knowing, though, that minimums relate to the production process rather than to a single design, so where products share elements of a run there is often more flexibility than the headline figure suggests. If your order is split across several variants, colours or sizes, it's always worth a quick conversation before assuming you fall short.
 

How do MOQ, price and lead time affect one another?

These three work together, so it helps to think of them as a balance rather than fixed numbers:

• Higher volumes bring the unit price down, but take longer to schedule and produce.

• Lower volumes carry a higher unit price, with a slightly shorter production time.

In short: the more you order, the better the price per unit, but the longer you should allow. Smaller runs cost a little more each but can move a touch quicker. There's no single right answer; tell us your priorities on budget, timing and stock and we'll recommend the best balance for your project.
 

How much does decoration cost?

The per-unit price depends on the technique, the number of colours, the complexity of the design and the order volume, so we quote each project individually once we understand what you need. Sampling is charged separately (see below). Send us your brief and we'll provide a clear quotation covering samples, production and delivery.
 

What are your sampling costs?

Most new orders are sampled first so you can approve the result before committing to production. All sample costs include UK delivery:

• Single-pass spray sample - £100

• Single-pass print sample - £200

• Single-pass spray and print combination - £225

• Two-pass spray and print sample - £275

• Two-pass print-only sample - £275

• Single-pass spray with hot foil sample - £325

As standard we supply 6 samples, 2 of which need to be signed and returned to us to use as the standard in main production. If you need more than 6, just ask and we'll be happy to accommodate.
 

What are your lead times?

Our indicative timeline from order to delivery is:

• Sampling phase - approximately 4-6 weeks

• Production phase - approximately 6-8 weeks

• Total - approximately 10-14 weeks

Timelines vary with design complexity, the number of artwork revisions and order volume. For tighter deadlines, the sampling and production purchase orders can be raised together so the two phases run concurrently, compressing the overall timeline. This works best once artwork is settled, so ask us and we'll advise whether it suits your project. Lead times can vary annually so contact us for live lead times.
 

What does the order process look like?

Sampling phase (approx. 4-6 weeks)

1. We supply a full quotation covering samples, production and delivery. You raise a samples purchase order (if required).

2. We send an order acknowledgement, payment details and new-customer forms (if required). You pay the sampling balance, provide artwork and Pantone references, and complete any forms.

3. We produce and supply vessel artwork mock-up visuals for your approval.

4. From the approved mock-ups, we produce production samples. You approve and sign these off, complete the approval forms, and raise a production purchase order with your delivery address.

Production phase (approx. 6-8 weeks)

1. We send an order acknowledgement, production terms and payment details. You pay the production balance.

2. Your signed, stickered production samples become the agreed proof and standard for the full run.

3. We dispatch the full production run; you confirm receipt and share feedback on any issues.
    

What decoration techniques do you offer?

Four main techniques, used on their own or combined:

• Spray coating - full-colour coatings cured at around 170-180°C, applied internally, externally or as a vignette.

• Screen printing - crisp, vibrant designs in up to two colours, cured at 180-200°C; ideal for logos and text, especially on cylindrical vessels.

• Hot foiling - a premium metallic finish cured at 180-200°C, for luxury accents.

• Decals and transfers - for colourful, highly detailed or multi-colour designs.
   

What paint, ink and foil finishes are available?

Spray (paint) finishes

• Gloss - a polished, reflective finish

• Matt - a soft-touch, low-sheen finish

• Simulated Etch - a frosted, etched-glass effect

• Metallic - a shimmering metallic sheen

• Pearlescent - a light-reflecting, pearl finish

Spray can be applied solid, opaque or transparent, internally or externally, and as a vignette (a graduated fade of colour).

Screen print (ink) finishes

• Up to two colours per design

• UV inks (fully automatic lines) or low-fire organic and solvent inks (semi-automatic, heat-tunnel cured)

Hot foil finishes

• Classic gold and silver, plus a range of custom colours and finishes for a mirror-finish metallic look
   

Can I combine more than one technique?

Yes - combining techniques is where some of the most striking results come from. A popular example is a spray-coated base colour with a screen-printed logo or a hot-foiled detail over the top. We'll advise on what works best for your design and vessel.
 

Can you match a specific colour?

Yes. We colour-match across the Pantone spectrum, mixing standard shades in-house and working with our trusted paint suppliers for more complex tones such as metallics. Please note there can be slight tonal variation on spray finishes, but our team takes great care to achieve the closest possible match.
 

What types of product can you decorate?

We specialise in glass packaging - bottles, jars and candle glass - and work with brands across aromatherapy, cosmetics, home fragrance, and food and beverage. Decals and transfers can also be applied to other materials such as aluminium.
 

Do you supply the glass as well as decorate it?

Yes. Beyond decoration, we can fulfil trade orders for glass and components - bottles, jars and closures - sourced through our trusted network of suppliers and manufacturers. That means one point of contact for both your glass and its decoration, with the same 1,000-unit-per-SKU minimum. If you'd rather supply your own glass, we can decorate that too (see free issue glass, below).
 

What is free issue glass?

Free issue glass simply means glass that you supply to us to decorate, rather than us sourcing it for you. If you already have your own bottles or jars, or a preferred supplier, you can send them in and we'll apply your chosen decoration. Please talk to us first about quantities, packaging and delivery so we can plan the run and handle your stock safely.
 

How do I get started or request a quote?

Send us your brief, along with any designs or Pantone references, or a physical sample to match. You can use our contact form, email trade@colorlites.com or call +44 (0)7701 289 138. We're based in Chichester and work with everyone from independent makers to global brands.