How To Make - Coffee Mug with Decal Paper

Create personalized photo mugs at home using inkjet water slide decal paper—perfect for gifts, keepsakes, or fun DIY projects.

☕ HOW TO MAKE MUGS WITH DECAL PAPER

Put your “mug” on a mug using just your home computer, an inkjet printer, and water slide decal paper. Unlike mall kiosks that do it for you, this method lets you create custom drinkware at home for a fraction of the price—and a lot more fun!

🎯 Plan Your Objective

A photo mug makes a thoughtful holiday gift for grandparents, coworkers, coaches, or teachers. You could even create a pet-themed mug as a thank-you for your vet. The possibilities are endless!

Custom Coffee Mug with Waterslide Inkjet Decal

📸 Choose and Prepare Your Image

Buy your mug first so you can measure the print area. Then select your photo—either from a digital camera or by scanning a printed photo into your computer.

Scanning Images for Mug Decal

🖌️ Edit Your Design

Open your image in a photo editing program. Crop out unwanted areas, enhance colors, and add text if you like. Use drop shadows to make text more readable. You can also paste your cropped subject into a new file for better focus and layout.

Editing Mug Decal in Graphics Software

📏 Resize Your Image to Fit

Check your printer’s resolution setting (dpi) and adjust your image size accordingly. Programs like Photoshop have tools to help you scale accurately. Always test print on plain paper first to confirm layout and sizing.

Sizing Mug Decal Image for Printing

🖨️ Print and Apply the Decal

Print a final version of your image onto the **glossy side** of the water slide decal paper. Use white decal paper for dark mugs, or clear paper for white ones. Once printed:

Spray with fixative spray (per manufacturer’s instructions)
Let the sheet dry thoroughly
Cut around the image carefully
Soak in water until the decal curls and detaches
Slide the decal onto the mug surface and blot gently

Applying Decal to Mug with Water Slide Paper

💡 Final Tips

Your finished mug may not be dishwasher-safe, but it will hold up well with gentle handwashing. For long-lasting results, let the mug cure for 24–48 hours before use.