The number of print colours you need on custom cups comes down to two things: how complex your design is, and which print method suits it. A simple one or two colour logo is perfect for screen print, while anything with a photo, a gradient or three or more colours calls for full-colour In-Mould Labelling. This guide explains how to choose, how colour count affects cost, and what artwork to send. Browse the full custom cup range to see both styles in action.
Screen Print Versus Full-Colour IML
There are two main ways we decorate a cup. Screen print pushes ink through a mesh, one colour at a time, so it is ideal for bold, solid, one or two colour logos. In-Mould Labelling (IML) bonds a pre-printed label into the wall of the cup during moulding, reproducing full-colour, photographic artwork with no limit on colours. Both are food-grade and dishwasher safe for hundreds of cycles, so the choice is about the look you want, not durability. For a deeper comparison read our full-wrap IML versus screen print guide.
When One or Two Colours Is the Right Call
If your brand is a clean wordmark or a simple icon in a single spot colour, do not overcomplicate it. A one colour screen print is crisp, cost-effective and often more striking than a busy full-colour design. Two colours give you a little more flexibility, for example a logo plus a strapline or a second accent tone.
When to Go Full-Colour
Choose IML when your design includes a photograph, a colour gradient, a detailed illustration or three or more colours. Because the artwork is printed as a single full-colour label, adding colours does not add cost, so a rich, wrap-around design is no more expensive than a plain one.
Pantone Matching and Brand Consistency
Brand colours matter, and both methods can hold to a Pantone reference. Spot colours on screen print deliver the most exact Pantone match because the ink is mixed to that specific value. IML uses a full-colour build that gets very close across the whole design and is the better route when you need many colours to stay consistent together. Always send your Pantone codes rather than asking us to guess from a screen colour, because on-screen RGB rarely matches printed output.
Getting Your Artwork Right
Good artwork is what separates a sharp print from a fuzzy one. Supply vector files where you can, and keep these points in mind:
- Send vector formats such as EPS, AI or PDF so the logo scales cleanly.
- Include your Pantone colour references for every element.
- Keep small text legible and avoid very fine lines that can drop out.
- Tell us if the design should wrap fully around the cup or sit as a single panel.
If you only have a low-resolution image, we can usually redraw a simple logo for you before production, so do not let artwork worries hold up your order.
How Colour Count Affects Cost and Lead Time
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | 50 cups, any colour count |
| Price range | From £0.22 per cup at volume |
| Full-colour IML | Unlimited colours at no extra cost |
| Standard lead time | 10 working days from proof approval |
| Express production | As fast as 48 hours |
See the full costings on our lead times and pricing page. Every cup is food-grade BPA-free polypropylene, designed, printed and packed in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colours can you print on a custom cup?
It depends on the method. Screen print is best for one or two solid spot colours, while In-Mould Labelling reproduces full-colour, photographic artwork with unlimited colours and gradients. If your design has more than two colours or a photo, choose IML.
Does adding more print colours cost more per cup?
With screen print, yes, because each spot colour is a separate pass. With In-Mould Labelling the price is the same whether you use one colour or a full-colour photo, so a detailed brand design costs no more than a simple logo.
Can you match my exact brand colour?
Yes. Send us your Pantone reference and we will match it as closely as the process allows. Spot colours on screen print give the most precise Pantone match, while IML uses a full-colour build that gets very close across the whole design.
What artwork do I need to supply for printed cups?
Vector artwork such as an EPS, AI or PDF file works best because it scales without losing sharpness. Include your Pantone colours and keep text a sensible size. If you only have a logo image we can usually help redraw it before print.
What is the minimum order for custom printed cups?
Our minimum is 50 cups regardless of how many print colours you use, so you can test a design without committing to a huge run. Prices scale down to around £0.22 per cup at higher volumes.
Ready to Design Your Cups?
Whether you want a single-colour logo or a full-wrap photographic design, we can help you get it right. Explore our custom printed pint cups to start your artwork.
