Unfortunately I do not believe this is possible. You would most likely have to use Pad printing (a similar process to screen printing but for smaller scale items such as mugs, pens, golf balls, etc).
You would be able to sublimate black text on a red mug, however you also have to ensure the mugs are coated with a polymer coating so that the ink sublimates properly. There was a company that carried different styles/colors of mugs that I believe were sublimatable, however their name eludes me right now and I can't find them in my bookmarks.
Still can't find the original site I looked at for those mugs. Cactus does have a red mug that has a white panel for sublimating.
If you could match the mug color with a sublimation background it may work, but I'd expect at least 2-3 failed attempts before you have success. Also if your client asks for it in the center of the mug or anything, you're out of luck.
Still can't find the original site I looked at for those mugs. Cactus does have a red mug that has a white panel for sublimating.
If you could match the mug color with a sublimation background it may work, but I'd expect at least 2-3 failed attempts before you have success. Also if your client asks for it in the center of the mug or anything, you're out of luck.
If you are going to try and do this (which is a unique way to go about it), you should print small boxes of different color / shades of red. This way you only use one mug to get a color as close as possible to the color of mug. This is just like printing a color chart, but only doing the red boxes.
I still expect to be able to see the difference, but the customer is going to have the expectation that for only 10 mugs, they don't have that much of a choice if you want to do it via sublimation. Good luck on this one.
thanks, Joe.
i think so too, pad printing. but i just don't have that machine in my arsenal right now. my client only needs 10 pieces.
What do they want to use them for? I am only asking because if they do not have to be top notch for everlasting endurance, ie, if they are promo... I have seen folks talk about having success putting vinyl on mugs and glasses and they can be hand washed and last, but the dishwasher will do them in kind of fast.
White vinyl on a red mug may be a very possible solution for you. I believe Mystysue was discussing the vinyl on mugs, and possible Teresa/Martinwoods may have been another member. Could also Treadhead have been in on that discussion, I can't remember, I'm having a "Joe Moment" haha, just kidding ya, Joe!
Either way, if it interests you, just run down that as a search, and if nothing comes back, just post a thread on using vinyl on mugs.
If it works, seems like a solution for ya. Best wishes. =)
we put vinyl on cups for a family that is just handwashing them - they are holding up awesome and if you choose to do this do a high performance or cast vinyl most times it is thinner than the intermediate so it is less noticable. we do alot with the etching vinyl on glasses.
whoa... vinyl on mug.... lights up the bulb above my head... hehehhe... it think it's a good idea for my next client.
this order i ended up printing red letters on white mug. customer was satisfied and happy.
vinyl on mug?.... might try that on my next one. thanks, guys!.
white ink?? 
