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.

Art files that print the best stadium cups

Because sizes and edges remain sharp, vector files are the cleanest to print:

• AI / EPS / PDF (vector) for logos, mascots, badges, and typography
• SVG is often acceptable for web, but convert to AI/EPS/PDF for production
• PNG/JPG ONLY if it is very high resolution

Safe minimum resolution (when you have to use an image file)

Use 300 DPI at the final print size of the proposal to eliminate blur and jagged edges.

A small logo that is 600px wide often prints too soft and thus looks soft.

Stadium cup artwork rules that prevent 90% of print problems

Your objective is to ensure the logo is clear and legible on any curved surface. Follow these to ensure \value on distance.

1. Make the text easy to read (take minimum sizes into consideration)

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

Small scripts are most likely to fail on curved surfaces and on textured plastics.

2) Use large enough lines

Use 1 pt (≈0.35 mm) the lowest line thickness for icons and outlines.

When the cup flexes or the ink spreads hairline lines disappear.

3) Avoid using almost black and almost white

Use better color choices with more contrast. These make the logos more readable under bar and stadium lighting.

Dark prints on light cups and light prints on dark cups reduce readability

4) Design for the cup’s curvature and taper.

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

Curved surfaces stretch the eye. Long copy gets visually distorted.

5) Use solid shapes to separate colors (for spot color printing)

Use clean edges to keep colors with solid shapes to achieve the best results.

Shadow and gradient fades do not behave like solid ink layers. What is Bad printing on Stadium Cups

These design features cause the most "muddy print" complaints:

• Microtext on disclaimers, website URLs, and long taglines
• ✅ Replace Microtext with short CTA + QR code + brand name
• Thin Writing: hairline cursive, ultra-thin serifs, and monograms
• ✅ Replace Thin Writing with thicker script or bold serif
• Gradients: shaded mascots, glow effects, and soft drop shadow
• ✅ Replace Gradients with flat-color version of your logo
• Low-res raster logos: blurry PDFs and websites
• ✅ Replace with a vector redraws or the original logo file

QR codes on stadium cups: the safe rules

A QR code is usable on stadium cups as long as it is big enough, a high contrast, and is not warped.

Follow these requirements:

• Size: Minimums of 0.75" (19 mm) and 1" (25 mm) recommended.
• Contrast: use dark code on a light background (or use a white box behind it).
• Quiet Zone: make sure a lack of obstructions so the QR can scan quickly.

Don’t place the QR in the natural grip zone (covering hands won't) and don't place it too close to the bottom edge.

Proof Checklist: Approve Faster and Avoid Reprints

Approve your proof when these 10 things are true:

1. The colors reflect your brand (or your nearest solid color substitute).
2. The logo is not too close to the edges.
3. Text can be read quickly.
4. No key elements are on extreme curves.
5. The QR code is large and has enough contrast to stand out.
6. Spelling and punctuation are complete.
7. You eliminated the taglines that are too small to print.
8. The file is in vector format (or 300 DPI at final size).
9. You confirmed your choice of cup color and how it impacts the visibility of the printed ink.
10. You are 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)

Stadium cups are best for large-scale serving at events where people will be walking around with drinks.

Check out the best-fit use-case examples:

• 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

FAQ

What’s the best file type for printing custom stadium cups?

Vector files (AI, EPS, or a print-ready PDF) are best, as they remain sharp regardless of scaling.

Is it possible to print a picture on stadium cups?

Yes, picture-style designs work best with a full color printing option and a high resolution file.

Why does my logo look blurry on my cups?

Logos appear blurry because the files are too low resolution, lines are too thin, or the design relies on tiny details that get covered by the plastic.

What’s the safest text size for stadium cups?

8-10 pt. is the practical minimum for standard text, and 12 pt or more is advisable.

is for event names or call to actions.

Will gradients or shadows print well?

Gradients and shadows print best when using full-color printing, and with spot-color printing it’s best to use flat shapes with clean edges.

Should I use a QR code on a stadium cup?

Yes, as long as it’s 0.75” – 1” or larger, has a high contrast, and is placed where hands won’t obstruct it.