Choosing the Right Ceramic Mug for Printing

Not all mugs — or printing methods — are created equal. You can pay $1 per mug or $20+ per mug…

Custom ceramic mugs are everywhere. They’re popular, affordable, and useful. But if you’ve ever ordered mugs online and had the artwork fade, scratch, or peel after a few washes, you already know: how a mug is printed matters just as much as the design itself.

Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Mugs

Keeping in mind that no matter what it is, there's never a full guarantee. But we certainly can make better decisions to improve the odds of getting a better quality mug… Before you decide, ask yourself (or your printer):

1. Is this a throwaway event mug or a long-term gift?

2. Will it be used daily or occasionally?

3. Does it need to be dishwasher-safe?

4. How important is color accuracy?

5. Am I ordering 25 mugs or 2,500?

6. Is durability more important than price?

7. Is cost important? Are you willing to spend more money on a better mug for example?

8. From 1 to 10 how important is quality?

Here are some examples of the KINDS of mugs… There are many!

Photo

Metal campfire, 4 color

Single color

Bistro, special 2 tone inside

1 or 2 color, colored inside

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right mug for your project.

Common Mug Printing Methods (Pros & Cons)

Screen Printed Mugs

Best for: Simple logos, limited colors, large quantities

Pros

• Cost-effective for bulk orders

• Crisp, solid colors

• Great for basic branding and giveaways

Cons

• Limited color flexibility

• Ink sits on top of the mug

• Can fade or wear over time if not hand-washed

Screen printing is often used for 1–4 color designs. These mugs can last a long time, but they’re not dishwasher-proof forever, especially with heavy use.

Sublimation (Full-Color Heat Transfer)

Best for: Full-color designs, photos, gradients

Pros

• Full-color, photo-quality prints

• Ink is infused into the coating, not layered on top

• More durable than cheap screen prints

Cons

• Requires specially coated mugs

• Slightly higher cost

• Quality varies widely depending on the mug and vendor

This is the most common method used for full-color mugs, but cheap sublimation mugs = short lifespan.

Direct-to-Mug / Digital Printing

Best for: Short runs, detailed artwork

Pros

• Handles complex designs

• No setup fees for small orders

Cons

• Durability depends heavily on materials

• Often used by low-cost online vendors

This is where quality can really drop off if corners are cut.

Cheap Online Mugs vs. Trusted Vendors

Those ultra-cheap mugs you see online are cheap for a reason:

• Thinner ceramic

• Lower-grade coatings

• Inconsistent print quality

• Poor longevity

A trusted vendor uses:

• Better ceramic blanks

• Proven coatings

• Controlled printing processes

• Quality checks before delivery

The difference shows up after six months of use, not on day one.

Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Mugs

Keeping in mind that no matter what it is, there's never a guarantee. But we certainly can make better decisions to improve the odds of getting a better quality mug… Before you decide, ask yourself (or your printer):

1. Is this a throwaway event mug or a long-term gift?

2. Will it be used daily or occasionally?

3. Does it need to be dishwasher-safe?

4. How important is color accuracy?

5. Am I ordering 25 mugs or 2,500?

6. Is durability more important than price?

7. Is cost important? Are you willing to spend more money on a better month for example?

The Bottom Line

If you just need inexpensive mugs for a short-term event, simple screen printing may be fine.
If you want mugs that represent your brand long-term, quality materials and the right printing method matter.

I help clients choose the right mug for the right purpose — not just the cheapest option.

If you’re unsure, ask first. It’ll save you money, frustration, and reorders later!