Other mug printing methods?

[UK Printed Mugs]

Sublimation has served us well but at times we find it hard to compete selling to retailers who are getting higher quality prints on mugs that we cannot match always. What process (and thus equipment) would be required to provide the type of print upon this mug here?

http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server3600/ ... 80.jpg?c=2

[JMugs]

Scary!! I have been pondering this very same thing this afternoon. I was planning on looking at waterslide decals first.

At this stage it is fair to say I have no idea!

Janners

[JMugs]

I got as far as this link
http://www.ceramicdesigns.co.uk/print_processes.html

[Andrew]

It is a ceramic waterside decal as already mentioned. You can either get the printer with ceramic toner and correct papers or outsource the printed sheets which there are a few companies offering this. Next problem is the oven which needs to be getting past 700c. There are hobby furnaces about to trial and bench top ovens that can do this but as it also takes time compared to sublimation 6ou would need a larger kiln if it were for producing wholesale batches.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Good morning Andrew. Thank you for this information. Do I presume that mugs for retail would use this more hardcore method than the waterside inkjet decals you can print and apply cold? It seems you can buy packs of water slide paper which you spray after printing and submerge in cold water before sliding on.

[socialgiraffe]

The waterslide material you can purchase from places like TMT are not dishwasher safe and will peel. They are not designed for merchandise where you need a better adhesion, a varnish and then a kiln to fire them in afterwards.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Thank you. This is most helpful.

[JMugs]

Kilns aren't as expensive as I thought.....uh oh.....

[socialgiraffe]

The issue is not the kiln though. Last time I looked I did find a digital water slide system but you still need to screen print the varnish after printing. Also, adding waterslides to a mug is an art to master!!!!

However I do think there is mileage in things like dog bowls where you can add a pets name and then varnish over the decal and clearly state that the item is not dishwasher proof (who uses a dishwasher for a dog bowl!).

[JMugs]

I watched a few video's last night and did that "they make that look easy.......bet it's not!" with some of the decal placement. Also the the screen print varnish operators where all wearing breathing equipment.