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How mug printing works

twin mug heat press for mug printingIndigo makes printed mugs using the latest dye sublimation printing techniques. Our sublimation printing is done in-house in London, using specialist Sawgrass SubliJet R dye inks, a Ricoh GX7000 production printer and high-temperature mug heat presses.

A combination of heat, time and pressure causes the sublimation inks to be converted from a solid to a gas allowing them to enter the surface of the mugs so that a permanent, full-colour image is made. The ink colour actually penetrates the surface of the mugs so that the result is bright, vibrant, long-lasting and resistant to scratching. This is different from other printing methods where the print sits on the surface of the mugs.

If you are interested in a full technical breakdown of the mug printing process, Sawgrass has an excellent Mug Sublimation guide which is useful.

Ceramic Printed Mugs

ceramic-printed-mug

  • High quality classic ceramic mug for sublimation printing
  • Manufactured with a dishwasher-safe premium coating
  • 80mm diameter
  • No Minimum Order
  • Lead time approx 5 working days
  • Orders of 1-35 pcs must be ordered online via Indigo2Go
  • Orders of 36+ pcs can be ordered by contacting Indigo Clothing
Quantity Mug and Print (ex VAT)
1+ starting at £7.92
36+ £4.90
72+ £4.40
144+ £3.90
288+ Contact us for quote

Porcelain Printed Mugs

porcelain-printed-mug

  • Traditionally styled porcelain mug for a smarter appearance
  • Manufactured with a dishwasher-safe premium coating
  • 68mm diameter
  • No Minimum Order
  • Lead time approx 5 working days
  • Orders of 1-35 pcs must be ordered online via Indigo2Go
  • Orders of 36+ pcs can be ordered by contacting Indigo Clothing
Quantity Mug and Print (ex VAT)
1+ starting at £7.92
36+ £4.90
72+ £4.40
144+ £3.90
288+ Contact us for quote

Bespoke Mugs

Cambridge Mug SetIndigo also can manufacture custom printed mugs in larger quantities or in bespoke styles.

For many years we have been supplying the University of Cambridge Alumni Relations web store we a range of pantone matched bespoke mugs which are printed on the base and inside the rim.

These printed mugs are made in the UK in the traditional home of pottery, Stoke-on-Trent.

Minimum order quantities are normally 72 pieces and you need to allow at least 4-8 weeks for manufacture and delivery.

If you are interested in large volume orders of bespoke mug styles or prints, please contact us.