FAQ

How to prepare print files?

Vector graphic file created with Corel or saved as .EPS. For ART PRINT: jpeg or tif file at 300dpi.

Fonts converted to outlines.

Resolution for gradient designs: 300 dpi.

Print colors must be chosen from the standard Pantone Solid Coated swatch.

DIRECT PRINT requires only solid Pantone colors.

Box printing (offset or digital): vector format or jpeg 300 dpi for CMYK printing.

Minimum line thickness:

- CERAMIC DECAL and DIRECT PRINT: positive 0.2 mm, negative 0.4 mm

- SENSITIVE TOUCH: positive 0.8 mm, negative 1.5 mm

- LASER ENGRAVING: positive 0.2 mm, negative 0.4 mm

- BOX PRINTING (screen printing): positive 0.4 mm, negative 0.8 mm

Minimum character size:

- CERAMIC DECAL and DIRECT PRINT: positive 7 pt., negative 10 pt.

- SENSITIVE TOUCH: text size - minimum letter height 3 mm.

- LASER ENGRAVING: positive 4 pt., negative 6 pt.

- BOX PRINTING (screen printing): positive 10 pt., negative 14 pt.

What does "four-color printing" mean? Does it always mean 4 colors?

Standard four-color printing (CMYK) used in the CERAMIC DECAL technique is divided into 4 colors: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (key color). But the colors displayed on the monitor are not always the same as the final result on the printed mug.

The magenta used in ceramic printing is darker than the magenta used in standard four-color printing. This is why sometimes (especially for prints in red, pink and purple) the desired effect can only be achieved by using additional Pantone colors.

If you want to learn more about CMYK, come to our SMARTclub Academy training course. If you need photographic prints, take advantage of the high quality of our ART PRINT mugs.

Is it possible to get an accurate Pantone color reproduction on promotional ceramics?

Yes. This is possible thanks to the Xpression - Organic Decal print. This technology allows the application of prints in any Pantone color.

In standard Ceramic Decal technology, color shades may vary after firing. The final color shade is influenced by many factors, such as the quality and color of the ceramic, the color used and the firing temperature.

There are no Pantone indications for ceramic colors, so prints on mugs and cups cannot be perfectly aligned to this scale. However, in most cases, thanks to our extensive experience, we manage to meet our customers' expectations.

In any case, color shade variations of up to 15% cannot be grounds for a complaint.

Which technique is best for photographic prints?

The best photographic prints can be achieved with the ART PRINT technique.

What is the minimum order?

The minimum order for Ceramic Decal, Xpression - Organic Decal, Magic Mug, Art Print, Sensitive Touch, Direct Print (1-color printing) and Laser Engraving is 24 pieces.

The minimum order for Hydrocolor (any Pantone color), Multicolor, Sensitive Touch Color Plus (any Pantone color), Direct Print (more than 1 color) is 108 pieces.

Note: Direct Print starting from 24 pieces is available only for 1-color prints. Direct Print with 2 or more colors is available from 108 pieces.

Hydrocolor and Sensitive Touch Color Plus for orders below 108 pieces are available only in a limited range of colors currently in stock. Hydrocolor and Sensitive Touch Color Plus in any Pantone color are available only from 108 pieces.

How can I package my promotional ceramics?

You can receive mugs and cups in two ways:

- Individually packaged (each mug in a single box). This service has an extra cost.

- Standard cartons.

Our products are well protected during shipping. Small orders are sent on mini pallets, larger ones on europallets.

What are the possible shipping dates?

The following options are available:

- Production time for most options (Direct Print, Ceramic Decal, Sensitive Touch, Laser Engraving, Art Print, Magic Mug) is 10 working days from receipt of necessary production materials, print design confirmation and our order confirmation.

- Delivery time for Hydrocolor, Multicolor, Sensitive Touch, Color Plus and Xpression - Organic Decal options is 15 working days from receipt of necessary production materials, print design confirmation and our order confirmation.

- Last Minute orders have a production time of 5 working days. Production capacity must be confirmed by the factory.

When we confirm an order before 12:00, the 5/10/15 day production timeframe starts that same day. If the order is confirmed after 12:00, the production timeframe starts the next working day.

Is it possible to order mugs not available in your catalog?

