A custom graphic overlay is more than just a user interface—it’s where design meets function. As the first thing users see and touch, your overlay sets the stage for a positive experience with your brand. The best overlays offer intuitive control while withstanding years of heavy handling, heat, chemicals, and abrasion—all while keeping the interface clean, sharp, and functional.
At Empire Screen Printing, we specialize in high-performance overlays made from durable materials like polyester and polycarbonate. Whether you need scratch-resistant membrane switches for appliances or rugged nameplates for trailers, we provide all-in-one manufacturing solutions that deliver both form and function—making your product shine.
Top graphic overlay solutions by Empire
Bring your custom overlay to life with high-resolution graphics that enhance usability, safety, and branding.
- Nameplates
- Keyboards
- Keypads
- Appliance control
- Automotive controls
- Instrument panels
- Instructions
- Membrane switches
- Decorative panels
Custom overlays, made your way
From scratch-resistant coatings to strong adhesive backings and every layer in between, Empire handles every step of making your custom overlay in-house—printing, cutting, and finishing each element of your graphic interface. Choose materials and finishing options to create a functional surface that’s intuitive and durable.
Durable substrates: Polycarbonate vs polyester film
Every custom graphic overlay starts with a durable substrate. Polycarbonate and polyester are the top choices. What you select ultimately depends on the demands of your application. Both materials offer excellent resistance to scratches, moisture, and high temperatures — but each brings distinct advantages.
Polyester (PET) film: Known for its exceptional resistance to flexing and repeated actuations, PET film is ideal for overlays that will endure heavy, long-term use. It resists tearing and chemical exposure and is compatible with membrane circuitry and embossing applications.
Polycarbonate (PC) film: This versatile material is available in a range of finishes and textures to achieve the desired look and feel. It offers good resistance to abrasion and flame, is easily die-cut, and is often a more cost-effective option. However, it is less suited for embossing, as the process may cause cracking over time.
Material spotlight: Autotex® hardcoated PET film
Autotex® hardcoated polyester film is printable, flexible and textured, ideal for membrane and capacitive touch switch overlays. It features an antimicrobial surface that resists chemicals, flexing, abrasion and wear — making it well-suited for medical devices and other high-touch surfaces.
For design flexibility, Autotex® is available in a variety of textures including fine, velvet, touch, Softouch and Steel. It supports haptic feedback, smooth tactile motion and high-quality printed graphics.
Selective texture
Our film substrates are available in multiple finishes to create the perfect look and tactile experience:
- Glossy
- Velvet
- Suede
- Hardcoated
- Polished
Screenable & hand-applied adhesives
Custom adhesion solutions are selectively applied for adhesion-free buttons, windows and functional elements.
Embossing EmbellishmentsTactile enhancements add form and function to your graphic overlay, creating a more engaging surface, a more intuitive user experience and a stronger brand impression. Embossed features can guide users by feel, draw the eye to key features and enhance overall visual appeal.
Common embossing styles include:
- Pad
- Rimmed
- Rail
- Pillow
- Brail
- LED
- Dome
- Deboss keyface
- Emboss keyface
- Symbols, letters, and logos
Transparent/colored windows
Exact color matching and opacity control, ideal for backlit displays.
Deadfront graphics
Sleek, hidden-until-lit designs for a modern touch.
Colors & specialty inks
Match your brand colors or add a chrome, metallic or transparent ink finish.
Our manufacturing capabilities for durable labels & overlays
At Empire, each layer and component of your custom overlay is manufactured in-house using cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship.
Superior printing technologies
Your graphics, logos, and text, printed to exact specifications of your industry:
Screen printing – High-opacity, durable inks for long-lasting performance both indoors and out. Ideal for high-wear overlays, backlit dials, safety instructions, and brand markings.
Digital printing – High-resolution, full-color designs with gradient and fine detail capabilities, perfect for instructional overlays, safety labels, brand IDs and intricate graphics.
UV inkjet hybrid – The best of both worlds, combining digital flexibility with durability and precision for overlay printing, branding elements, serializing, or variable data options.
Sourcing the best materials for overlays
Need help choosing the best substrates and adhesives? Our experts will guide you through the options.
Flat-bed and rotary die-cutting services
Our close-tolerance die-cutting—accurate to +/- .005 inches—uses camera registration and sensors that compensate for screen or material stretch for greater precision. We also manufacture our dies in-house, which helps reduce lead times and gives you faster turnaround.
Assembly & value-added services
- Durable adhesive backings for effortless application. Simply peel, position, press—done! As a preferred 3M converter, we source high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesives designed to last.
- Custom packaging & kitting for streamlined product assembly.
- Rigorous quality assurance & inspections to meet industry standards.
Graphic overlays for OEMS–Your industry is our expertise
Hundreds of brands trust Empire for custom graphic overlays that enhance functionality, durability, and design across multiple industries:
- Appliances – User-friendly control panels for washers, dryers, ovens, and more.
- Electronics – Membrane switches, touch panels, and durable labels for consumer and industrial electronics.
- Fitness equipment – High-performance overlays for treadmills, elliptical machines, and strength training equipment.
- Food & beverage – Branding overlays, instructional decals, and durable controls for kitchen equipment and beverage dispensers.
- Medical devices – Sterile, easy-to-clean overlays for diagnostic equipment, hospital devices, and wearable medical technology.
- Outdoor power equipment – Rugged, weather-resistant overlays for lawnmowers, chainsaws, and power tools.
- Retail – Custom overlays for interactive kiosks, POS systems, and in-store branding.
- Sports & recreation – Branded overlays for outdoor recreational equipment, including bows, bikes, and kayaks.
- Trailers & vehicles – Durable labels and control panels for cargo trailers, RVs, and commercial vehicles.
- Watercraft & marine – UV-resistant overlays for boat dashboards, marine electronics, and engine controls.
Why Empire? The benefits of our custom overlays
Expertly customized – Our skilled technicians and automated processes craft every interface in-house. The result? A precise, seamless fit with your product.
Rapid prototyping – Test your overlay design with samples before committing—we’ll ship them straight to your door with minimal lead time.
Dynamic design – From high-quality printing to a full range of finishes, we help you create a modern, visually appealing interface.
Enduring quality – Our overlays resist scratches, wear, and fading, ensuring maximum durability.
Efficient every step of the way – Our integrated one-piece flow cellular manufacturing process deploys real-time risk identification and resolution, minimizing downtime and defects while raising quality, saving time and ensuring timely delivery.
Sustainable practices – Meet your sustainability goals with the world’s first UV LED ink curing technology, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Case study: Overlays for Fitness Equipment
"Fitness
fanatics are famously demanding and
frequently early adopters of technology
to improve their performance. Keeping
this audience happy is the lifeblood of the
manufacturer. Working with Empire gives
companies peace of mind and allows them to
continue to innovate without worries
about the quality and consistency of the
instructional information they provide to
their users."
— Sporting goods and leisure markets case study
Empire Screen Printing: The Art of the Overlay
Empire Screen Printing’s custom graphic overlays are designed to elevate your product’s functionality and brand identity. Whether you need a prototype or are ready for full-scale production, we’re here to help. Contact us to tell us about your product.
