Frequently Asked Questions

Etching is the process of hand engraving or carving glass via sandblasting, followed by hand painting. Screen printing requires specialty print machines specifically designed to handle bottles. When screen printing, thermal-plastic inks are applied via squeegee and screens before being fired in a high temperature Lehr for at least 2-3 hours to permanently fuse paint to the glass.

No, we also work on glass containers for beer and spirits, gourmet food products, olive oil, cannabis, and water bottles.

In both screen printing and etching, a typical lead time is 3-4 months (from initial contact). Our process starts with artwork development, followed by pre-production sampling through complete production run. This timeline can fluctuate based on overall quantity of bottles and/or complexity of a project.

Screen print: 250 (12 pack) cases for 200ml – 750ml in size, single varietal.

Screen printed large formats (1.5L and 3L): for large formats we reference bottles instead of cases when determining quantities. We require a minimum of 120 bottles for 1.5Ls and 3Ls. Please be aware that the number of colors allowed could change our minimum requirements.

Etching: we have no minimums in custom etching.

Dressing: we have no minimums required for dressing and fulfillment.

Yes, but ONLY in the months of September and October.

Yes! We would love to have you in. Appointments are required. You can tour both screen printing and etching, as well as our showroom.

No, but we can receive full shiners Tax Paid.

Screen printed bottles are 100% recyclable. The paint gets melted down with and into the glass when being repurposed. Etched bottles are 100% recyclable after the paint has been removed which can very easily be stripped off the bottle with water and pressure. Screen printed and etched bottles are also perfect for upcycling; you can repurpose them for candles, water bottles or vases. We have even seen them turned into chandeliers!

We partner with vendors who participate in sustainable practices to ensure we are actively mindful of our carbon footprint as a company. The minimal waste generated by our production operation is almost 100% recyclable. We recycle pallet wrap, damaged boxes, and glass containers, as well as recycle or reuse wooden pallets. If we experience a quality control issue (misprint), paint is hand scraped from the un-fired ware and re-printed. In the rare case of a misprinted run that has already gone through the Lehr, the entirety of the product, glass, & cardboard case, is recycled.

GLASS bottles and other cylindrical glass vessels typically intended to contain liquid.

Apparel, decanters, metal, plastic, wood, wine stems, and glassware.

We use high fire thermal plastic inks.

We currently have 8 machines: 3 fully automatic, and 5 semi-automatic machines along with 3 complete production lines.

Yes, with required minimums and design limitations.

No, we do not provide spray or frosted coatings of any kind.

Yes, but there are limitations regarding certain treatments.

No, we need empty bottles so they can be fired through Lehrs at 1180 degrees for permanent adhesion.

In screen print, numbering may only be done with a singular repeating statement on each bottle specific to the color layer it applies to.

Examples of numbering sequences or statements for screen printing:

• 1 of 1,000 bottles made/produced
• Only 350 cases produced
• 1 of 350 bottles made
• Limited production
• Only 3 barrels produced.

In etching, individual numbering is possible for any number of bottles. Etching allows us to produce individual masks for numbers or specialty custom text making numbering sequences possible. For example: 1 of 100.

We use a combination of specialty process enamel paints for fine detail and intricate paint work. For large areas requiring consistent and even coverage, we use various spray paint brands and often make our custom spray paints that are applied via airbrushing.

Etching is a cold process, which allows us to work on a full product. This is because there is no heat application at any point in the process. Our etch studio is also temperature controlled allowing us to work on bottles any time of day. We will work on full bottles up to 6L in size. All sizes above 6L need to be brought to us empty due to liability and safety concerns.

Yes, we do. We reserve this for full products we work on in etching. We do not offer unlimited or indefinite cold storage.

No, they do not ever scan properly, if at all. If you require a barcode for an etched bottle, we strongly encourage you to plan on applying a barcode sticker.

We can screen print up to 7 colors. We have the ability to print more but typically we use a repeating color already being utilized in the design.

We love playing with colors! Yes, we can create custom colors and we try to color match to the best of our ability. We will also create custom mixes to achieve specific textures or effects.

