How Do You Print On A Custom Mug?
Custom printed mugs are personalized mugs with any design or image printed on them. They allow you to put your own creative spin on an ordinary coffee mug or travel mug. Custom mugs make great personalized gifts for friends, family, coworkers, and clients. They can commemorate special occasions, showcase photos, or display any artwork or design you choose. The recipient will appreciate the uniqueness of having their own custom mug.
Printing custom designs is an affordable way to create one-of-a-kind drinkware that is sure to be used and appreciated on a regular basis. It allows you to turn cherished memories and favorite images into useful, lasting keepsakes. Overall, custom printed mugs are a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your drinkware collection or give a gift that shows you care.
Choosing a Mug
When printing a custom design on a mug, the first step is selecting the right mug for your needs. There are several factors to consider when choosing a mug material, shape, and size:
Mug Material:
- Ceramic – Most popular material, provides a smooth glossy surface for printing. Durable but can chip if dropped.
- Porcelain – Similar to ceramic but thinner material. More delicate.
- Stoneware – Thicker than ceramic, extremely durable.
- Glass – Prints beautifully but fragile. Best for home use.
- Stainless Steel – Durable, insulating, and stylish but less ideal surface for printing.
Mug Shape:
- Cylindrical – Classic mug shape, best for wrapping artwork around the surface.
- Tapered – Shapes that taper wider at the top provide a large print surface.
- Specialty Shapes – Consider a shape that fits your design like a heart or animal.
Mug Size:
- Standard (10-12 oz) – All-purpose sizing for hot and cold beverages.
- Large (14-16+ oz) – Great for generous portions of coffee or tea.
- Small (8 oz) – Cute petite mugs nice for espresso.
- Oversized (20+ oz) – Fun novelty sizing perfect for “World’s Best ___” type designs.
Select a mug based on the desired use, print area needed, and how the size fits with your custom design.1
Designing Custom Artwork
When designing custom artwork for mugs, it’s important to follow the proper image size and orientation. According to https://www.picturesalon.com/mug-print, the image size should be 8 1/4″ x 3 11/16″ (2500 x 1100 pixels @ 300 ppi). For a standard 11 oz mug, the maximum printable area is usually around 9.6 x 8 cm. As noted by https://medium.com/@giftways/tips-information-about-photo-mugs-d615103bdf10, you’ll want to optimize your image to properly fit this space.
The image should be oriented horizontally to wrap nicely around the mug’s circumference. Make sure to double check the exact specifications from your mug printing company, as requirements can vary. Properly sizing and orienting your artwork will ensure it prints cleanly and clearly on the final mug product.
Choosing a Printing Method
There are several printing methods to choose from when customizing a mug. Three of the most popular options are:
Dye Sublimation Printing: This method uses heat to infuse dye into a polymer coating on the mug. It allows for full-wrap printing with vibrant colors and designs. Dye sublimation results in a permanent print that won’t scratch or fade over time according to The 5 Printing Methods to Put Images on Personalized Mugs[1].
Screen Printing: With this technique, ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the mug. It works well for simple designs and bold colors. Screen printing can leave a slightly textured feel according to Our Top 5 Methods for Printing on Your Custom Mug[2].
Decals: Printed decals with your design can be applied to a mug. This allows printing on unusual shaped mugs. The finish is smooth but decals can wear over time according to Which Decorating Method Will Give You the Best Looking Mug[3].
Finding a Mug Printer
You have a couple options when it comes to finding a mug printing service. You can look for a local print shop in your area that offers custom mug printing. Or you can order online through a website that specializes in custom printed mugs. Both options have their pros and cons.
Going through a local print shop allows you to easily speak face-to-face with a representative to ask questions and get pricing. You don’t have to worry about shipping fragile mugs. The downside is that your options are limited to what that particular shop offers. The minimum order quantity may be higher than ordering online. And turnaround times can take longer.
Ordering custom mugs online gives you many more options with the ability to browse dozens of printing companies. Minimum orders are usually quite low. And production and shipping is very fast – many companies can print and ship your order within a few days. The drawback is you’ll have to pay shipping costs. And if there are any issues with the order, returns or exchanges can be a bit more difficult.
If ordering online, be sure to read reviews of any mug printing company you are considering. Look at sample photos of printed mugs to assess quality. Reputable services will have an easy online ordering process, provide prompt customer communication, and deliver high quality prints.
