How to Make Photo Mugs

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 12, 2023 Approved

Photo mugs are a simple way to give old mugs an upgrade or create a crafty keepsake for a gift to a loved one. Whether it's a family photo, a funny saying, or just a picture that you like, you can add any image to your mug of choice. This DIY project is guaranteed to add a fresh finish to any mug. Best of all, though, is that it's super simple and takes no time at all. If crafts really aren't your thing though, there are services that you can use to get one made for you just as easily, too!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Photo Mug at Home

1
Grab a mug. Your first step in creating a photo mug is to find a mug you would like to customize. You can use any mug that you would like. However, you might want to consider the color, texture and shape of the mug. Generally, smooth mugs with a regular shape will work best. Mugs with a solid color that match the colors in your photo will also work better.
- Mugs with a bumpy or rough surface may be difficult to attach an image to.
- Mugs with unusual shapes can warp an image.
2
Find a photo to use. Once you've selected a mug that you want to customize, you can pick out one of your favorite photos to use. You can choose any photo you'd like to print out and apply to your mug. Have fun picking out a picture that you think would be a good fit.^{[1]
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- It's likely that your photo will need to be in a digital format to allow for easy printing.
- Your photo will need to be printed out.
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3
Check the size of the photo. Before you print your photo out and apply it to the mug, you should check the print size of the image. You will want to make sure that the image will fit in the area of the mug you've selected. Any image that is too big or too small may end up making your mug look differently than you had planned.
- It can be useful to measure the planned image space on your mug before printing.
- Before you print, most printers will give you a “print preview”. This will likely tell you the dimensions of the printed image.
- If the image is too large or small, you will have to resize the image.
4
Print the photo using transfer paper. Now that you have an image ready to print, you should load up your printer with transfer paper. Transfer paper is special printing paper that will allow you to permanently stick the image onto your mug. Make sure your printer is loaded with transfer paper and not regular paper before printing.^{[2]
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- Transfer paper can be easily purchased on-line.
- Large chain stores will likely have transfer paper in stock. Check in the craft or printing paper sections.
5
Spray the paper with clear acrylic coating. Some transfer printing papers are already coated with an outside seal. However, if your transfer paper is not, you will need to apply a clear acrylic coat to the image once it has been printed. This will help make the image last longer and will make your mug dishwasher safe.^{[3]
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- You can find clear acrylic coating in most hardware or home improvement stores.
- Large chain stores will likely carry acrylic coating.
- Make sure you fully coat the entire image you are using.
- Allow the coating plenty of time to dry before continuing. The amount of time it takes for your acrylic coating to dry will vary depending on the type you've used. Some take only a few minutes, while others take hours.
6
Cut the image out and soak it in water. After your coating has dried, you can cut the image out, trimming away the rest of the paper sheet. Once the image is the size and shape you want, you will need to soak it in water for a few minutes. This will prepare the image for application to the mug. ^{[4]
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- Fill a small bowl up with water.
- Put the images you want to apply into the water after you've cut them out.
- Make sure the images are fully submerged.
- The images will need to soak for around one minute before you can apply them to the mug.
7
Apply the image and let it dry. Once your image has soaked in water, it is ready to be applied to the mug. Take the image out of the water, remove any backing from the paper, and stick it on the mug. You can make some adjustments to the positioning of the image before it dries, so don't worry about getting it perfect at first.^{[5]
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- Once you have the image where you want it, allow it plenty of time to dry.
- Some images will take longer to dry than others, depending on the type of transfer paper you used.
- Read the instructions on your transfer paper to learn exactly how long your mug needs to dry.
8
Wash the mug. After the image has dried in place, you'll want to wash the mug before using it. This will clean away any residue from the application process. Once your mug is clean, you can start using it and enjoying your newly decorated mug.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Ordering a Photo Mug

1
Compare prices. There are many services that will print images on mugs for you to enjoy. However, not all of them offer similar prices. You may find that some services will cost less than others. Take some time to compare the quality and price of different printing services before choosing one.
- Many printing services can be found on-line.
- Make sure there aren't any hidden costs. For example, a service might display the cost of the mug and keep the printing cost separate.
- You might be able to find promotional codes or coupons.
2
Have a digital photo ready. Almost every printing service will require you to have the image you want to use in a digital format. These services will require you to upload the image you want to use before they can create the mug for you. Keep in mind that there may be additional requirements for your image file. Take some time to review what the printing service needs before they can make your photo mug.
- Your image will need to be in a digital format.
- Some services have image size requirements. Your image will need to fit within the printer's specifications for image size.
- Some printing services only use certain file types. Make sure your image is an acceptable file type before uploading.
3
Sign in and select a product. Once you have a photo ready and have found a printing service you like, you can make an account and select the mug you want. Most printing services will ask for some basic information when you sign up. Once you've registered your account, you can find a mug that you would like your image printed on and start the ordering process.
- You will likely need to provided your email address, shipping address, and payment information when registering for a printing service.
- Many sites have a wide range of mugs and cups that they can print your photo on. Take some time and find one that interests you the most.
4
Upload your photo. Once you've found a mug that you like, you will need to upload the photo that you want printed. Most on-line printing services will have a clearly labeled button or option to upload the photo you want to use. Your image will usually be applied to create a preview image of what the completed mug will look like.
- You may want to resize or edit your image if it doesn't fit the mug correctly.
- Always review the preview image before ordering to ensure that your mug is exactly how you want it.
- If you are having trouble, most printing services have a help department that you can contact with your questions.
5
Order your mug. If you've uploaded your photo and are happy with how the mug will look, all that's left to do is finalize your order. After the order is placed, the printing service will create your photo mug for you and ship it to your address once it's completed. Keep some of these things in mind when finalizing your order:
- Check for a refund policy in case the item is lost or broken in shipping.
- Most packages will ship with a tracking number that allows you to follow the photo mug as it travels to your address.
- Double check your order details before accepting. Make sure your shipping address is correct and that you've order the right quantity of photo mugs.

Community Q&A

Question

What type of printer do I need to make photo mugs?

Community Answer

You need a laser printer or ink jet printer. However, the type of transfer paper is the factor that determines the type and suitable brands/models. It is critical to match the transfer paper with the right printer, and follow instructions for printer settings.
Question

What type of resin should I use to seal the picture?

Community Answer

Clear acrylic based sprays or sealants are often recommend for sealing the picture to the mug. However, you will want to check that the sealant you are using is food-safe and appropriate for use on a mug.
Question

Is the finished mug dishwasher safe?

Community Answer

No. The water transfer is just that, and will come off (in bits usually!) if put in the dishwasher. They also wear out with hand washing, so you need to treat them very carefully if you're going to use your mug on a daily basis.