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How to Design Smarter on Vinyl on Cups, Tumblers, and Mugs

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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?Vinyl on Mugs - Designing Smarter with Your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore - by cuttingforbusiness.comVinyl on Mugs - Designing Smarter with Your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore - by cuttingforbusiness.com

These two sayings are the same, however, there are big differences. Here’s why the second one is a better design choice: Vinyl on Mugs - Designing Smarter with Your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore - by cuttingforbusiness.com Vinyl on Mugs - Designing Smarter with Your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore - by cuttingforbusiness.com

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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How to Make Your Vinyl Designs Last Longer on Cups and Mugs - A great read read for Silhouette Portrait or Cameo and Cricut Explore or Maker - by cuttingforbusiness.com

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!