Cricut Mug Press is a curved heat press specially designed for mugs. It helps you create high-quality designs on mugs via sublimation. This is a small heat press loved by many who create customized mugs. You can use many vibrant colors to decorate your mugs. The ink will be absorbed permanently, giving mugs a perfect finish. You can cut the images for mugs from infusible ink transfer sheets or draw using a Cricut pen or marker. If you are a beginner and want to learn how to use the Cricut mug press, read our blog till the end and learn it.
What Do You Need to Use Cricut Mug Press?
You can use Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Cricut Joy to cut the designs you want on your mug. However, you don't need a Cricut machine to use a mug press, as there are ways to do it. Besides, you need a regular grip cutting mat, fine tip blade, weeding tool, infusible ink transfer sheets, heat-resistant tape, infusible ink mugs, lint roller, etc.
How to Use Cricut Mug Press?
First of all, unbox your machine and take off the plastic wrapping. You will also get a power cord and a USB cord. Then, plug it with the USB cord into the back of your mug press. A USB cord is important to register your machine before using it. You should have a laptop or computer with a USB port to register your Cricut Mug Press. You cannot register your machine using a phone or tablet. Then, press the power button present on the Cricut mug press to switch it on.
After connecting your machine to the power, you need to activate it using the given procedure:
- Visit Cricut.com/setup, and then a prompt will open saying Open Design Space. Then, press Open.
- Then, a pop-up screen will ask you which product you want to setup/activate.
- Now, click Heat Press.
- Then, click Cricut Mug Press.
- Now the Cricut will guide you about further steps.
- Following the steps will take only 1-2 minutes, and then a firmware update will happen.
How to Make Your First Mug With Cricut Mug Press?
To use it on your mug, warm it up before using it. If your machine is not warmed up, press the power button to heat it. The power button will be orange during this process. Once it gets warmed up, the power button will turn green. The auto-off feature in the Cricut mug press will turn off the press after a while. But before that, it will make a beeping noise. Press the power button to use the mug press, and it will be turned on.
Select a Design
When your mug press is warming up, move to the Design Space and select a design for your mugs. You will get various ready-made designs or create a design independently. Now, the mug design is in front of you on the screen. You just have to select the mug size and edging.
Preview Your Design
There is an option to preview the edge type in Design Space before selecting your design. When you have selected the mug size and edge type, click Customize. Now, it's time to customize the mug by adding images or text.
Add Image
Then, add an image, click Images on the left sidebar, and locate an image you like. We are using a bee image. Click on the image and insert it. Now, you may want to resize your design to fit the mug. Like in this image, we used a height of 3 inches and fixed it to the left mug side. However, you can duplicate the design and place it on both sides.
When you finally align your design, click the little eye next to the Layers panel on the right side of your screen. Then, select your whole design and click ATTACH. Now you need to click the
Make It button and then click the mirror slider under the cutting mat. Then, select the infusible ink transfer sheet. After that, load the cutting mat with the infusible ink pattern facing upwards, and then load the mat into your Cricut machine.
Weed Out Infusible Ink
It's time to weed your infusible ink surrounding the design. Only leave your design with the clear plastic backing. Now, clean your mug using a lint-free cloth or a lint roller. Gently wrap the infusible ink around the mug, making clear plastic notches overlap inside the handle. Then, ensure the transfer sheet is lined up perfectly on the mug after placing it.
Now, smooth the transfer sheet's surface to eliminate any bubbles. You can also use heat-resistant tape to secure your design onto the mug.
Pre Heat Mug Press
If you do it for the first time, connect your press to the computer to register and update it. Then, turn on the power button. Once the light turns green, the machine is ready to use.
Put Mug to Heat
After pre-heating your mug press, slowly place your mug in the mug press, leaving the handle outside the machine. Then, press down the lever placed at the top of the mug press to close the opening where the handle is present. Simultaneously the lights on your mug press will show you the status of the heat process. The mug press will make a beep sound when the heating is done. Once your mug press makes a beep sound, lift the lever to open the press. Then, place it on a cool surface carefully. Once the mug is cooled, peel away the infusible ink to see the amazing design. I hope now you know how to use the Cricut mug press. You can create amazing cups and mugs using the Cricut mug press.
