User Guide: Mug Press - Cricut Mug Press

Cricut Mug Press

Description

Use the Cricut Mug Press to apply sublimation/Infusible Ink to sublimation mugs.


What We Provide - Makerspace Equipment & Materials

Makerspace equipment is free to use, but there is a cost for project materials and items. We provide the following:

  • Mug press - Cricut Mug Press
  • Craft cutters and related supplies - Cricut Maker or Silhouette Cameo
  • Cricut EasyPress mats
  • Laptops and software for creating designs
  • Heat resistant tape
  • Lint roller or alcohol - For cleaning item before applying design
  • Cardstock and butcher paper for Infusible Ink/sublimation projects only


What You Must Bring - Materials & Items

To use this equipment, you must bring the following:

  • Project materials - Sublimation/Infusible Ink transfer sheets or sublimation/Infusible Ink pens and markers
  • Cricut Infusible Ink Mug Blank or a sublimation mug blank
    - Mugs should be 11-16 oz with a straight wall, a diameter of 3.2-3.4 inches, and a maximum height of 4.7 inches. Cappuccino mugs, curved tumblers, and skinny tumblers will not fit in the Mug Press.
    - IMPORTANT: REGULAR MUGS DO NOT WORK WITH INFUSIBLE INK/SUBLIMATION INK. They must have a sublimation coating to work.
  • A design for your project. If you don't have a design ready, you can create one on our Makerspace laptops using our Silhouette or Cricut machines.


Learn

Print Guides:
- How to Design a Mug in Cricut Design Space (Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets)
- How to Use Infusible Ink Markers or Pens With Mugs
- How to Use Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets With Mugs

Websites:
- User Guides: Check our User Guide: Craft Cutters - Cricut Maker and User Guide: Craft Cutters - Silhouette Cameo to learn more about creating and cutting your designs.
- Get Started With Cricut Mug Press
- How to Use Cricut Mug Press
- Cricut Infusible Ink Help
- How to Use Multiple Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets to Create a Design (Slice and Set)
- Troubleshooting Infusible Ink Problems: Unwanted Transfer Effects and How to Avoid Them

Videos:
- Cricut Mug Press Playlist (11 videos)
- Introduction to Cricut Mug Press
- Introduction to Cricut Infusible Ink (tutorial with fabric item but includes design/cutting tips for Cricut Design Space software)

In-Person - Book-A-Maker Appointment:
- Book-A-Maker appointments are one-on-one instructional sessions to learn how to use a specific piece of Makerspace equipment. After your appointment, you'll have the knowledge and experience necessary to independently work on our equipment during Makerspace Open Use Hours. They are not meant to use the Makerspace outside of Open Use Time hours.
- Book-A-Maker Appointments are open to Bloomingdale Public Library cardholders only. To make an appointment, fill out the online form. SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. Please allow at least 2 business days for a reply.
- If you're unable to make your appointment, please email or call the staff member who contacted you. If you have multiple broken appointments without notice, staff will not accommodate future Book-A-Maker requests.


Tips

The following tips are from library staff and Cricut:

Design Tips

  • Sublimation/Infusible Ink mugs should be 11-16 oz with a straight wall, a diameter of 3.2-3.4 inches, and a maximum height of 4.7 inches. Cappuccino mugs, curved tumblers, and skinny tumblers will not fit in the Mug Press. IMPORTANT: REGULAR MUGS DO NOT WORK WITH INFUSIBLE INK/SUBLIMATION INK. They must have a sublimation coating to work.
  • Cricut Design Space software has blank templates for Cricut branded mugs (various sizes). To find these templates in Cricut Design Space, search for Mug Design Setup under Cricut Projects. The Mug Design Setup project is for sublimation/Infusible Ink transfer sheets. The Drawn Mug Design Setup is for sublimation/Infusible Ink markers or pens.
  • Always mirror your mug design in the design software.
  • To use multiple Infusible Ink transfer sheets, use Slice and Set in the Cricut Design Space software.

Cricut Infusible Ink/Sublimation Ink

  • To prevent damage to Makerspace equipment, staff will supervise all projects using Infusible Ink.
  • Infusible Ink (also called sublimation ink) only works with fabric items that are white or light colored polyester (at least 65% polyester), Cricut branded Infusible Ink Blanks, or other items listed as sublimation blanks. Mugs must have a special polymer coating to work with sublimation/Infusible Ink.
  • You must bring in your own Infusible Ink transfer sheets, markers, or pens. The Library does not sell these materials.

Using the Mug Press

  • The Mug Press must be preheated before use. Plug in the Mug Press, tap the Power button, and the Mug Press will begin preheating. When it's fully preheated, the Mug Press will beep and the light will turn green.
  • Always lint roll or clean mug with alcohol before applying your design.
  • Carefully align your design around the mug. There will always be some blank, white space near the handle.
  • You must use the EasyPress mat, cardstock, butcher paper, and heat resistant tape when using the Mug Press. The Library provides these items for Infusible Ink projects.
  • Each mug takes approximately 6 minutes to heat press.
  • After heating, wait until fully cool to remove your design. Mugs will be extremely hot and take approximately 15 minutes to cool.

Mug Care instructions:

  • Hand wash with warm water or in a dishwasher (top rack only).
  • Avoid extra cycle options such as heated drying cycles, sanitize, and steam cycles.
  • Liquid, power, and pod detergents are safe to use.
  • For best results, avoid scrubbing pads, heavily dyed detergents, and steel wool, since these can damage the outer coating of the mug and the transferred image.


Reserve

Equipment reservations are recommended. Walk-ins during Open Use Time are welcome, but equipment availability is not guaranteed.

  • Reservation limit of 2 hours per day max.
  • Limit one reservation allowed per day.
  • Reservation requests can be made up to 7 days in advance.
  • All reservation requests are on a first-come, first-served basis.

To make a reservation, first check our Makerspace Equipment Calendar for equipment availability. If the equipment is not reserved, please call the Adult Reference Desk at 630-924-2730 to make a reservation. Please have the following ready:

  • Your full name
  • Your Bloomingdale Public Library card number
  • Equipment you want to reserve
  • Preferred date(s)/time(s)