There are many ways to customize a mug. You can add an image, photos or even text. Mugs are perfect for gifting to your customers. They are also great marketing tools to advertise your business.

One of the oldest ways to print pictures on a mug is with transfer printing. Transfer printing is also called litho printing and is a laborious process. It uses four colors and is suitable for mugs that have a large surface area. This technique is also great for bone china mugs, which can be used to display a photo or artwork.

Another option is to use a digital printer. Digital printing is a great way to create high-quality texts and cartoon images. The process involves printing directly on a specially coated paper. After the design has been printed on the paper, it is transferred onto the mug. Depending on the printing method you choose, you will need other equipment to complete the process.

Choosing a mug that has a polymer coating will allow the ink to bond to the mug’s surface. A smooth finish will ensure a high quality print. If the mug is bumpy, the print will look uneven.

When you are ready to begin mug printing, make sure your mug is at room temperature. Then, place the paper on the mug, pressing firmly against the mug. Wait 15 minutes before checking the final result. Once the mug has cooled, peel off the paper.

Next, you can start designing. Use a template, upload your artwork or images, and customize the mug. For example, you can add fonts and colors to the design. Share the finished design on social media.

Once you have finished designing, you can place your order. The company will then adjust the size of your image or text to fit the mug. You will also receive a print-ready PDF of the design.

Another mug printing service, Shutterfly, is one of the cheapest online companies. Their mugs are dishwasher safe. However, you should be careful when washing the mugs. The safety of the mug depends on the material used and the type of wash cloth you use.

Another mug printing option is dye sublimation. Sublimation is similar to drawing on skin with markers. In this process, you will need sublimation ink and sublimation transfer paper.

Lastly, you can opt to have a professional print your design on your mug. This is a more expensive option. It will take longer to process, but it will produce a high quality product. Also, the mug will be more exclusive.

Before you launch a mug printing business, consider all the factors. Having a well-defined business plan will help you determine how much money you will need and what roles you will need to hire. Other things to consider are an online presence, your local clientele, and affiliate marketing.

Whether you choose to launch a physical or an online mug printing business, you will need to decide on your business goals. Your unique selling proposition should stand out on your website.