Jud Patterson (Kreative Concepts) describes the process:

"We use state of the art sandblasting equipment and photoresist technology to create the images on the tankards. Each tankard is individually sandblasted and then rubbed by hand with a permanent black compound to bring out the images. Once a tankard has been etched, the mask that was used during the etching process is no longer usable. Therefore, each tankard is etched with a brand new mask. The masks are made using high quality, durable photoresist material. Effectively, (sheet 1) a photo positive of the image is placed in front of (sheet 2) a sheet of photoresist material. The two sheets are then exposed to ultraviolet light. The photoresist material is then sprayed with high pressure warm water to create the 'mask'. Once dry, the masks are adhered to the tankard and a pressurized stream of extremely fine grit is sprayed by hand onto the mask, thereby etching the ceramic glaze away. The tankards are cleaned and dried. In the case of the darker mugs, the white ceramic underneath is left to show through; in the case of lighter mugs a colored compound is rubbed by hand into the etched areas."