Choosing the right decoration decides durability, price and lead time. Here is how the five common methods stack up for B2B orders.
| Method | Durability | MOQ friendliness | Color / finish | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underglaze (釉下彩) In-glaze, fired once more |
Highest — sealed under glaze, never scratches or fades | Medium — needs artwork/transfer setup | Rich but slightly muted by firing | Mid | Premium branded drinkware, daily-use, FDA-friendly |
| Overglaze decal (釉上贴花) | Medium — surface print, can wear with heavy wash | Low–Medium — low-cost transfer | Photo-level, widest color range | Low | Promo gifts, complex artwork, festivals |
| Sublimation (热转印) | Medium — only on coated mugs, fades over time | Very low — even single units | Full-color, photo-grade | Low | Small batches, personalization, event swag |
| Laser engraving (激光雕刻) | Permanent — etched into surface | Low | Single-tone, tactile recessed look | Mid | Minimalist logo, stainless/coated mugs |
| Screen print (丝印) | Medium | Medium | Spot colors, simple logo/text | Low | Text, simple marks, budget runs |
All standard methods we use are lead-free and cadmium-free, and overglaze decals are tested to FDA / California Prop 65 limits. Send us your artwork and target quantity — we will recommend the best-fit method and a realistic quote.