A shaped glass bottle is only half the story. What makes a spirit bottle jump off the shelf is the surface decoration applied after molding – what our factory calls deep processing. In this guide we break down the six decoration processes we run in-house: spray coating, acid-etch frosting, silk screen printing, water transfer decals, high-temperature fired decals and electroplating – with real photos and production videos from our workshop, so you can pick the right finish for your brand.
1. Spray Coating (喷涂) – Full Color, Any Finish
Spray coating applies a layer of paint – or several – over the glass surface. It is the most flexible way to change a bottle’s look:
- Coverage: full coating, half coating, bottom coating or gradient (ombre) coating
- Finish: matte, gloss, pearl, soft-touch and translucent colors
- Colors: Pantone-matched – black, white, red, metallic gold and more
- Safety: food-contact grade coating; the inner surface of the bottle stays raw glass
Spray coating is often the base layer for other processes – for example the white panda bottle below is spray coated first, then the artwork is fired on top.
2. Acid Etch Frosting (蒙砂) – The Premium Frosted Touch
Frosting (acid etching) treats the glass with an acid bath that micro-etches the surface, turning it translucent white with a silky, skin-like touch. Unlike spray frosting, etched frosting is part of the glass itself – it never peels or scratches off, and it hides fingerprints beautifully. Logos can be applied on top in gold, silver or any ink.
3. Silk Screen Printing (丝印) – Crisp Logos, Fast And Economical
Silk screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the glass. It is the go-to process for 1–4 color logos and text: sharp edges, strong opacity, quick set-up and the lowest cost per bottle. Inks can be glossy, matte, metallic (gold/silver) or embossed-feel.
4. Water Transfer Decal (花纸贴) – Full-Color Artwork On Glass
For artwork that is too complex for screen printing – gradients, photos, fine lines, many colors – we print it on a water-slide decal film, apply it to the bottle like a temporary tattoo, and seal it. Decals give you photographic detail in unlimited colors on clear or coated glass.
5. High-Temperature Fired Decal (烤花) – Decoration That Never Fades
After the decal is applied, the bottle passes through a decorating kiln at around 600 °C. The pigments sinter into the glass surface, so the artwork becomes scratch-proof, dishwasher-safe and fade-proof – it will look the same after years on the shelf. Fired decals work on clear glass, and are the standard choice on spray-coated bottles (like the black and white bottles below).
6. Electroplating (电镀) – The Mirror Metallic Look
Electroplating (vacuum metallizing) deposits a microscopic metal layer on the glass, creating a mirror-like chrome finish: gold, silver, rose gold, gunmetal, or gradient fades. It is the most eye-catching finish for premium vodka, tequila and limited editions, and is usually protected with a clear top coat.
Which Process Should You Choose?
| Process | Effect | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray coating | Any Pantone color, matte/gloss/gradient | Good (top-coat protected) | Color branding, frosted-look budgets |
| Acid etch frosting | True frosted glass, silky touch | Permanent – part of the glass | Premium vodka, gin, cosmetic-grade feel |
| Silk screen printing | 1–4 color sharp logos, metallic inks | Good; kiln-cured option available | Simple bold logos, large orders |
| Water transfer decal | Unlimited colors, photographic detail | Good; become permanent after firing | Complex artwork, illustrations |
| Fired decal (烤花) | Full-color artwork fused at 600 °C | Excellent – fade & scratch proof | Retail spirits that need long shelf life |
| Electroplating | Mirror chrome, gold/silver/gradient | Good with protective top coat | Limited editions, luxury gift bottles |
Processes combine freely: a typical premium bottle might be spray coated + fired decal + electroplated collar. Tell us the effect you want and we will suggest the most cost-effective combination.
Start Your Custom Decorated Bottles
Ruisheng produces custom glass liquor bottles and runs all six decoration processes in-house – one supplier, one quality standard, one shipment. Send us your logo and target style; we will return free design mock-ups, samples and a quotation within 24 hours.
