Have you been thinking of expanding your mug collection with awesome DIY prints at the convenience of your home? Then getting a Cricut MugPress is all that you need. Yes, in the true sense. This latest product launched by Cricut is going to give your coffee mugs a new makeover in just a few moments. Or if you have already purchased your Cricut MugPress to prepare a brand-new mug collection.
If you have thought what all the awesome features it is packed with it, then this blog is handcrafted just for you. Not only will we cover the basics of the Cricut MugPress, but we will also look into the steps that will help you get started with your first project in minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find everything about Cricut MugPress and much more.
The Cricut MugPress is a mug-shaped version of heat presses from Cricut. Although Cricut is popular for its range of cutting machines, in the year 2017, it entered the new horizon of manufacturing heat presses. One such later addition to the product range of heat presses was this mug-shaped version of the Cricut heat press for the sublimation of coffee mugs. Due to its distinct shape, it can wrap perfectly around the outsides of a coffee mug.
This MugPress works on both infusible ink markers and infusible ink sheets. The sublimation and heat transfer process are seamless once you connect the Cricut MugPress to the Cricut Design Space software. The process of using it is quite simple. When you open the Design Space software, which is the interface we use to create crafts, you will find many mug design templates available for purchase. If you want to create your own custom design using other elements and images, you can use the project design template in the Design Space software.
Some of the supplies that you can need to keep handy before you get started with your first project on your Cricut MugPress are listed below:
A Cricut cutting machine for cutting precise and intricate designs. For example- Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore, etc.
Infusible Ink is used to cut and transfer designs on the mugs. They are sold in sheets known as the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, which come in various colors.
Infusible Ink Markers
Heat Resistant Tape is used for protecting the designs during heat pressing.
Cricut Mug Press Machine
Towel or Cricut Easy Press Mat
You can go for the ceramic mugs that are available at the local stores. But the end result might not be as fine-looking as the one you will get with good-quality ones. In my opinion, Cricut’s blank mugs are a good-quality alternative to regular ceramic mugs. They are priced on average at $3.75 each and are available in varying sizes and quantities. The infusible ink adheres firmly when used on the Cricut’s blank mug. If you would yourself try the ceramic mugs, you will realize that the designs start to come off right after it has cooled, or worse, the ink starts to bleed.
The sublimation of infusible ink designs on your mugs is similar to working with the heat transfer vinyl or infusible ink when you make t-shirts using your Cricut machine. When you are using Infusible ink designs, all you got to do is first choose your desired mug wrap (designs or images). Then cut out the design with the help of your Cricut cutting machine to get precision, accuracy, and intricacy. After that, weed the infusible ink and attach it to the side of the mug where you want the design to adhere firmly.
In case you are using the Infusible ink markers, firstly, you will have to load the marker into your Cricut cutting machine. After it has finished drawing the design, you have to attach it to the mug with the help of a heat resistant tape. Then wrap butcher paper around the body of the mug in a few layers to protect the Cricut MugPress from bleeding ink. Lastly, you just have to load the mug into the mug press cavity.
Whenever you are using the Cricut MugPress, you have to make sure that it is preheated. When placing the mug, it is loaded in perfectly and secured tightly by lowering the lever. The tiny light on the body of your MugPress gets illuminated to indicate that work is in progress. When the design transfer is complete on your mug, the press will make a beeping sound. A lot of people commonly wonder what happens to the handle of the mug during sublimation. The body of the Cricut MugPress is designed in such a way that the handle protrudes outside of it, which keeps it cool to touch throughout the pressing. This also allows it to be removed from the press safely without any damage caused to the user. One point that you should always keep in mind is not to peel off the protective layer from the design immediately after pressing. You must always wait for some time, so the mug is cool enough to touch. After which, you can safely peel off the clear plastic or adhesive backing from the design.
Source url : https://setupappcricut.com/a-guide-to-cricut-mugpress/