A custom-designed mug always makes someone feel special. For birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, valentine’s day or annual function, personalized mugs are always chosen as the first item to gift.
It's useful, reminds the person about achievements or memories, and strengthens the relationship even more. More importantly, it's a powerful advertising method that brands embrace for product and company promotion.
If you are also fond of mug printing for personal preference or business use, here is the ultimate guide to mug printing that will help you.
The Ultimate Guide to Mug Printing
Mug printing means printing any design you want on a plain mug. Some print images, quotes, brand names etc., whereas others use effects. There are versatile ways you can actually choose to print the design on mugs.
So, along with knowing the types, there are additional factors that you need to pay attention to when it comes to customizing mugs. Here I will be discussing them while explaining the different methods so that you can choose the right method suitable for your requirement.
Purpose of Mug Printing
Firstly, you need to think about who you are giving these custom mugs to. Considering the target recipient, you can create an acceptable design. One of the prior reasons is that we want our recipient to hold on to the mug. Hence, to make it well accepted, you need to design the mug wisely.
For instance, if you are giving the mug to your loved one, like a family member, wife, child or friend, you can choose a valuable quote or memorable picture or create your own quote. This will make the person feel nostalgic and valuable to you. Custom-printed mugs with a photo are considered to be one of the best-printed photo gift types.
On the other hand, if you are creating the mug for corporate needs or brand promotion, then you must print the brand name, logo and byline of your company. Your clients and potential consumers will remember your brand. And the mug will promote your brand effortlessly.
Process of Mug Printing
There are five ways you can print mugs. Screen printing, print on demand, sublimation, litho printing and digital printing.
Screen printing
Screen printing is one of the popular methods of mug printing. You can do direct screen printing on a mug or use a template. One very common method of screen printing uses a special kind of screen which is attached to the frame aiming to make a flat surface.
On top, a stencil of thin paper is placed, covering the area where pigment should not enter. Then, a thick layer of opaque pigment is poured over the screen. Leave it to dry, and the end result will give you a vibrant design on a mug. For fast printing results, direct screen printing is recommended.
Sublimation printing
This method uses a particular kind of mug with a special coating. This coating helps to transfer the sublimation easily. As a result, the final result is crisp and vivid, and you get the design with perfection. The mug design will be durable and suitable for regular use.
Hence, mostly, this kind of printing method is used for personalized gift items like printing photographs, quotes, and wish notes on a mug or making promotional items on a small scale.
Lithography Printing
The unique aspect of litho printing is you can use handmade or graphic design. The design is transferred to a paper. Later, the paper is placed on the mug surface, and the design is transferred using the heat and press technique.
The litho printing method is a popular printing method for the mug business. Because you can get more accuracy and print detail design. However, this kind of printing requires advanced technology and equipment that are only readily available in some printing companies.
Digital Printing
If you want to print designs on a mug on a small scale and a huge quantity, then the digital printing technique would be suitable for you. Here, a design template is loaded into the printing machine, which can print the image directly on the mug.
Generally, the digital printing method is used for advertising or branding activities where the design is printed not only on mugs but also on t-shirts, pens, notebooks etc. is printed.
Mug quality
No matter which printing method you choose, considering the budget, you need to select the mug carefully. If the mug quality is not right, then you won't get a good-quality print. For instance, the sublimation printing method requires a specially coated mug to transfer the ink and print.
Design
Certainly, design is an important factor when it comes to custom mug printing. Before you decide on a design, pay attention to the mug size, style, material and colour. If you are designing the mug for brand promotion, then a white colour plain mug would be compatible with any design. It will accentuate the design.
Regarding the design size, please refrain from making it too small or too big. Most importantly, remember simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. When you give the design to print, make sure it's in high-resolution format.
Test print
As you finalize the design and everything else required for mug printing, always do a test print. This way, you can visualize how the design looks in real life. Also, whether it's attractive enough for the consumers and potential clients. If you are taking service from a printing company, ask them to send you a sample print first.
Modify the things you want and call for a final order. Since it will take prior time, you must not wait till the last moment of your promotional campaign. It's always best to plan and proceed ahead of time for an effective outcome.
Final thought
Here is the ultimate guide to mug printing. Now, you can confidently choose the mug and printing technique and keep in mind the relative factors for the best result. No matter which technique you go for, always select a design of high resolution, pick the right mug and test print before the final order. This way, you can make the best investment of your money, and you can present a long-lasting mug to the consumers, clients or loved ones that they will hold onto.
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