Printing Planet UK
Custom printed mugs are one of the most popular corporate gifting and promotional items because they are used daily, keeping a brand visible for months or years. Getting the method right determines how long the print lasts and how good it looks out of the box.
What Sublimation Printing Is
Sublimation uses heat and pressure to turn a solid dye into a gas, which then bonds directly into the coating of the mug surface. There is no ink layer sitting on top. The dye becomes part of the mug coating, which is why sublimation prints are smooth to the touch and resist dishwashers and microwaves far better than surface-applied methods.
Why the Poly Coating Matters
Sublimation only bonds to polyester or polymer coatings. A standard ceramic mug has no coating and cannot be sublimation printed. All commercially printed sublimation mugs are coated mugs, typically 11oz ceramic with a polymer layer. The quality of the coating determines how vivid the final colour is. Cheap coatings produce duller results.
Method Comparison
| Method | Works On | Colour Vibrancy | Dishwasher Safe | Setup Cost | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | Poly-coated mugs | Excellent | Yes | Low | 1 |
| Vinyl wrap | Any mug | Good | No | Low | 1 |
| Screen printing | Any mug | Very good | Yes | Medium | 24+ |
| Pad printing | Any mug | Good | Yes | Medium | 50+ |
Vinyl wrap is applied after print, so it can go on any mug. It looks good initially but peels with repeated dishwasher cycles. Best for short-term promotional use.
Screen printing applies ink through a mesh stencil. Durable and vivid, but each colour requires a separate screen, so multi-colour designs cost more to set up. Better value at high quantities.
Pad printing transfers ink from a plate via a silicone pad. Accurate on curved surfaces. Works well for single or two-colour logos on large runs.
Common Uses
- Corporate gifting: Branded mugs with company logo and optional personalised name. Minimum quantities vary from 1 (sublimation) to 50 (screen).
- Events and launches: Custom design with event branding, date and colour scheme. Sublimation suits small runs with full-colour art.
- Personalised retail: Names, photos, or custom illustrations on individual mugs. Sublimation is the only practical method for truly one-off pieces.
Minimum Orders and Pricing
| Method | MOQ | Price Per Unit (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | 1 | From £7.50 |
| Vinyl | 1 | From £5 |
| Screen | 24 | From £4.50 |
| Pad | 50 | From £3.50 |
Unit price falls with quantity for all methods. Sublimation offers the lowest MOQ and highest colour quality at small quantities, making it the default for most single or small-batch mug orders.
For pricing and turnaround times, visit the mug printing service page.