Mug Printing

There are a number of different mug printing techniques for you to choose from, below is a breakdown of all options including their respective benefits.

Direct Screen Printing
In this method an image, usually up to 4 line colours, is printed within a given area, directly onto the mug.
This method is used when:
The design is simple.
There are no complex half-tones - although some half-tones can be direct printed.
The registration is not over demanding.
The design is not required to be larger than the print area.
Printing earthenware mugs.
This process is a cost effective printing technique. A direct printer can print several thousand prints per day, as compared with the slower, hand decorated transfer process.

Transfer Printing
In this method the design is silk-screen or litho printed onto special paper, then cover-coated. The resulting print is then treated as a water slide transfer and applied by hand to the ware. The process is significantly slower and more labour intensive than direct screen printing. Transfer or Litho printing is employed when:
Producing larger than average prints.
Working with bone china.
Printing in 4-colour process.
Cases where more than 4 line colours, very fine detail or tight registration is required.

Digital Printing
Using technology similar to an office laser printer, an image is printed direct to a specially coated paper in process colour. This is then cover-coated, becoming a water slide transfer which is applied to the mug.
There are no screen costs, just an origination charge when the design is finalised. You can have one print or hundreds. As with full colour printing, there are limitations on the strength of reds and pinks but with pastel and citrus shades the results are excellent.


Four Colour Printing
Ideal for large run photographic work. Not suitable for smaller runs which are better suited to dye sub or digital printing. The image is broken down into four essential colours – cyan, magenta, yellow and black (known as CMYK). Most creative software can store an image in CMYK format, but be careful as the monitor may not give a Pantone-accurate version of the image. It is best to send graphic files with a printed visual.

Dye Sublimation Photo Mugs or DSP
uses organic dyes allowing a stunning combination of colours. It is a more versatile finish than fired enamel colours, as it does not have to withstand a kiln firing. However, some loss of vividness can arise if exposed to too much bright light and heat and the protective film can lose its lustre if washed frequently in harsh dishwasher cycles.
Nevertheless, it is bold and with the right artwork opens up brilliant reproduction possibilities straight from computer screen.

Dye Sub Heat Change Mugs
This method is both eye-catching and distinctive. Your chosen design is cured onto the earthenware Durham mug, and once filled with a hot liquid, your design will literally appear before your eyes.
This method of curing the design means it is not dishwasher or microwave safe.