Stains Can Be Beneficial Especially On Wood!

Making wood, presentation boxes from hardwoods such as Oak, Maple and Beech, can be expensive, so Polmac (UK) Ltd uses a range of beautiful, coloured wood stains, as an alternative. 

Polmac Wood Stain Finishes

These are applied to base woods such as Linden or Alder wood, as a more economic solution, whilst at the same time preserving the high quality finish that customers demand!

Light coloured woods, such as oak, pine, or ash can look dull with no wood staining, so it's used to highlight and compliment the wood grain, to provide a more vibrant finish.

Polmac wood stains are a mixture of dyes and pigments, mixed with water that can be applied with a brush, a sponge, or a spray gun.

The pigments lodge in the wood pores and the dyes are absorbed into the wood cells. This gives the wood a subtle, translucent quality, that oil based block colours cannot match.

Pigmented, wood stains are also more resistant to fading in direct sunlight and are easier to apply evenly than dyes alone.

Water-based wood stains, dry very quickly, so powered, spray guns are used before they becomes tacky. Using spray guns, also means that a perfectly even finish can be achieved and the job can be finished in one day. 

 Polmac Wood Stain Power Spraying

After the wood stain dries, a clear lacquer seal is applied, to preserve the finish and prevent finger marks remaining on the wood, when handled!

A wide range of colours are available, which means that wood stains are better for colour matching purposes, than oil based alternatives.

Many Polmac wood boxes are made from Linden and Alder wood, because the colour and texture of the wood is ideal for colour staining purposes!

Polmac, Linden and Alder wood, presentation boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value, which means they boost bottom-line, product sales!

http://www.pomacuk.com 

Linden Trees Have Many Unusual Uses!

European Linden trees, are known in Britain as Lime trees and can be seen on many high streets. They like full sunlight and are similar to the American Linden tree, because they take years to develop a full, leaf canopy. 

Linden Tree Street Scene

European Linden trees have smaller leaves than the American variety, which can grow up to eight inches in length and five inches in width.

Linden wood is very popular with cabinet makers and for making boxes, because it has a straight grain and is a relatively soft wood! Linden wood is also ideal for making musical instruments, such as guitars and flutes.

Linden has many other unusual uses, including as an additive for...

Perfume
Medicine used to treat headaches, colds, coughs and fever
Flavourings for tea and oils
Hot baths, to alleviate stomach problems

Linden tree leaves used to be eaten raw, to induce sweating and reduce fevers. In some parts of the world, the ashes from burnt Linden wood was ingested to treat intestinal ailments, or applied directly to the skin to treat ulcers or edema.

Linden Tree Leaves & Fruit

The Vikings used Linden bark to build their shields and in the Middle Ages it was used to carve elaborate sculptures, as it is today.

Linden fruit contains a sticky substance that can damage car paint, so it's wise not to park your car next to a Linden tree. The Japanese weave Linden wood fibres into their clothing to give it more  texture. 

Polmac Linden Wood Cheese Safe For: Harrods Ltd - London

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies wood, presentation boxes, made from Linden wood, that are custom-made to our customers exact requirements. 

Many Polmac boxes are made from Linden wood, because it is easily worked by hand, has a beautiful colour and texture and is ideal for wood staining purposes!

Polmac, Linden wood boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value, which means they boost bottom-line, product sales!

http://www.polmacuk.com 

The Silkworms Have Turned!

Real silk is made from a substance that thousands of small silkworms excrete naturally. Making real silk is very labour intensive and for this reason it is an expensive material and so a cheaper, synthetic silk fabric was developed.

Synthetic silk is commonly made from rayon, which is a man-made fibre, manufactured from cellulose. It can also be made from natural fibre, such as mercerized cotton.

Polmac Synthetic Silk Lining Fabrics

Synthetic silk has undergone many formulaic changes since it first appeared and over the years suppliers have become skilled at manufacturing a high quality, cheaper alternative to real silk.

Now, synthetic silk can be made from wool or cotton yarn, to provide that natural silk-like feel. There are many cloths made from synthetic silk, like women's blouses, dresses and lingerie and accessories, such as scarves and ties.

