Stadium Cup Print Methods & Artwork Rules (What Prints Cleanly, What Doesn’t)

Custom stadium cups print best when you match the print method to your logo style and follow a few simple artwork rules: use vector files, keep text readable, avoid ultra-thin details, and design for a curved surface. Use this page to choose the right imprint approach, fix common artwork problems before proofing, and get a cleaner final cup.

If you’re still choosing the cup itself, start here: Custom Stadium Cups

What “print method” means for stadium cups

A stadium cup print method is the way ink (or a printed film) is applied to the cup’s surface so your design stays readable through stacking, serving, and handling.

Most stadium cups are printed using one of these approaches (exact availability depends on the specific cup style):

• Spot-color printing (best for simple logos and bold text)
• Full-color printing (best for gradients, photos, and multi-color artwork)
• Wrap-style layouts (best for designs that need more horizontal space)

Quick decision table: choose the print method that fits your artwork

Choose spot-color printing if your artwork is 1–3 solid colors and you want crisp edges and fast readability.

Choose full-color printing if your artwork includes gradients, shading, or a photo-style look and you need more visual complexity.

Artwork files that produce the cleanest stadium cup prints

Vector files print cleanest because edges stay sharp at any size. Use:

• AI / EPS / PDF (vector) for logos, mascots, badges, and typography
• SVG is often fine for web—but convert to AI/EPS/PDF for production
• PNG/JPG only if it’s truly high resolution

Minimum safe resolution (when you must use an image file)

Use 300 DPI at the final print size to avoid blur and jagged edges.

A “small logo” that’s only 600px wide usually looks soft once printed.

Stadium cup artwork rules that prevent 90% of print problems

Your goal is readability on a curved surface from 3–6 feet away. Follow these rules:

1) Keep text readable (minimum size rules)

Use 8–10 pt minimum for normal text and 12+ pt for important text (like an event name or CTA).

Small scripts fail first on textured plastics and curved areas.

2) Use thick enough lines

Use 1 pt (≈0.35 mm) minimum line thickness for outlines and icon details.

Hairline strokes disappear when ink spreads slightly or cups flex.

3) Avoid “almost black” and “almost white”

Use high-contrast color choices so the logo pops under bar lighting and stadium lighting.

Light ink on light cups and dark ink on dark cups reduces readability instantly.

4) Design for cup curvature and taper

Center your key elements in the main print zone and keep critical text away from edges.

Curved surfaces stretch the eye and can visually distort long text.

5) Separate colors cleanly (for spot-color printing)

Keep colors in solid shapes with clean boundaries if you want crisp results.

Soft gradients and shadow fades don’t behave like solid ink layers.

What does NOT print cleanly on stadium cups (and what to do instead)

These design features cause the most “muddy print” complaints:

• Micro text, such as ingredient-style disclaimers, website URLs in tiny font, and long taglines
• ✅ Replace with: short CTA + QR code + brand name
• Thin script fonts, such as hairline cursive, ultra-thin serifs, and delicate monograms
• ✅ Replace with: thicker script or bold serif
• Gradients in spot-color layouts, such as shaded mascots, glow effects, and soft drop shadows
• ✅ Replace with: flat-color version of your logo
• Low-res raster logos, such as screenshots, copied web images, and blurry PNGs
• ✅ Replace with: vector redraw or request the original logo file

QR codes on stadium cups: the safe rules

A QR code works on stadium cups when it’s large enough, high contrast, and not wrapped into distortion.

Use these minimums:

• Size: 0.75" (19 mm) minimum, 1" (25 mm) preferred
• Contrast: dark code on a light background (or add a white box behind it)
• Quiet zone: keep clear space around the QR so it scans fast

Place the QR where hands won’t cover it (not the natural grip zone) and keep it away from the bottom curve.

Proof checklist: approve faster and avoid reprints

Approve your proof when these 10 items are true:

1. Colors match your brand intent (or your closest solid-color substitute)
2. The logo is not too close to edges
3. Text is readable at a glance
4. No critical elements are on extreme curves
5. QR code is large enough and high contrast
6. Spelling and punctuation are final
7. You removed tiny taglines that won’t print well
8. Your file is vector (or 300 DPI at final size)
9. You confirmed ink visibility on the chosen cup color
10. You’re consistent across matching items (cups + coasters + coolers)

Related items that pair well for brand cohesion:

• Custom Coasters:
• Personalized Can Coolers:

Best-use recommendations (internal links that make this page earn money)

Use stadium cups for high-volume, high-visibility serving at events where guests carry drinks around.

Go to the best-fit use-case page:

• Tailgates and sports games
• Bars and drink specials
• Corporate events and brand awareness

Common mistakes that create “cheap-looking prints”

• Ordering a dark cup with dark ink (low contrast)
• Using a tiny logo to “fit more text”
• Sending a screenshot logo instead of vector art
• Using gradients without selecting a full-color method
• Placing key copy too close to the rim or bottom curve

FAQs: Stadium cup print methods & artwork

What file type is best for printing custom stadium cups?

Vector files (AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF) are best because they keep edges sharp at any size.

Can I print a photo on stadium cups?

Yes, photo-style designs work best with a full-color print method and a high-resolution file.

Why does my printed logo look blurry?

Logos look blurry when the file is low-resolution, the lines are too thin, or the design relies on tiny details that fill in on plastic.

What’s the safest text size for stadium cups?

8–10 pt is a practical minimum for normal text, and 12+ pt is safer for important text like event names or calls to action.

Will gradients and shadows print well?

Gradients and shadows print best with full-color printing, while spot-color printing works best with flat shapes and clean edges.

Should I use a QR code on a stadium cup?

Yes, if the QR is at least 0.75"–1", high contrast, and placed where hands won’t cover it.