how to print your mug template : Mug printing is one of the staples of sublimation printing.
Mugs are the most commonly produced item using the sublimation printing process.
Sublimating a mug is a very simple process, but it is something we are often asked about.
Below is a guide to the method we use.
This guide should be used as a basic groundwork, as there are many variables when sublimating.
Ink Experts always recommend experimenting to find the best settings for your setup.
However, when using this method we get great results
What you will need to print your template
A sublimation converted inkjet printer
Sublimation paper
Heat resistant tape
Mug heat press
Craft Blade / Scissors
Preparing your mug
how to print your mug template : It is advised to preheat your blank sublimation mug to ensure heat is within the ceramic before pressing.
Why is preheating the mug important?
- Preheating mugs helps to improve the reaction and transfer of ink yielding a better quality and more consistent transfer when heat pressed.
- Preheating also decreases the risk of fading towards the bottom of the mug – fading is common on the bottom of the mug as the ceramic is more dense this means it requires more heat to obtain a good even transfer from the design.
- Preheating also avoid a sudden change in temperature when it is placed into the mug heat press. Sudden temperature change can result in fine cracks in the ceramic or even shattered mugs.
How to preheat your mug?
Mugs can be preheated in a number of ways we use the following methods depending on the particular job we are undertaking-
- Prepress / preheat in your mug press – the blank mug can be placed into the heat press for 30-40 seconds. The mug should warm / slightly hot to the touch but not too hot to handle.
- Fill the mug with boiling water and leave for 1-2 minutes. Again the mug should be warm / slightly hot when handling.
- Soak mugs in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes – this method is ideal for large print runs or bulk orders. Mugs should be removed and dried before pressing.
Adding the mug template
Take your printed mug template and trim to 20x8cm with a pair of scissors.
Wrap the template around the outside of the mug starting from one side of the handle and working around to the other.
Secure in place using heat tape.
The paper wrap should be tight against the mug surface to avoid creasing when it is placed in the heat press.
Heating And Pressing the mug
10/11oz sublimation mugs are usually pressed at a firm pressure for 180 seconds (3 minutes) at 180c / 355F.
This can differ from mug to mug and it is always advised to check with the manufacturer or supplier of your sublimation mugs first.
For our example we have used a set of our own 11oz sublimation mugs. We recommend these are pressed at:
Temperature: 180c
Time: 180 seconds
Pressure: Medium
Tips And Tricks
how to print your mug template :
Try to keep your design away from the edges (top, bottom and handle) of the mug.
We try to keep 5-10mm away from all edges of the mug.
This is because the mugs generally have a very slight taper at the top and bottom, so pressure from the heat press is uneven on these areas.
Furthermore the heating element of the heat press is generally weaker at the edges.
As a result you tend to find a poorer image transfer in these areas.
Mugs can be preheated in a number of ways we use the following methods depending on the particular job we are undertaking-
- Prepress / preheat in your mug press – the blank mug can be placed into the heat press for 30-40 seconds. The mug should warm / slightly hot to the touch but not too hot to handle.
- Fill the mug with boiling water and leave for 1-2 minutes. Again the mug should be warm / slightly hot when handling.
- Soak mugs in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes – this method is ideal for large print runs or bulk orders. Mugs should be removed and dried before pressing.
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