However, synthetic silk, with it's extensive, colour range, is also used to line wood, presentation boxes, as an alternative to flock and other 'velveteen' type fabric linings. 

Polmac Silver Tankard Box: Lined With Synthetic Red, Silk Fabric

Synthetic silk, just like it's more expensive cousin, has a 'loose' feel, so when used as a lining material for wood boxes, foam, or polystyrene, moulded inserts are provided as a substrate, support material.

Synthetic silk is stronger than real silk, although it is susceptible to water damage. Therefore, the fabric must be kept dry at all times.

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies wood, presentation boxes that have synthetic, silk, fabric linings, in a range of wonderful, vibrant colours. They're beautifully made, versatile and terrific value and provide that luxuriant 'feel', that many customers find irresistible!

http://www.polmacuk.com

Flock Fabric - A Beautiful Lining Material!

Coloured, flock fabrics with their wonderful, velvety surface, are used on a wide variety of everyday objects, such as in car glove boxes, packaging for perfumes and wood, presentation box linings...

Polmac Flock Fabrics

Consumers are always searching for something unusual and different, as are suppliers. A special item, or product will increase their market share and generate more business.

Flock fabrics, do provide something different, which is always a top priority for both consumers and suppliers and this has led to a recent upsurge in the their use. 

Flocking for decorative purposes has been used from the earliest times. In the Middle Ages, for example, fibre dust was attached to sticky surfaces. 

However, it was in the 1970s, with the advent of better technology and adhesives, that flocking became a much more popular decoration method.

Polmac Cutlery Box With Flock Lining

Flock fabrics are made by applying short, coloured fibres, usually nylon, rayon or polyester, directly  to a flexible substrate material, that has been coated with an adhesive. The adhesive must be as flexible and resistant to wear as the substrate.

The diameter of the individual flock strands are only about a thousandths of a centimetre, with lengths ranging from 0.25 - 5 mm.

The flock strands are electrically charged by a special machine, which causes them to stand up. The strands are then fixed at right angles to the substrate, providing a tough, durable material.

Polmac (UK) Ltd uses a range of vibrant, coloured, flock fabrics to line their wood, presentation boxes, transforming a simple bottle, or jar into a wonderful gift set, or luxurious presentation pack!

http://www.polmacuk.com

Spread The Word With Miniature Whisky Gift Sets!

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies custom-made, wood, whisky boxes to the Scottish whisky industry, for full size and 50ml miniature whisky.

Polmac, 5-Bottle, Miniature Gift Set For: The Gaelic Whiskies

 

If you're curious about 'Scotch' whisky, then I recommend you try a 'wee dram', because whatever you choose, you'll experience a beautifully, smooth and unique taste, that has endured and got better over the centuries...

The whisky industry in Scotland originated in the 15th Century when in 1494 the earliest record of distilling in Scotland was documented.

Since then, the whisky industry has developed to become a crucial part of Scottish cultural life and today is a huge, global industry, exporting to many countries around the world.

However, it was not until the late 1960's that the marketing potential of tourism to the Scottish whisky industry in general and distilleries, in particular, began to be realized.

It was not until the late 1960's that the marketing potential of tourism to the Scottish whisky industry in whisky and general distilleries, in particular, began to be realized.

Since then, many whisky distillery visitor centres have opened and they now make a significant contribution to the range of tourist attractions in Scotland.

An individual whisky miniature, or gift set is ideal for whisky visitor centres and the retail trade, because they can be used as gifts, samples or for promotional purposes.

A miniature is a small 50ml bottle of a whisky and is intended as a single shot and a range of whisky miniatures can be accommodated in a single gift set!

Sometimes miniature gift sets include a special drinking glass and a label, or loose scroll, describing the whisky inside.

In the USA, whisky miniatures are called 'Nips' and they're often found in hotel bars, trains and on planes, where serving from a full size bottle is impractical.

Polmac custom-made, wood, whisky boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value. They're designed to reflect the premium quality whisky inside and so boost bottom-line whisky sales!

http://www.polmacuk.com

What's The Difference Between Scotch & Irish Whiskey?

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies custom-made, wood, whiskey boxes, for premium quality, Scotch and Irish whiskey. If you're curious about these whiskies, then I recommend you to have a 'wee dram' and try both. However, you may ask yourself this question...

