Enamel (Tin) Mugs in an oven

[JoeysToe]

We're the proud new owners of a tunnel oven, which we know will help us get a more consistent print on our 11oz ceramic mugs.

But we're really struggling with our enamel sublimation mugs. The green wraps we have bought don't fit, but worse than that the metal clip doesn't even fit through the handle!

Can anyone advise how best to print metal mugs using a mug tunnel oven? I don't need advise on the timings / temperature, just the physical method.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give me!

[UK Printed Mugs]

Hello. There are two ways. Both we hated and therefore in the end stopped doing enamel mugs in the oven but in reality probably the only way to get a decent all over print. First was to use silicone wrist bands to hold the paper in place. This was a fast approach as the bands could be applied easily and taken off quickly although over time do need to be replaced. The other method, which is better, but takes A LOT longer per mug are shrink wrap bags. You need to find a bag at the right size (or cut one down) and then place the enamel mug inside but cutting a hole for the handle to stick out. You then use a heat gun to shrink the bag before placing in the oven (or in your case tunnel oven). We never put the mugs in the oven without using heat gun as you have to be precise as to how the bags shrink down. The results are great BUT they become brittle after cooling and it often took over a minute per mug to remove the plastic afterwards. Obviously not great for the environment either. Anyway, google "sublimation heat shrink bags" and you're get a couple of the main players in the UK.

[pcwizme]

First was to use silicone wrist bands to hold the paper in place. .

ahhh thats the reason for the box of silicon bands!