We use a number of Mug Printing techniques, below is a breakdown of the methods options including their respective benefits.
Direct Screen Printing
In this method an image or logo is printed within a given area, directly onto the mug, using solid colours.
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 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. 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.
Dye Sublimation Photo Mugs and Heat Change (WoW Mugs)
The full colour design is printed onto a special transfer paper using organic inks. When pressed at a specific temparature for the correct time, the ink turns to a gas and penetrates the coating on the mug, transferring the image across. When the mugs are then cooled, the coating locks the image in. This is a great way of producing vibrant full colour photo reproductions at a cost effective price.
If this has blinded you with science don't worry, If you send us you artwork, we will always advice how to get the best results for your specific artwork. Contact us now at
info@monstermugs.co.uk
Sandblast Engraving
This method is used to personalise glassware. A stencil is made of the logo design from either a paper or plastic material. This is then taped onto the glassware to be engraved and all areas other than the stencil cut-out are covered. The item placed into the sandblasting chamber. The sandblasting removes a very small amount of the glass surface and produces a frosted finish.
Inverted Glass Engraving
Glass is crushed to produce a fine powder, this powder forms the material to make the logo decals. The decals are then applied to the glassware individually by hand. The glass product is then put into a kiln and fired again at high temperature which melts the glass decal onto the surface forming a permanent white opaque image. We used this method to personalise glass objects. It produces a very similar effect to standard glass engraving. This is the same process that is used to decorate PYREX glass dishes.