What's the difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch? The main difference is that, normally, Irish whiskey is distilled three times and Scotch whisky twice! 

Locke's Irish Whiskey Box With Scroll

Furthermore, many Scotch whiskies are peated and have a distinct smoky flavour, whilst Irish whiskey is typically un-peated. There are however exceptions and there many un-peated Scotch whiskies and some peaty Irish whiskies.

The Scotch and Irish whiskey brands are protected by law. Irish Whiskey must be distilled and aged in Ireland and have an alcohol content, no greater than 94.8 %, by volume, from a yeast-fermented mash of cereal grains.

Irish Whiskey must be aged for a minimum of 3 years in wooden barrels. Usually old Bourbon or Madeira barrels are used, to create the smooth, delicious flavour, for which Irish Whiskey is known. 

If Irish whiskey contains two or more distillates, it must be labeled as "blended"!

Irish whiskey can be described as a 'single pot still', 'single malt', 'single grain', and 'blended', However, there are no rules of production for single malt or single grain Irish whiskey, so the distilleries label the whiskey themselves!

Polmac (UK) Ltd, custom-made, wood, whiskey boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value and are designed to reflect the premium quality whiskey inside, which means they boost product sales!

http://www.polmacuk.com

How Has Golf Evolved Over The Years?

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies wood, presentation boxes, including golf accessory boxes. They're custom made, to our customers exact requirements and are packed with a range of high quality, golf accessories, including golf balls, tees and score cards etc. 

Polmac (UK) Ltd Golf Accessories Box

If you enjoy sports and are curious about golf, then maybe you should give it a try. It's an exciting and relaxing sport, played by different age groups, from the very young to the elderly and has a fascinating history! 

From the earliest times, many games were played with a club and a ball. There were even sports similar to golf and hockey, played in Roman times. Friendly games were played amongst well to do Romans, who needed a pastime, to entertain themselves.

Throughout the middle ages, different forms of golf were played in Europe and it is thought that the game originated in 15th century Holland. The word 'golf' comes from the Dutch word 'kolf' and this pronunciation has remained!

Golf then moved to England, where it was played with just a stick and a pebble but it was in Scotland that the first true matches were organized.

The rolling, sandy landscape of Scotland's east coast was perfect for the development of golf and the game that's played today, really originated in Scotland, over five hundred years ago.

In the middle of the 18th century, man-made golf balls began to be used in place of pebbles.

The quality of golf clubs also began to improve, changing from wood, to metal and carbon fibre. However, as the quality improved, their weight also increased. That's when 'caddies' came to the sport, because the wealthy needed someone to carry their golf bags.

Golf became a more rounded sport in the 18th century Britain, when a set of written rules began to emerge. By the 19th century golf had spread to the USA and today it's played all over the world!

Polmac (UK) Ltd golf boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value, which means they're very appealing to golf aficionados. They can be personalized with a printed logo and text and  even designed to include whisky and other high quality spirits, for special golf events!

http://www.polmacuk.com

Did Diana Know The Difference Between Ceramics & Pottery?

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies wood, presentation boxes, for fine ceramics and pottery, so we do come across many examples of both. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between ceramics and pottery?

Polmac, Princess Diana Whisky Jug Presentation Box

Pottery and ceramics have actually been a vital part of human culture for centuries. In ancient times, people made simple storage containers for a range of foodstuffs and other essentials. Since then, technology has made huge advances and today, we make high tech, heat resistant tiles for the space Shuttle!

Ceramics are made from materials that undergo a permanent change when heated. Natural, soft clay contains a lot of water, which means it tends to dissolve when in contact with water. However, when it's heated, it transforms into a hard, water-resistant ceramic material!

All types of clay can be called 'ceramic', as can glazes, because glazes too, are permanently changed when heated.

Polmac, Fine Japanese Rice Bowls Presentation Box

When people talk about 'pottery', they are typically describing some kind of container, made from clay. The term 'pot' is generally used when describing a type of container. Both words nevertheless, come from the ‘Old English’ expression 'to push'!

