Step 1: Prepare Stainless Steel Travel Mug
To start, spray the area of the travel mug that you’ll be marking with a metal marking spray. We’re using CerMark Black laser marking spray.
Why do you have to use a metal marking compound when engraving bare metal in a CO2 laser machine?
Bare or uncoated metals, such as stainless steel, are too reflective to be absorbed by a CO2 laser. The beam simply bounces off the metal piece. Marking sprays such as EnduraMark or CerMark solves this issue by creating a high-contrast, heat-activated coating that bonds to the metal when exposed to the laser.
The process is simple and straightforward:
- Spray the area to be marked
- Let it dry
- Mark as you normally would
- Wipe away excess marking compound with damp cloth and you’re left with a permanent mark
If you want direct engraving without a spray, you will typically need a fiber laser, which operates at a wavelength that is better absorbed by metals. Visit this page to learn more about Epilog’s fiber laser machines.
Step 2: Prepare Artwork for your Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Now in your design software select the first design.
Print the file to the laser, selection only.
Rotate the graphic 90 degrees to match the mug orientation on the rotary attachment.
In the Advanced Tab, we’ll choose Left-Center as our centering point.
On the preview screen we can see the centering point marked on the graphic with a red target.
Import your settings. We’re using the preset Stainless Steel with CerMark settings. We’re using a 60-watt Fusion Edge 12 using 500 dpi, 30% speed, and 100% power.
Step 3: Set Your Centering Point
At the laser, move the red dot to corresponding location where you would like to engrave on the travel mug.
Press the Centering Point icon to set your home position.
Set the engraving direction from bottom up.
Step 4: Run the First Design
Print the file to the laser, and start engraving your file.
Step 5: Run the Second Design
Repeat the process with the second file.
Step 6: Rinse off the CerMark Residue.
Rinse the excess CerMark off with water, and your stainless steel travel mug is ready to go!
Where can you sell laser engraved stainless steel travel mugs?
Online Marketplaces:
- Etsy
- Amazon Handmade
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace & Groups
Local Sales & Events:
- Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets
- Pop-up Shops & Boutiques
- Corporate & Business Clients
Social Media & Custom Orders:
- Instagram & TikTok
