How Cannabis Vape Brands Can Build a Truly Differentiated Disposable from Zero to One-Part 2
In the previous article, we discussed how to customize the appearance and materials of disposable vape devices. In this chapter, we will explore surface finishing options and vape battery selection—three key elements that further shape the performance and look of your product.
1. Surface Finishing
Most disposable vape housings arrive as blank, unprinted raw materials. If you want to add your brand logo, create unique colorways, or achieve specific textures, various surface finishing processes can help you achieve the desired look. Below are the most commonly used methods and their characteristics.
1.1 Painting
Painting is the most widely used method for coloring disposable vape shells and works on both plastic and metal materials.
Key advantages:
● Nearly any color can be matched
● Minimal color variance across batches
● Consistent performance on different base materials
Common paint finishes include:
Glossy Paint: Shiny, polished look
Matte Paint: Non-reflective, smooth appearance
Rubber Paint: Matte finish with a soft-touch feel
1.2 Injection Coloring (Color Masterbatch)
Injection coloring is mainly applied to plastic components such as housings and mouthpieces. Pigments are mixed with the raw material prior to injection molding, eliminating the need for post-process painting.
Pros:
Lower cost, no additional surface treatment required
Cons:
Finish is restricted by mold design; if the mold surface is glossy, the final part will always be glossy, regardless of pigment changes
1.3 Electroplating
Electroplating creates a metallic look and works on both plastic and metal shells. Available in silver, gold, grey, and various other tones.
Cost differences:
Gold plating is typically more expensive than silver or grey
Matte finishes are generally pricier than glossy ones
1.4 UV Printing / Silk-Screening / Laser Engraving
These processes are typically used for branding, such as adding logos or graphic elements to the device surface. Most Chinese vape suppliers can readily support any of the following:
Silk-Screening: Ideal for simple logos with 1–2 colors
UV Printing: Best for full-color or gradient-rich graphics
Laser Engraving: Creates premium metallic-textured logos
1.5 Anodizing
Anodizing is applied to aluminum alloy shells. It offers a refined metallic appearance and improves surface durability.
**Limitation:** Color options are more restricted compared to painting.
These are the most common surface finishing methods for disposable vapes. Simply share your desired style and budget with your supplier, and they can recommend the best solution to achieve your vision.
2. Battery (Cell) Customization
The battery cell is the power source of the disposable device and determines its overall lifespan. While it may seem ideal to choose the largest capacity possible, bigger isn't always better.
A higher-capacity battery requires a larger physical size, which in turn increases the size of the disposable—something most brands want to avoid.
Therefore, the best practice is to first finalize your product’s external dimensions and then select the largest-capacity battery that fits within that design. This ensures a balanced approach to endurance, portability, and overall user experience.
These are the core factors to consider when developing a completely new disposable vape from scratch. Of course, many other technical details come into play throughout the process. If you’d like to learn more or need support with your project, feel free to reach out anytime.
Transpring has specialized in THC vape OEM/ODM solutions for over 13 years. With our own ceramic coil factory and in-house electronic engineering lab, we are a trusted partner to many well-known brands.
