Sublimation mugs of quality A, AA, or AAA... What exactly does this classification mean? What are the differences between an A and a AAA mug?

If you are just starting with sublimation, you might find it difficult to figure out the differences in quality levels of the mugs. If you are already an expert, you have probably tried different AAA quality mugs, obtaining very different results depending on the supplier from whom you purchased them.

In this post, we will explain what each quality level of mugs means and who determines whether it is A, AA, or AAA. We will also discuss the different types of coating or sublimation coating they incorporate to see how these factors affect the final result of the print.

If you want to resolve these queries and become an expert in sublimation mugs, this is your post. Let's get started!

What does each quality level of sublimation mugs mean and how do they differ?

Have you ever sublimated a mug and ended up with areas barely coloured or a gradient at the edge?

This means that the mug is of low quality, as the surface is not uniform and those areas do not make contact with the heat press, and therefore, do not sublimate well.

It is very common to mistakenly think that the quality levels A, AA, and AAA only refer to the sublimation coating, but in reality, they also measure the quality of the ceramic: the level of imperfections (small bumps, notches, burrs…) and whether there are irregularities in its cylindrical shape, meaning whether it is uniform or not.

The cylindrical shape of the mug not being completely straight and uniform significantly impacts your business, as it will lead to financial losses due to poor sublimation. This lack of uniformity on the surface is not noticeable at first glance and is almost undetectable until after pressing, when fading and colour loss appear in certain areas, particularly around the edges.

As we mentioned in the introduction, the quality of sublimation mugs has various levels, with quality A being the lowest and quality AAA being the highest. Let's take a detailed look at each of these levels:

• Grade A Mug - Low Quality: May have imperfections (small bumps) across its surface, including the interior, sublimation area, handle, and base. Additionally, its shape is not entirely straight, which can result in poor contact with the transfer press, causing gradients on the upper and/or lower edge and possibly in other areas of the sublimation surface.
• AA Quality Mug - High Quality: It may have imperfections on the interior, handle, and base, but not on the sublimable area. Its cylindrical shape is completely straight to prevent discolouration and gradients during sublimation.
• AAA Quality Mug - Maximum Quality: It is the perfect mug. It has no irregularities, meaning its base, interior, exterior, and handle are free from impurities, and its cylindrical shape is completely straight and uniform.

Who classifies sublimation mugs according to their quality level?

The classification of A, AA, and AAA is theoretically a standard. However, the reality is that there is no established legal certification system to determine whether a mug is A, AA, or AAA.

This standard classification is provided by each manufacturer according to their own criteria and, why not say it, according to their level of honesty.

Are all AAA mugs the same?

Since each manufacturer determines the quality level of their mugs, it won't be difficult to come across mugs that are labelled as AA or even AAA by the manufacturer, but then end up giving poor results when sublimated.

So, if each manufacturer is free to claim according to their own interest whether a mug is AAA or AA, how can I know if that mug truly meets the quality they indicate?

It's quite simple, just follow your intuition and common sense. As the saying goes: "You don't get something for nothing." So, if you see an AA or AAA mug at a suspiciously low price, it's likely that the manufacturer's classification isn't entirely honest.

At Brildor, we offer AA and AAA quality sublimation mugs from a manufacturer we assure you is completely reliable and honest with the grading they provide.

In addition to the quality level A, AA, or AAA of the mug, the type of polyester coating it comes with is very important. In the following section, we explain why.

What types of sublimation coatings are there?

The sublimation coating is the other key factor for achieving a perfect and, above all, durable sublimation.

A low-quality coating will make the sublimation appear satisfactory as soon as you remove the mug from the transfer press. However, it is very likely that within a few days, your customer will return to tell you that the print fades each time the mug is washed in the dishwasher.

To avoid surprises and not disappoint your customers, always choose sublimation mugs with the highest quality coating.

ORCA Coatings: The highest quality coating

If you want to be on the safe side, the ORCA Coatings finish is considered and recognised as the highest quality coating. Furthermore, it has become a benchmark of excellence.

The ORCA coating guarantees you:

• The most vivid and bright colours. This coating is unmatched by any other on the market. Its proven formula withstands the test of time, ensuring your print retains both its shine and intensity.

• Certificate of print durability for at least 3,000 dishwasher washes without colour fading.

• Compliance with international food safety standards.

• Eco-Friendly Components Certificate (environmentally friendly).

• Stable and completely reliable coating without defects thanks to its 28 years of experience.

Without a doubt, ORCA Coatings is the best coating on the market today and is synonymous with reliability and excellent results.

Discover the perfect combination of quality and coating

Now that you know how to interpret the quality classification A, AA, and AAA and which coating will guarantee you the best results, let's look at which types of mugs can offer you the best quality-price ratio.

At Brildor, we distribute AA and AAA quality mugs with ORCA Coatings to ensure we provide you with only the highest quality products, so you, as a professional, and your customers are satisfied with both the materials and the results of the products you offer.

Our sublimation mug High Quality AA ORCA is perfect if you don't mind minor imperfections on the handle, interior, or base in exchange for reducing your costs and offering a more economical mug to your customers.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to offer one of the highest quality without any imperfections on its entire surface, we recommend our sublimation mug Premium Quality AAA ORCA.

Below we provide you with a video where we explain the differences between the qualities of mugs available. Clear up your doubts!

And that concludes our post for today. We hope this guide has helped you better understand how the quality classification of sublimation mugs works. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.

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See you in the next post!