Yes, it is possible to order products with colors and shapes not in our standard offer.

Minimum order: we can create products of any shape from 10,000 pieces. Catalog products in a specific color are possible for orders starting from 5,000 pieces.

Production time: sample approx. 14-21 days; full production 12-20 weeks.

What is the shipping cost?

Due to different rates for each country, shipping costs are calculated individually.

What do the symbols "®" and "NEW!" mean?

The symbol ® means that this particular mug or cup is a registered trademark of Porceline by Maxim. Products with the NEW! symbol are our latest additions introduced at the beginning of the year.

What do I find after registering?

Registration offers several possibilities:

- Distributor website and all its options

- Online configurator

- Preparation of 3D visualizations

- Advanced search of our mugs and cups

Where can I find prices for mugs and cups with print?

Access to our prices is available only for registered users. After logging into the website, you can easily calculate the purchase price of any product with print. All prices visible in the configurator already include the discount.

We also have a downloadable version of our standard price list without discount. You can find it in "Your Profile" on your website.

But that's not all! When you prepare an offer for the end customer, you can add your markup percentage.

What determines the printing cost?

The choice of decoration technique determines the purchase price, the cheapest being Direct Print and the most expensive being Magic Mug. Of course, the decoration technique is not the only factor.

Other factors include: the quantity of mugs ordered, print size and number of colors used.

All these factors are included in our configurator.

How is product capacity measured?

The capacity of each mug, cup, glass and tankard is measured by hand, so the liquid surface is approximately 5-8 mm below the top edge.

Due to the specificity of the production process for ceramic and porcelain products, even within the same batch, the value may vary slightly for each individual product (+/- 15%). Such variation does not provide sufficient grounds for a complaint.

What is the durability of the print?

1. CERAMIC DECAL and DIRECT PRINT: Prints on porcelain and ceramic products are fired at a temperature of 800-840°C. This process makes the products dishwasher safe.

2. MULTICOLOR coloring is dishwasher safe.

3. We guarantee that mugs and cups with HYDROCOLOR coloring maintain their properties and colors for at least 400 domestic dishwasher washes and for one year.

4. We guarantee that Art Print maintains its properties and colors for at least 500 domestic dishwasher washes and for one year.

5. We guarantee that mugs and cups with SENSITIVE TOUCH COLOR PLUS coloring maintain their properties and colors for at least 400 domestic dishwasher washes and for one year.

6. MAGIC MUG, CRYSTAL TOUCH, XPRESSION - ORGANIC DECAL and glass prints: hand wash only.

Can products with gold and silver prints be washed in a dishwasher?

Gold and silver prints are made only with Ceramic Decal. The colors used for this purpose are largely composed of real gold or silver. These precious ingredients do not bond with the glaze during firing. Therefore, mugs with these prints should not be washed in a dishwasher. We also recommend not using them in microwave ovens.

However, we have an interesting alternative: faux silver and faux gold. These prints are slightly less glossy. On the other hand, there are three advantages:

- printing is possible using the more economical Direct Print

- there is no additional cost for these colors

- mugs can be washed in a dishwasher and used in microwave ovens.

What is the difference between white porcelain and Royal White porcelain?

The difference between these two colors comes from the use of different ingredients. Royal White porcelain is lighter and more transparent in sunlight compared to standard white porcelain. Additionally, Royal White porcelain mugs have a more natural and warm color.

Are all promotional ceramics approved and safe for food contact?

We work exclusively with trusted partners and carefully selected ceramic, ink and paint manufacturers who use only certified and safe raw materials throughout their production process.

To this end, we can guarantee that all our products meet the strict standards set by Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 October 2004, on materials and articles intended for food contact, and Commission Directive 2005/31/EC of 29 April 2005.

The characteristics of the promotional ceramics production process and the particular requirements set by the above legal acts determine that certification tests are performed only on products with the final print.

Of course, it is possible to provide certification, for a fee, for any mug with your custom print at an independent laboratory. If you are interested in this option, you can contact our consultant.

The net cost of the standard certification procedure is EUR 190. The time required to complete the procedure is 15-20 working days.

The net cost of the fast certification procedure is EUR 230. The time required to complete the procedure is 10 working days.