A personalised mug is useful, affordable and easy to post. But there is more than one kind. Here is how to choose the right one and make the print look good.
Standard 11oz mug
The 11oz ceramic mug is the usual size for printing. That is about 325 ml, a normal cup of tea or coffee. The surface is white and glossy, so photos and colours show clearly. It suits almost any design, from family photos to company logos, and it is the safest choice if you are unsure.
Magic (colour-changing) mug
A magic mug looks plain black when it is cold. When hot liquid is poured in, the black coating turns clear and your photo or message appears. People enjoy the surprise, which makes it a good gift or novelty item. A few things to know:
- The reveal only happens when the mug is hot, so it is not suited to cold drinks.
- The design shows best when the artwork is bold and high-contrast.
- It is usually best washed by hand, to protect the coating.
How the print area works
A standard 11oz mug has a printable area of roughly 8.5 inches wide, wrapping around the mug. The area next to the handle is awkward, so the best part of your design should sit away from it. You can print one picture on one side or a wrap-around layout.
Design tips for mugs
- Keep text large and few. Long sentences get lost on a curved surface.
- Use a photo with a clear subject, not a distant group shot.
- Leave a little margin so nothing wraps into the handle.
- Use high-resolution artwork. A phone photo straight from the camera is usually fine, a forwarded one is not.
Which one for which occasion?
- Everyday, office, company branding: standard mug.
- Birthdays, anniversaries and surprise gifts: magic mug.
- Large quantity for a team or event: standard mug, for consistent colour and lower cost.
Ready-made designs
If you do not have a design, ready-made quote mugs are the quickest option: nothing to upload, just add to cart.
Next step
See the 11oz Photo Mug and the Magic Mug, or browse the ready-made chai mug. Ordering for a team? Message us on WhatsApp and ask about bulk.