When you see the potter push forward, as the clay is tossed onto the wheel, it's is easy to see how the name was derived. The term 'pottery' may also be used to describe small objects like figurines!

In many western countries, contemporary pottery can be categorized as 'commercial pottery, or ceramics', that is produced in factories or as 'studio pottery', that is produced by individual potters!

The term 'art pottery' means it can be produced both commercially and by an individual potter!

From storage containers to high tech, heat resistant tiles, pottery and ceramics have played a crucial role in the development of mankind over the centuries and continue to do so!

Polmac (UK) Ltd, wood, presentation boxes, are custom-made to our customers exact requirements, at no extra cost. They are carefully packed and despatched to our customer's door and they place their exquisite, ceramic and pottery objects inside!

Polmac, wood, presentation boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value and are designed to reflect the fine quality ceramic and pottery objects inside, which  increases their perceived value  to the customer and therefore boosts bottom line sales!

http://www.polmacuk.com

The Enduring Appeal of Natural Wicker!

Have you ever received a wicker basket filled to overflowing, with a myriad of fabulous gifts, you 'd never think of buying. It's a real treat!

Polmac Wicker Baskets

Although wicker is seen as a traditional material, high quality wicker baskets are still very much in demand and popular. Many people like the light brown colour, which reminds them of something natural, or maybe of wood.

Wickers popularity can be attributed in part, to its ongoing use. When you send a wicker basket to someone, you're really sending them two gifts for the price of one!

                                                               
Wicker is an environmentally sustainable shrub and is the perfect cash crop, which is great news for the environment! It also directly contributes to the community where it's grown.

Polmac Wicker Baskets

Polmac wicker used for baskets, is sourced in Poland from managed crops. It's essentially an indigenous plant in Poland and has been grown there for centuries, although it originally came from China.

                                                              

Wicker is a very fast growing plant, unlike a traditional willow tree. It's grown in the Autumn and is cut back each season, making it an environmentally sustainable product.

The smooth, shiny varnished effect you often see, is produced by a boiling process, which is a more natural production process. 

However, colours can also be applied to wicker, for a more personalized effect. A dark brown, coloured wicker basket for example, can look more stylish!

Polmac supplies a range of natural, wicker baskets, that are custom-made to order, to our customers exact requirements. 

Polmac wicker baskets are then despatched to to our customers, who fill them with a range of wonderful products, including for health and beauty gift sets!

http://www.polmacuk.com

The World Of Whisky, Or Is It Whiskey?

Polmac (UK) Ltd supplies wood, whisky boxes, which are custom-made to our customers exact requirements. Polmac whisky boxes are then despatched directly to our customers, who pack them with a range of wonderful single malt whiskies! 

 Single Malt Whisky Box With Parchment For: Isle Of Arran Distillery

Whisky or whiskey, is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. 

Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn (maize), rye, and wheat. 

Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, that are generally made of charred white oak. 

At one time, all whisky was spelled without the extra 'e', as "whiskey". Around 1870, the reputation of Scottish whisky was very poor, as Scottish distilleries flooded the market with cheaper spirits produced using the Coffey still. 

The Irish and American distilleries therefore, adopted the spelling "whiskey", with the extra "e", to distinguish their higher quality product. 

Locke's Single Malt Irish Whiskey For: The Cooley Distillery

Today, the spelling whisky (plural whiskies) is generally used for whiskies distilled in Scotland, Wales, Canada, Australia and Japan, while whiskey is used for the spirits distilled in Ireland and America.

A blended whiskey (or whisky) is the product of blending different types of whiskeys and sometimes also neutral grain spirits, coloring, and flavorings. It is generally the product of mixing one or more higher-quality straight, or single malt whiskies, with lighter spirits and water.

It takes three years to complete the process of production of whisky and it has to stay inside an oak cask for three full years to be called whisky. 

To be called Scotch, the spirits have to remain in an oak cask for three years, on Scottish ground. Single malt whiskies take 8 to 10 years of ageing. 

Older whiskeys are more expensive and considered better tasting. Whisky does not mature in bottles like wine does; it only matures in the casks. 

Most whiskies are chill-filtered before bottling, to remove the residue produced during distillation. This prevents the whisky getting hazy and cloudy. 

