How To Use The Cricut Mug Press

by Crafty Lumberjacks

Oh happy day! Cricut has just released the new Cricut Mug Press and we’re obsessed!

In this post we’ll answer all your questions and take you step-by-step on how to use the Cricut Mug Press!

The Cricut Mug Press is a new way to create DIY and personalized mugs that will literally last a lifetime! The Mug Press makes it easy to create custom, quality mugs in minutes. It is equipped with one-touch settings, just-right temperature control, and an auto-off feature for those multitasking crafters, like us!

Cricut Mug Press DIY

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut for Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

We got our Cricut Maker almost two years ago and the first project we made with it was a mug! (It’s really cute ((and cat related)) you should check it out!) So, this feels almost full circle! We will always have a place for that first project in our hearts, but the Cricut Mug Press will be a game changer on how we’ll make mugs from now on.

New to Cricut? Click here to read about the most common Cricut Maker questions!

All about the Cricut Mug Press. FAQ and tutorial

Three reasons why we’re excited about the new Cricut Mug Press!

  1. We love to give handmade personalized gifts and it’s even better when we know the gift has purpose and will be used!
  2. We love crafts that are easy to do, complete with an impressive impact.
  3. The holidays!! Need we say more? We are so excited to make all the festive and spooky mugs!

Cricut Mug Press DIY

Cricut Mug Press FAQ! 

What is the Cricut Mug Press? 

Cricut Mug Press is a heating machine specifically for mugs. In layman’s terms, it permanently seals the deal on your design allowing you to customize and personalize mugs with your own personal flair that last a lifetime.

What comes with the Cricut Mug Press?

Not much! We mean that in a positive way! The Cricut Mug Press has a very simple design, making it super easy to use and store.  It comes with a three prong power cord and a USB port to connect with your computer for initial set up. No unnecessary bells and whistles!

Is Cricut Mug Press easy to use? 

Cricut Mug Press is extremely easy to use. The only button on the machine is an Off and On button. The machine figures out temperature and time all by itself giving you the best result without having to think about it! It’s as easy as placing the mug in, pushing the lever to close it and waiting for the timer to go off. (Scroll to watch our YouTube video to see it in action)

*Cricut recommends checking the Cricut Heat Guide for to ensure the mug is prepped and wrapped correctly. 

Can I use any mug with Cricut Mug Press?

Cricut has specifically made mug blanks that are perfectly sized for the Mug Press with an extremely even poly coating. These mugs will give you the absolute best result. The Cricut Mug Press fits straight-walled mugs ranging from 11oz- 16oz. Cricut does not recommend using other mugs. If you do, make sure they are suitable for sublimation and have straight walls. 

What materials can I use with Cricut Mug Press?

Infusible Ink sheets, pens and markers work best with the Cricut Mug Press. They will give you vibrant seamless designs that are dishwasher safe. Other sublimation materials will work, but the Cricut Mug Press is made specifically for Infusible Ink and will give the most consistent and best result possible.

How long does it take to fully heat a mug?

The Cricut Mug Press takes about five minutes to heat up. Once you add your mug and press it in, it will take about six minutes until it is done. (The Mug Press will *ding* when finished doing its magic.) After you take the mug out of the press let it cool for at least 15-30 minutes until it is cool enough to touch.


How To:

In this tutorial we customize a mug using Infusible Ink Sheets. *If using Infusible Ink Pens or Markers, you must wrap your mug in butcher paper to prevent the Mug Press from staining.

Cricut Mug Press DIY

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. As always, we only share things that we use ourselves and truly recommend!

Materials:

Step By Step:

  1. In Design Space customize your own image using the mug template or pick one of the many pre-made mug designs. Select the Choose the size mug you’re working with.
  2. Lay the precut Infusible Ink sheet onto a standard grip mat, color side up, shiny side down.
  3. Click the mirroring button before loading. (The machine will check if you’ve done this!)
  4. Load the machine and watch the Cricut do it’s magic. (The machine will guide you through the process – even making sure the right tool is loaded.)
  5. Unload the mat.  The machine will have cut the exterior of the template. Peel it off the mat.Cricut Mug Press DIY
  6. Peel and weed away any negative area of the design. (Pro-tip: Wiggle and bend the paper and the negative space comes up easily off the backing plastic.)
  7. Clean the exterior of the mug with a lint roller.
  8. Place the handle facing you and wrap the Infusible Ink sheet around the mug (shiny side out) making sure the bottom is lined up evenly with the mug.Cricut Mug Press DIY
  9. Press the Infusible Ink sheet onto the mug smoothing out any air bubbles.
  10. Add heat resistant tape to the top, bottom and edge of the Infusible Ink sheet. (This will insure that the wrap is tight for the best outcome.)Cricut Mug Press DIY
  11. Hold the mug by the handle and place it into the Mug Press. (Keep the handle as centered in the opening as possible.) While holding onto the handle, press the lever. The press will hug the mug and take care of the rest!Cricut Mug Press DIY
  12. The Mug Press will beep when it’s done. Only touching the handle, lift the lever and carefully remove the mug. The mug will be extremely hot! Place it onto a Cricut mat or towel and let cool for 15-30 minutes.
  13. Remove the Infusible Ink backing and admire your work!

That’s all there is to it!

Vibrant personalized mugs without the fuss of having to overthink all the technical stuff. This way, you can spend your time overthinking what to infuse on your next mug! All the possibilities!

Cricut Mug Press DIY

Watch the video to see the Cricut Mug Press in action!

Let us know in a comment what you think about the Cricut Mug Press and if you have any questions…or mug ideas!!

1 comment

Sandra Cehowski March 9, 2022 - 10:12 pm

This is the first time using my mug press and I am so excited to see the outcome! Lol it’s still cooling off!

Reply

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