We offer metallic paints that are faux gold but look much different and are not as brilliant. They contain raw mica, which is natural sparkle/shimmer. We also provide true precious metal inks: 22 Carat gold, white gold/platinum, and copper.

Precious metal inks are expensive because they contain true precious metals (gold, platinum, copper). The price of our gold fluctuates with the market. Our precious materials can range from 7-12% of actual precious metal. Added cost also depends on how much is used based on design.

50ml up to 3L bottles.

375ml up to 27L.

1-5% depending on complexity of design and volume of production run.

Yes, but we require large minimums and custom tooling fees apply.

We carry a limited stock of large format bottles primarily 3Ls, 5Ls, and 6Ls intended for custom etching. We do not supply glass for screen print.

We work with the following manufacturers and suppliers regularly:

• All American Containers
• Ardagh Group
• Berlin Packaging
• Encore Glass
• Global Package
• MA Silva
• O-I Glass
• Saverglass
• Saxco
• TricorBraun

No, we do not currently accept bulk glass.

Blackening is the process of coating the inside of a bottle using a specific type of paint to give the illusion of it being “full”. This process is often done when producing display bottles that are never intended to be filled. You cannot fill a bottle that has been blackened due to the chemical nature of the paint.

We can do full dip, half dip, dripped wax, dollops, as well as emboss/deboss wax stamping.

Yes, we are happy to assist with shipping logistics as requested. We have a handful of preferred carriers we work with.

Yes, we can provide individual shippers for 1.5L bottles up to 27L bottles.

Yes, our Art Department is led by one Art Director, one Etch and Paint Creative Specialist, one Creative Process Specialist, and two accompanying Production Artists.

We provide custom design services for both screen print and etching, including custom illustration and artwork. We are happy to work with you on redesign as well, particularly when converting from paper to screen print or helping introduce screen printed labels into your portfolio.

Yes, frequently and often! We are happy to work alongside your designer or design team to help achieve your packaging vision.

Yes, we can create TTB files. We will NOT submit them on your behalf; however, we will provide you with the necessary files for successful submission.

We provide a pre-production sample, which becomes your “press check”. Pre-production sampling is optional and not all projects require this process.

Yes, once we have a project and pricing commitment.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Artwork development and sampling fees will be charged prior to work being started.

YES. We can print UPC and QR codes, including white ink on flint bottles, and they will still scan.

Ensuring all spot colors are on separate layers of the art file. One color per layer is essential for the screen printing process.

NO. Bergin’s paints are not CMYK; we use custom pigment mixes to get as close as possible to your color call‑outs.

Trapping is the practice of overlapping the edges of objects to improve registration in printing. Sometimes we use knockouts on the glass surface as our trap color to control small shifts.

Vector art consists of points, lines, curves, and shapes based on mathematical formulas, so it can be easily scaled full‑size or smaller without losing resolution.

Not all raster images (JPEGs) are appropriate for screen printing or etching. All raster images must be reviewed by our art team to ensure quality and printability; typically, text and logos must be vector.

Screen Print: Limited to one color per screen. Max of 7 colors per package.

Etch: No strict limits, you can use several different paints to achieve your intended look.

Bergin will adjust art as necessary for a professional result. We often need to tweak files to meet minimum specs. We’ll always discuss significant changes first.

We need your updates 30-45 days ahead of the your scheduled print date. Consolidate all changes; every new change requires updated art and formal approval.

If you have PMS colors, we can match them to our ink palette or send a swatch bottle. RGB and CMYK references are not accepted. Provide a physical paper label for best color control. Some colors may take longer to coat.

Best: Adobe Illustrator (AI) packaged vector file with live text, including links and fonts. Otherwise, an AI or PDF with outlined text works.

Artwork is reviewed by our Etch & Paint Dept. Small details or thin lines get thickened to meet minimum specs (0.75–1 pt). Shoulder work on Burgundy bottles is possible, but must be inspected.

It represents stencil masks, not the final product. Final art requires color call‑outs or a paper label reference.