How to Print on Ceramic

Printing on ceramic allows you to put designs or photos onto mugs, tiles, or plates using special printers and inks.

In the past, adding a design to ceramic required hours of hand-painting or expensive kiln firing. Today, you can print on ceramic right from your desk with incredible detail.

These items are common in our daily lives. Personalized coffee mugs, custom kitchen tiles, commemorative plaques, and decorative coasters are all examples of ceramic printing.

Whether it's a family photo on a tile or a company logo on a mug, custom ceramic items are now easy to create.

TL;DR

To print on ceramic, you need to clean the surface, import your design, position it on the item, then print and let the ink cure completely.

How to UV Print a Ceramic Coaster (Step-by-Step)

To make things simple, let’s look at a real example using the eufyMake E1 UV printer to print a ceramic coaster.

The same steps also work for other ceramic items like tiles, plaques, and trays.

For other common printing methods, keep reading to learn more.

Step 1: Create the Design

Start by creating your design in any graphic software you’re comfortable with. This could be a logo, illustration, photo, or simple text layout.

For coasters, square or round designs with a small margin work best. Keep important details away from the edges to avoid alignment issues during printing.

When preparing the file, use these print-friendly settings:

• Color mode: It is recommended to design in CMYK to reduce potential color shifts during printing. This gives you better control over how colors appear on ceramic surfaces.

• Resolution (DPI): Set the resolution to 300 DPI at the final print size. This helps preserve fine details and keeps text sharp.

Once finished, export the file in a high-resolution format such as PNG or JPEG.

Step 2: Import the Design into the Printer Software

Open the eufyMake E1 software and import your design file.

At this stage, you can resize or rotate the artwork to match the coaster’s dimensions.

Step 3: Surface Preparation (Important for Ceramic)

Ceramic surfaces are smooth and non-porous, so proper preparation helps improve ink adhesion.

Before printing, clean the coaster thoroughly to remove dust, fingerprints, or oils. To improve stability and durability, it is recommended to apply a glass and ceramic UV adhesion promoter to the surface. Let it dry according to the product instructions before printing.

This step is especially useful for items that will be handled frequently, like coasters.

Step 4: Positioning and Snapshot Alignment

Place the ceramic coaster flat on the E1’s printing bed.

Click the “Snapshot” button in the software to capture an image of the flatbed. The live photo allows you to visually align your design directly over the coaster.

Drag and adjust the design so it sits exactly where you want it to print. This visual positioning step helps avoid misalignment and wasted prints.

Step 5: Choose Craft Mode for a Textured Ceramic Coaster

Because this example uses a textured ceramic coaster , select Flat Raised in the Craft Mode section.

Flat Raised allows the printer to build height on the printed area, which works well for:

• Embossed logos
• Tactile patterns
• Raised text or graphics on ceramic surfaces

You can set the raised height in millimeters based on the effect you want. A subtle height works well for everyday coasters, while a higher value creates a more noticeable texture.

If you want more control over the texture, you can also upload a depth image . The printer reads this image to determine where ink layers build up, letting you customize different parts of the design.

Step 6: Select Ink Mode

For ceramic printing, choose White > CMYK under the Ink Mode section. This setting prints a white base layer first, followed by CMYK colors on top.

Tips for using white ink efficiently:

• When printing on a dark ceramic surface, a white base is essential to ensure accurate color appearance.
• For lighter or already white surfaces, you can use CMYK only or sublimation blanks to save white ink.
• Typically, 3–4 layers of white provide good opacity and color brightness. For very dark surfaces, you can add more layers, but keep in mind that additional layers increase ink consumption.

Step 7: Preview and Start Printing

Preview the final result in the software to confirm:

• Design placement
• Ink mode selection
• Craft mode setting

Once everything looks correct, start the print task.

Common Methods for Printing on Ceramic

When you want to print on ceramic , the method you choose depends on the final look and durability you need.

Here is how people usually transfer images to these surfaces:

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer designs.

You print your design on special paper with sublimation ink, then press it against the ceramic using heat. The heat converts the ink to gas that bonds with a special coating on the ceramic. The result is vibrant colors that are durable. This only works on ceramics with a polyester coating.

UV DTF Printing

UV DTF stands for UV Direct to Film printing. You first print your design on a special film, then transfer it to the ceramic. The film helps the ink stick better to ceramic surfaces.

It works well for both small projects and large batches, giving the same quality each time.

Many people like UV DTF because it can print on almost any ceramic, not just specially coated ones.

Screen Printing

Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil onto the ceramic. After application, the ceramic must be baked to set the image. It works well for mass production of identical items but is less suited for detailed photos or small custom orders.

Applications of Ceramic Printing

There are endless ways to use these techniques in different industries and creative projects:

Home Interior and Decor

Architects and designers use ceramic printing to create custom bathroom tiles, unique kitchen backsplashes, or even large-scale murals.

It allows homeowners to have a one-of-a-kind look that standard store-bought tiles can’t offer.

Personalized Gifts and Souvenirs

From wedding favors like printed trinket trays to holiday ornaments with family photos, printing on ceramic is the go-to for high-end personalized gifts.

The material feels premium and durable, making the gift more special.

Branding and Corporate Gifting

Many businesses print on ceramic to create branded office supplies like coasters, mugs, and award plaques. It’s a great way to put a professional logo on a functional item that lasts for years.

Best Ceramic Printing Machine for Home

If you want to start printing on ceramic yourself, the eufyMake E1 is the best machine to choose. We recommend it because it makes a professional process feel very simple.

• Snapshot Alignment: This is a game-changer for beginners. The printer uses a camera to show you exactly where your design will sit on the ceramic before you start, so you never waste a blank.

• Amass3D™ Texture Printing: The E1 can build up layers of ink up to 5mm high. This lets you create "Flat Raised" designs, like embossed logos or tactile patterns, that look incredibly expensive.

• High Resolution: With up to 1440 DPI, your photos and text will look sharp and professional every time.

Another reason to love the E1 is that it isn’t just for ceramic. It is a multi-purpose tool that also supports other common materials like wood, acrylic, metal, glass, and even leather . This means you can use one machine to build an entire business or a massive variety of DIY projects.

Final Thought

Remember that proper surface preparation and correct printer settings make all the difference in getting professional results. Start with simple projects like coasters or small tiles before moving on to more complex items.

As you gain experience, you can explore textured printing, experiment with different materials, or even turn your hobby into a small business opportunity. The skills you develop will transfer to many other creative projects beyond ceramics.

Ready to start printing on ceramic? Gather your materials, create your first design, and bring your ideas to life on a lasting, beautiful surface that you can use and enjoy every day.