Promotional mugs are the preferred choice for gift items by corporations. Logo or company name is stamped onto the mug surface as part of a 'below the line' promotion or advertising campaign. With a below the line promotional strategy, a company attempts to keep the loyalty of their clients without their outright knowledge. The patronage of these clients will depend on how creative and attractive is the design of a promotional mug.

There are many types of design methods available for promotional mugs but the top three are the shimmer-coating, photo-coating and color-coating methods of promotional mug designs.

1. Shimmer Coating Method. Shimmer effects can effectively present a simple yet noticeable design. A simple print design will stand out by the application of a shimmer effect, much like a glitter effect on the mug. Companies can get the most effective effect using a two-tone color scheme. A simple blue-green or green-gold color scheme with a shimmer effect is a creative way for a promotional mug design. Watch gift recipients marvel at how the color of the design changes from blue to green and vice-versa.

When using the shimmer effect to design a mug, avoid using pantone. This matching color scheme will not produce a desireable effect. Pantone creates an 'extra' effects on top of the shimmer effects, producing an 'overkill' look. One more thing to consider, a mug coated with a shimmer effect may not be applicable for use in the dishwasher or microwave because of its metallic coating.

2. Photo Coating Method. Images can also be printed onto promotional mugs. Printers use the process of dye-sublimation to print images onto a mug's surface. Dye-sublimation is the process of making a layer of print using special inks on a carrier paper for transfer onto the ceramic surface using heat. With intense heat and pressure, the ink vaporizes and the permanent dye is then printed onto the surface.

Unlike the shimmer coated mugs, photo coated mugs are microwavable and dishwasher safe. Also, photo-coating is mcuh cheaper as compared to other litho-printing ceramic methods. The finished product also offers exceptional reproduction of bright color images.

3. Color Coating Method. Pantone color matching schemes can be used in color-coating designs. Promotional mugs that are brightly colored are well accepted in the market specially when a 7 pantone matched colors are used. These colors are printed using a simple overprinting on the mug's surface. The color coating does not fade even during screen-printing. The usual coating colors used are blue, green, orange, red, yellow and purple. Color coated mugs are microwavable but is not safe for use in dishwashers.

The usual print design space on the surface of a mug is 190 x 80 mm. In cases using the photo coating and the color-coating printing, the whole or half of the mug's surface can be used, which is called either a full or a part wrap.

Depending on the design, a company will be able to market a brand, a product or a product line along with the company logo and image through the use of promotional mugs.