Single malt and single grain Scotch whiskies are the main types and blends, which are made from these two basic types. 

If you're curious about whisky / whiskey, then give it a try. There is nothing quite like it. Whisky has a unique taste and has remained original throughout the centuries. 

http://www.polmacuk.com

The Enduring Qualities of Alder Wood!

Alder is one of the high quality, base woods that, Polmac (UK) Ltd uses to manufactures many of it's wood, presentation boxes and packaging, including decorated boxes, that are custom-made to order, to our customers exact requirements! 

Alder Trees

Alder trees are widespread throughout Europe and particularly in Poland, in the mountainous south of the country, where the wood is derived and can grow to 30m or more! 

They are normally found on the banks of rivers and streams and in damp / cool conditions, such as marshes and wet woodland.

The wood itself has a warm, reddish brown colour, with good grain character  and is relatively soft compared to most hardwoods.

Polmac, Alder Wood, Decorated Boxes

Alder wood is easily worked by hand, or machine and is not very susceptible to shrinkage or cracking after drying/curing, which is a great advantage, when making wooden boxes!

Alder wood provides an excellent base for wood staining, as an alternative to more expensive, high-grade woods! 

There are a wide range of natural, wood stain finishes, including oak, mahogany and maple. Indeed, many people are amazed at the astonishing effects that natural, wood stain finishes can provide!

Natural, Wood Stain Finishes

There are also many colour stain finishes, such as red, blue, green and yellow, that provide a fresh, vibrant quality, that many people prefer.

 Wood, Colour Stain Finishes

Alder wood is also an excellent wood for carving, because it can be easily worked, using hand tools, as well as wood turning machines. This means that intricate decorations and motifs can be carved into the wood, providing visually stunning effects!  

In addition to presentation boxes and decorated boxes, Alder wood has many other uses, such as furniture, cabinet making, smoking salmon and clogs. It's said that if you place a few Alder leaves on the clogs, they will keep your feet cool and prevent swelling, on a long journey!

The Alder tree is thought to have other mysterious qualities. The dye from Alder tree blossom for example, produces a green dye and is said to have provided the 'Lincoln Green' colour for Robin Hood's clothing, when he was fighting the wicked Prince John, in Sherwood Forest!

When cut, Alder wood has a reddish colour, not dissimilar to the colour of blood and is thought to give the impression of 'bleeding'. For this reason, many Irish people think it's bad luck to pass an Alder tree, when they're out on their travels!

http://www.polmacuk.com

    

    





 

  

Presentation Boxes & Packaging For Food & Drink Products!

Food packaging comes in all shapes, sizes and designs. Whether you manufacture home-baked biscuits, sauces or canned foods,  your food packaging needs to be both informative and attractive! 

Polmac Gift Box For Fortnum & Mason - London UK

Information such as the ingredients contained in the food, where it's made, how much salt, or sugar is in it etc. needs to be displayed on the packaging. It also needs to be eye-catching, so your customers will want to purchase your food product/s.

Food packaging is the most important element in the marketing process. The main function of food packaging is to protect the product. However, the main function of food packaging design, is to attract your customers!

Your packaging should sell itself, which means you should have a strong brand identity and packaging that communicates information about your product/s, clearly and concisely to your customers! 

Food products are often marketed individually, particularly within the retail sector, so the principles of food packaging described above apply to the packaging that directly contains the food product. However, many foods are marketed as gift sets, or packs, in what is called 'presentation packaging'!

If you have taken the time and trouble to design your direct food packaging well and fail to reflect that quality and brand identity in your 'presentation packaging', all your marketing efforts may be in vain! 

It's important therefore to ensure that, your 'presentation packaging' is also appealing to your customers and reflects the quality of your food products, because first impressions count! 

Polmac (UK) Ltd manufactures wood, presentation boxes and packaging, for the Food and Drinks industry and each box is custom-made, to our customers exact requirements.

Our customized, wood, presentation boxes are delivered directly to our customers door and they fill them with a range of wonderful food products!

Polmac boxes are beautifully made, versatile and terrific value,  turning a simple bottle or jar into a luxurious and irresistible, gift set, or presentation pack, which means they will boost your product sales!

http://www.polmacuk.com