Make a Mug With Cricut Design Space
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Table of Contents Show
Supplies
Sublimation printer or a home printer converted into a sublimation printer (I use the Epson Ecotank)
Sublimation ink and sublimation paper
Sublimation-friendly mugs (choose your size below):
Heat-resistant surface (such as a silicone mat)
Cricut machine (any model except for the Cricut Joy)
High-resolution image or design for your mug
Choosing the Right Mugs
When selecting mugs for this project, it's important to choose ones that have a polyester coating. This coating allows the sublimation ink to adhere properly to the mug. While Cricut does have its own line of mugs, you can also find other sublimation blank mugs on Amazon. These mugs often go on sale and come in larger quantities, making them a cost-effective option.
Preparing Your Image
Before uploading your image to Cricut Design Space, ensure it’s sized accurately for your mug. To do this, you can use a free design tool like Canva. Sign up for a free account. Then, search for "wrap around mug" to find a blank canvas to work with.
Upload your desired image to the template. Then, download it and save it to your computer.
Using Cricut Design Space
Now that you have your image ready, it's time to open Cricut Design Space.
Click "New Project" in the upper right-hand corner.
Click "Upload" in the lower left-hand corner to upload your image. Browse for your image file and select it to add it to your canvas.
Once your image is on the canvas, you'll need to size it correctly for your mug.
To do this, click on "Images" on the left-hand side and then select "Browse All Images."
On the left-hand side, you'll see a drop-down menu for "Project Type." Select the appropriate mug size template (15 ounce or 12 ounce) for your mug.
Cricut will show you a variety of templates. Choose any; since you're creating a custom design, it doesn't matter which template you choose, as you’ll be deleting the design anyway.
Resize your custom, uploaded image to fit inside the template by arranging and scaling it.
Once you're satisfied with the size and placement, delete the template. Now, click on "Make It" to proceed.
On the preview page, you'll see your image with a black box around it. This box represents the area that the Cricut machine will cut. Don't worry, this box won't show up on your mug. Make sure your image is mirrored since you're using sublimation printing. If you have any text or specific elements that need to be facing a certain way, make sure to mirror them as well.
Click on "Continue" to move to the next step.
Printing and Pressing
Now it's time to send your image to the printer.
Click on "Send to Printer" and select your sublimation printer from the options.
Choose your desired print settings, such as paper type and quality.
Once you've set your print settings, click on "Print" and wait for your image to print.
Keep in mind: sublimation prints may initially appear less vibrant, but they will become more vibrant once transferred to the mug.
While waiting for your print to dry, plug in your Cricut Mug Press and turn it on. The press will heat up, and the circles on the machine will light up to indicate that it's ready. This usually takes about five to ten minutes.
Once the press is heated and ready, open the side of the press to release the clamp. Place your mug inside the press, making sure to align the top and bottom edges of the mug with the top and bottom edges of the paper. Center the mug as much as possible to ensure even distribution of the design.
Use heat-resistant tape to secure the paper to the mug, ensuring that it doesn't move during the pressing process. This will help prevent any ink bleed.
Press down on the press to start the heating process. The lights on the press will flash as it heats up. Once all five lights are illuminated, your project is ready to be removed from the press. This usually takes about five to ten minutes, so take this time to relax and enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee.
After the pressing process is complete, put on your heat-resistant gloves and use a heat-resistant surface, such as a silicone mat, to slide the mug out of the press. Be careful, as the mug will be hot.
Allow the mug to cool completely before removing the sublimation paper. This will ensure that the design sets properly and prevents any smudging. It's best to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes before removing the paper.
Once the mug has cooled, remove the tape and peel off the sublimation paper to reveal your custom design. The colors may appear dull at first, but they will become more vibrant once the mug cools.
And there you have it! Your custom photo mug is complete and ready to be enjoyed or gifted to someone special. The Cricut Mug Press makes it easy to create personalized mugs that are both beautiful and durable. Experiment with different designs, patterns, and sizes to create unique gifts for any occasion.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Creating custom mugs with the Cricut Mug Press is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you're making a mug as a gift or for yourself, the process allows for a high degree of personalization and creativity. Here are a few final tips to ensure your mug-making adventure is a success:
High-Quality Images: Always use high-resolution images to ensure that your designs are crisp and vibrant on the mugs.
Test Prints: Consider doing a test print on regular paper to check the alignment and the look of your design before printing on sublimation paper.
Preheat Your Mug: Although not necessary, preheating your mug can sometimes help with color vibrancy and transfer quality. Lint-rolling your mug can also ensure you get a smooth, dust-free transfer.
Post-Press Cooling: Be patient during the cooling process. Rushing can lead to smudges or imperfections in the transfer.
