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I’ve mentioned on the Cutting for Business blog before that I really don’t think that vinyl on a mug is the best product to sell. I know that some sellers have had a great luck doing them – while others get customers complaining that the vinyl is simply a “sticker” or that it peels off easily. Instead, I would rather see everyone doing sublimation on mugs which makes the design permanent, washable, and able to withstand the microwave. If you don’t know how mug sublimation works, head to this post.
How to Design Smarter on Cups and Mugs
If you do want to do vinyl on mugs, you just need to learn to design smarter. Let’s look at an example – which mug is a smarter design?
These two sayings are the same, however, there are big differences. Here’s why the second one is a better design choice: 
When designing (or shopping for designs) to put on cups, mugs, and tumblers using vinyl you can make smarter decisions by looking for designs that are one piece and those that have thicker or chunkier letters. When you have more surface area of adhesive against the blank – the better the design will stay on. For maximum design life, don’t forget to follow the vinyl manufacturer’s recommendations for curing time before use.
Remember, better designed products lead to happier customers – and more money in your pocket!
Need care cards to include with your mugs, cups, or tumblers? Download them free here.
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Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Judy
Thursday 30th of May 2019
Yes sublimation is great but you are so limited because you can’t just dye sub any surface, you have to buy the special dye sublimation blanks. That makes it tough. For instance you want to purchase a quality brand stainless steel water bottle and put a saying on it. I’ve purchase dye sub stainless steel water bottle that doesn’t keep drinks as cold as a brand name one.
Christine, Cutting for Business
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
Thanks for sharing!
Grammie Karen
Monday 13th of May 2019
I agree that sublimation is best. Personally, I had bad luck getting the colors as vibrant as I'd like so now I sub-contract any sublimation work. But when I have a customer that understands the pros and cons yet still wants vinyl on a mug there are 3 things I do in addition to the recommendations Christine has made. 1. I wash the mug with warm soap and water and then wipe the area with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils. 2. I use 671 or 691 (Marine-grade) Oracal adhesive vinyl. They are thinner, stretch a little and are rated 7+ years in a wet environment. And I only use quality mugs - no dollar store porous crap. Using the best quality products (vinyl and mugs) helps insure success. 3. I also finish the design off by heating with a blow dryer (heat guns are a little too hot for this) and then gently wipe the design to insure it's adhered completely.
Christine, Cutting for Business
Saturday 18th of May 2019
Thanks for sharing!
Tina Moore
Monday 21st of August 2017
I have found that if you want to use vinyl on mugs or cups the best to use is oracal 751. It is actually rated as car vinyl. I have mugs and cups that have been washed for well over a year and the vinyl still looks brand new. The quality of vinyl matters!
Christine
Monday 21st of August 2017
Yes, 751 or 951 are cast vinyls; which are thinner than calendared vinyls like 651.
Cathy
Monday 8th of May 2017
I just bought a scan n cut machine.
Christine
Monday 8th of May 2017
Awesome! Enjoy it!
Kisha
Wednesday 12th of April 2017
Thank you for sharing. I have been interested in sublimation and I have the attachment on my heat press for mugs. I will be trying it now. :-)
Christine
Wednesday 12th of April 2017
Happy crafting, Kisha!