Have you ever noticed that logo on cups and tumblers comes in bright, colorful designs, while others shine with a metallic finish? If you take a closer look, there’s an interesting pattern — most branding mugs or tumblers with handles tend to feature metallic-looking logos or patterns on their surface.
It’s not just a design choice. The type of logo finish—whether it’s glossy, matte, or metallic—actually depends on the cup shape or finish. So if you’re planning to create custom cups for your own brand, it’s worth sometime to understand how we print logos on different types of cups and what printing methods are suitable when you want to customize promotional gifts.
Three Printing Methods that we use
When you decide to customize cups or tumblers with your own logo, the printing method you choose determines not just how your brand looks—but also how long that look lasts. Different techniques create different effects: some give a luxurious metallic sheen, while others allow for colorful, eye-catching artwork. At Tumblernow, we mainly use three professional printing methods: laser engraving, silk screen printing, and 3D printing.
Each method has its own charm and restrictions. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is one of the most elegant and durable ways to put your logo on stainless steel cups. Instead of using ink or paint, this method uses a high-precision laser beam to etch your design directly onto the metal surface. The result is a natural metallic finish that feels smooth and professional.
Effect & Characteristics:
- Produces a refined, metallic logo effect that blends seamlessly with stainless steel.
- Permanent and scratch-resistant — the logo won’t peel or fade over time.
- Looks premium, minimalistic, and clean.
Applicable Range:
- Works on all types of cups and finishes, including matte, glossy, brushed, and powder-coated surfaces.
- Perfect for any cup shape, even those with handles or irregular contours.
If you’re going for a high-end, professional appearance that represents your brand’s quality and stability, laser engraving is always a safe and stylish choice.
2. Silk Screen Printing
Silk screen printing, also known as screen printing, is one of the most traditional logo printing techniques — and it’s still loved for its vivid color output and clean edges. This process involves pushing ink through a fine mesh stencil onto the cup’s surface, layer by layer.
Effect & Characteristics:
- Best for simple logos or text designs with clear outlines.
- Supports up to two colors.
- If two colors are required, the first color must dry completely before the second is applied, which slightly extends the production time.
- Produces a smooth, slightly raised ink finish that feels tactile and durable.
Applicable Range:
- Suitable for cups without handles, since the handle can interfere with screen positioning and rotation during printing.
- Ideal for single-color logos that need sharp, solid presentation.
Tip:
If your design has only one color, silk screen printing is a cost-effective and reliable method. But if your logo involves multiple colors, gradients, or complex elements, 3D printing will be a better option.
3. 3D Printing
3D printing technology has brought logo customization to a whole new level. Unlike traditional flat-color printing, this advanced method allows full-color, gradient, and highly detailed images to be printed directly onto the tumbler’s surface.
Effect & Characteristics:
- Can reproduce vivid, multi-color designs, gradient effects, and photo-level details.
- Supports large print areas, so you can print not just logos but also decorative graphics or patterns that wrap around the tumbler.
- The printed layer is slightly embossed, giving a subtle 3D texture that enhances the premium feel.
Applicable Range:
- Works best on cups without handles to ensure even surface coverage and consistent print quality.
- Ideal for multi-color, gradient, or complex artistic designs.
3D printing is the go-to choice for brands that want to create something visually stunning — whether it’s a bold logo, a colorful artwork, or a special-edition pattern that truly stands out from the crowd.
Each printing technique serves a different purpose — and choosing the right one depends on your cup’s design and your logo style.
Summary
If your cup has a handle, laser engraving is the best option. It works perfectly on any surface or shape and gives your logo a durable, metallic finish that looks elegant and timeless. For simple, single-color logos, silk screen printing is a great choice. It delivers crisp and vivid results with a clean, professional look—ideal for straightforward branding or text-based designs. But when your logo involves multiple colors, 3D printing is the way to go. It allows full-color printing over a larger area, bringing even the most detailed artwork to life.
When you want to customize tumblers, you just need to confirm what can be compromised: the color or the shape. No matter what combination you choose, you will get the mockup design from us to see whether this is the final result you would like to get, and we will not begin the printing until we get your final approval.
