Mug Printing Methods

For mugs printing, we may use several print methods to decorate our mugs such as Transfer Printing, Direct Screen Printing, Digital Printing, Dye Sublimation, Heat Change Mugs and Four Colour Printing.We summarise the qualities and limitations of each of printing method. We compiled a list based on our research and understanding. Please let us know if we correct, and if there are important details that should be included or missed out.

Transfer Printing:

Transfer printing is suitable for earthenware and may also be used on bone china. For more complex art tones and full colour work, this method is more suitable to use. Although slower and more labour intensive than direct screen printing it is more flexible and precise. Printing can be to the whole surface including the base and also just inside the rim. We consider Transfer Printing when larger than average print coverage is needed, printing in 4-colour process is required or where more complex designs are specified.

Direct Screen Printing:

Same as transfer printing, this process is also suitable for earthenware and may also be used on bone china. It is ideal when the design is relatively simple and there are no complex half tones. Screen printing is primarily used for the low-budget end of the earthenware sector and print is to only part of the surface. The process lends itself to printing several thousand items a day.

Digital Printing:

If you require a high quality reproduction and resolution of photographic or cartoon images, Digital Printing is suitable to use. It is best suited to small print runs but not for images with strong primary colours or coloured glazed ceramics.

Dye Sublimation:

We use the Dye Sublimation to print of any number of colours and produces superb full colour images and brilliant photographic reproduction. The process lends itself to small runs with a fast lead-time. You should note that it is not right for certain mug shapes or mugs that need to withstand frequent harsh dishwasher cycles.

Heat Change Mugs:

This innovative process results in a very dramatic and visually interesting promotional mug and is ideal for earthenware. It is not suitable, however, for bone china or mugs likely to experience vigourous dish-washing cycles or microwave use. The effect is that when you pour hot liquid into the mug it changes colour and image before your eyes.

Four Colour Printing:

For large run photographic work, we pefer use Four Colour Printing. Compared with dye sub or digital printing that only suitable for small runs. The process divides the image into four basic colours – cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). However, when considering artwork, remember that computer monitors don’t always give a true reflection of Pantone colour and it is therefore best to accompany graphic files with a printed visual.