There are plenty of reasons why you might be interested in promotional mugs for your marketing campaign – not only are they something that everyone uses, they’re quite compact in size (making them easy to carry around). Did you know that a variety of techniques can be utilised when it comes to placing your desired images on mugs? We have outlined these techniques in a little more detail in the list below for your convenience.
- Transfer Printing
This technique is commonly used to apply an image to a curved or uneven surface. It is printed onto some special paper that is then coated onto the mug. It might seem like this is a simple technique, but it’s actually quite slow going when compared with the others below. The reason it’s still so popular is that the image will turn out pretty much perfect, which lessens the chance that you will have to discard mistakes. - Dye Sublimation
This technique uses heat to transfer dry ink onto the surface of a promotional mug. This has become one of the more preferred techniques because it ensures that the image will look brand new for as long as possible. It can also ensure that the public are given a good impression of your brand, as it is clear that you are handing out high quality products and that you have taken care with the quality. - Screen Printing
This technique is actually quite similar to painting on the surface using stencils. The difference is that ink is passed through mesh (commonly referred to as a ‘screen’). The stencil is applied onto the stretched mesh – note that the little holes will affect the final image that is printed onto the mug. As you’re relying on the accuracy of the stencil, the image can sometimes come out imperfect. - Digital Printing
This technique sees the image printed, in colour, straight onto coated paper. It is then applied to the surface of the promotional mug using a water slide transfer. This technique is preferred if you’re hoping to produce quality photographic images, as the results are amazing. If you’re having a photo printed instead of just text, you’ll find that this technique is almost always recommended. - Etching
This technique sees a stencil of the image created, which is then carefully placed onto the mug. The whole surface is sandblasted, permanently etching the design into the material. This technique is considered the most expensive, but the high price does bring with it an attractive appearance. You’ll find that mugs with these designs tend to be created for executives and other managers.
We hope that the information outlined above has given you a much better understanding of the various techniques available for applying your image to promotional mugs. When choosing which of these will best meet your needs, it is important that you consider the cost and the quality of the finish. It’s also a good idea to consider your desired image, as this can also have an effect on the overall finish. If you run into any problems, be sure to speak with an expert.
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