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Screen Printing
This method is particularly good for straightforward designs
using solid colours when the registration is not too complex.
The design must be within the prescribed print area. At Promotional
Ceramics we have the ability to print five colours by this method
without removing the mug from the machine, this ensures excellent
registration. We will also, where possible, mix colours to the
clients pantone to achieve a match.
Ideal for designs that are solid colours and where the
registration is not too difficult.
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Transfer Printing
This method is employed when the direct print method is not
acceptable. This could be because the design is too complex
or fine to print directly or the specified position is outside
of the direct screen print area, for example on the handle,
inside the mug or under the base of the mug.
In this process the design is colour separated and each colour
is printed on to a special paper, building the design colour
by colour, then it is cover coated to hold the design and then
it is applied to the item of choice. If the transfer is applied
by hand this method is termed as waterslide, if done by machine
the method is termed heat release. This method is employed to
decorate plates and all flatware. In the case of waterslide
whilst every effort is made to keep the prints in line and straight
there will be a variation across the production run and a degree
of tolerance has to be accepted.
This production method is well suited for more complex
designs or branding in positions outside of the standard screen
print area. |
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Digital Printing
This method is very similar to the transfer print only instead
of the colours being printed one at a time, they digitally printed
together in one pass. After printing the design is covercoated
and applied by the waterslide method.
This option is well suited to small runs but has a limited
palette of colours. |
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Dye Sublimation
This method is ideal for full colour images or designs with
vibrant colours, but not crisp clean lines with very fine detail.
Because the process uses dyes, not ceramic colours, and is only
fired at a temperature of 200 degrees the colours remain vibrant.
However, this means that the print is not adamant and will degrade
with time particularly with dishwasher usage.
This method is particularly well suited for small runs,
bright colours and fast deliveries. |
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Dye sublimation Heat Reveal Print
This is when the total outside area of the mug is covered with
a thermo-chromatic coating and the image is sublimated into
the coating. When hot liquid is put into the mug the coating
turns from a solid colour to a clear film allowing the image
to "appear". When cold, the mug returns to the solid
colour of the coating. This topcoat can be printed so a message
can be seen when the mug is cold. Again as this method involves
the dye sublimation process dishwashing is not recommended.
Great for designs that benefit from the dye sublimation
method and require heat reveal. |
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Screen Printed Heat Reveal
This is when the design is printed then part of it is obscured
by a screen printed patch that, when hot liquid is poured in,
becomes clear and allows the design underneath to be seen. This
thermo-chromatic patch is not recommended to be used in a dishwasher.
Cost effective option as smaller area of thermo-chromatic
coating is used, this also allows for flexible options with
your design. |