Preparing Artwork for Printing
Preparing print-ready artwork is a key step in getting great results with custom mug printing. The file you submit to your printer will determine the quality of the final product. There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating your design:
Use high resolution image formats. Vector art like AI, EPS, and PDF are ideal for maintaining crisp edges at any size. High resolution JPG, PNG, and TIFF files will also print nicely. Low resolution images will look pixelated or blurry when printed.
Manage colors properly. Convert images to CMYK color mode, as this is what printing presses use. RGB files will shift in tone and saturation when converted to CMYK by the printer. You may need to adjust colors after conversion to get the final look you want.
Mind the margins. Leave at least 0.25 inches of blank space around your artwork to allow for printer margin requirements. Anything important should be kept within this margin.
Save as the right file type. Your printer will specify file formats they accept. Common ones are EPS, AI, PDF, PSD, JPG, PNG. Sending an incompatible format may cause printing delays or quality issues.
Check sizing. Scale artwork to match your printer’s template or specifications. Undersized designs may not fully cover the mug surface. Oversized artwork risks being cropped.
Print a test first. For critical jobs, request a test print on an inexpensive item to check quality before final production. This helps catch any issues early.
Following these tips will ensure you submit optimal print-ready artwork, leading to great results on your custom printed mugs. For more details, refer to this informative guide: https://www.printful.com/blog/how-to-design-custom-mugs
Ordering and Payment
Once you’ve finalized your mug design and selected a printing method, it’s time to place your order. Most online mug printing services make the ordering process quick and easy.
Simply upload your artwork file during the order process. Many sites will allow you to preview how your design will look on the mug. Choose your quantity, mug type (color, size, shape, etc.), and any other customization options.
Then you’ll enter your shipping and billing information. Most mug printers accept all major credit cards. Many also offer PayPal or even Amazon Pay. Payment is usually collected when you place your order.
Pricing varies depending on the printing method, mug type, customization options, quantity, and the printer you choose. On average, custom printed mugs cost $10-$20 each. Ordering in bulk usually results in a discounted per unit price.
Be sure to review turnaround time and shipping costs before finalizing your order. Many mug printers offer rush production and expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Turnaround Time
Most custom mug printing companies will print and ship orders within 1-3 business days. This quick turnaround time allows you to get your custom printed mugs in your hands faster. The production process typically takes 1-2 days, which includes printing the mugs and applying any protective coatings. Once the mugs are printed, the company will pack and ship the order via your chosen shipping method. Standard shipping within the continental US generally takes 1-3 business days in transit. Expedited shipping such as priority mail or courier services can deliver the mugs within 1-2 days.
So in total, expect a 3-5 business day turnaround from the time you place your order to delivery for standard US shipping. This fast production and shipping ensures you receive your custom printed mugs promptly. However, exact turnaround times can vary slightly by company and volume of orders in their production queue. Discuss expected turnaround with your chosen mug printing company to get an accurate delivery estimate.
Applying the Decals
Applying custom decals to your mug is easy and straightforward with just a few supplies. First, make sure your mug is clean and dry before application. Gather your printed decal, a damp cloth or paper towel, a sharp craft knife or scissors, and a plastic applicator or squeegee.
Start by cutting out your decal design carefully with the craft knife or scissors. Be sure not to wrinkle or fold the decal. Wet the mug lightly where you plan to apply the decal. Carefully peel the backing off the decal and place it onto the mug. Use the applicator or squeegee to smooth the decal onto the surface, pressing out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Work from the center outward.
You may need to trim excess decal around the edges with the craft knife. Finally, give the decal 24 hours to firmly adhere before using the mug. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher for at least a week after application. For best results, hand-wash the mug and avoid abrasive scrubbing of the decal.
Caring for Printed Mugs
Printed mugs require some special care to ensure the artwork lasts. It’s important to handwash printed mugs after each use with warm water and mild detergent to prevent staining from coffee or tea, according to Hippierunner. Allow the mug to air dry instead of using a dish towel to prevent damaging the print.
You’ll want to avoid putting printed mugs in the microwave or dishwasher, as the heat can cause the vinyl decals to peel or warp. According to SILOZ, custom mugs should only be hand washed to preserve the printed design. Letting mugs soak can also cause the vinyl to lift from the glazed surface.
With proper care by washing by hand after each use and avoiding heat damage, your custom printed mug can last for years while maintaining its unique artwork and design.
