How to print on mugs
A printed mug is one of the most popular and profitable products you can make. With chemical transfer the design fuses into the glaze, so it survives the dishwasher for life rather than peeling like a decal or vinyl. Here is the workflow.
Step by step
The workflow.
- 1
Print the design
Print your full-colour artwork plus white onto Yellow Paper (for a smooth mug) using the white toner printer and RIP software. Do not heat-gun the page; the toner must stay powdery so the Activator can lift it.
- 2
Activate the mug
Apply Activator to the mug surface only, right before transfer. You have roughly a 60-second window before it is ready to receive the toner.
- 3
Transfer
Lay the printed paper onto the activated mug and smooth it down so the toner releases onto the surface. Peel the paper away to reveal the image.
- 4
Topcoat with Diamond Clear
Dip or coat the mug in Diamond Clear, let it sit 15 minutes, then oven-cure at 180°C for 15 minutes (ceramic). This is what makes it dishwasher-safe.
- 5
Cure and wash-test
Let the mug cool fully and cure for 24 hours before the first wash test. Once cured the finish is permanent.
Pro tips
- →For coloured or dark mugs, raise the white underbase in the RIP so the colours stay bright.
- →Diamond Clear is the highest-durability topcoat for glass and ceramic.
Keep learning
How to print on glass
Read →How to print on stainless steel
Read →White toner printing explained
Read →Want to see it live?
Book a demo and we will print your logo or any design you want on your product, free. Or have a real sample mailed to you.