How to Use the Cricut Mugpress
The Cricut MugPress helps make easy pro-quality custom mugs for any occasion! I have all the details about its features, what it can do and how to use it!
***This post is sponsored by Cricut. Thank you for supporting the brands that make it possible to bring you new projects.***
I am so excited to finally be able to tell you ALL about the new Cricut MugPress. I had the pleasure of being able to play with it before its launch. I have been having a lot of fun making mugs for everyone in my life! I can’t wait to share all the details with you!
Table of Contents
- What is a Cricut MugPress
- Features of the MugPress
- Do I need special mugs?
- What can you make with it?
- What are the design styles you can make?
- What materials do I need?
- How to use the Cricut MugPress
- Making designs with Infusible Ink Markers
- Making layered designs with the MugPress
- Few quick questions answered
- When and Where can I buy the MugPress
What Is a Cricut Mugpress?
The Cricut MugPress is a new product from Cricut which uses heat to transfer patterns and designs into a mug to help you create long-lasting custom mugs perfect for any occasion.
The Cricut MugPress is specially engineered to create seamless vibrant designs using Cricut’s infusible ink technology.
No more vinyl stickers! These mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe, look like they were professionally made, and will last a lifetime!
Features of the Mugpress
The Cricut MugPress has patented technology that makes using it super easy and quick.
- Simple to use – there are no temperature or time settings to worry about.
- Smart heat plate – the heat plate adjusts the time and temperature according to the ambient!
- Auto shut off – for safety!
- Patented technology
- Firmware can be easily updated
- Infusible ink optimized
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe mug designs
Do I Need Special Mugs?
Yes, you do. They need a poly coating to work with the infusible ink transfers and the Cricut MugPress. Cricut has also released Cricut mug blanks in sizes 12oz and 15oz that are perfect for the projects and are guaranteed for success.
You could use sublimation blanks with a poly coating will work as long as they are straight-walled, between 11-16oz, under 4.72″, the diameter is between 3.2″ – 3.4″, and are white or light-colored. However, Cricut guarantees success with their mug blanks and I prefer not spending time and money experimenting with other options when you have a sure way for success.
What Can You Make With It?
Mugs! For every occasion. Make them for your family, friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, the mailman – anyone!
Mugs make the perfect gift because everyone can use one – for coffee, tea, milk, or to store supplies on their desk. It is one of those gifts that never go unused. In fact, ever since we got the MugPress, we have been making mugs for everyone we know! The kids are having so much fun coming up with all the ideas!
What Are the Different Design Styles You Can Make –
With the Cricut machine and the MugPress, you can make at least 4 different styles.
- With negative space – This is where you cut and remove the design so it is white and the rest is colored (The green dinosaur mug)
- With positive space – This is where the design is transferred and you remove the rest of the sheet ( The coffee-sawdust-repeat mug)
- Using Infusible ink markers – this is made on laser copy paper using Infusible ink markers (The cat mug)
- Layered designs – Use multiple colors and patterns to create lots of fun designs (The floral N mug)
What Materials Do I Need?
Cutting Tools
- Cricut cutting machine. I use my Maker but you can use any Cricut machine.
- LightGrip Machine Mat (if using laser copy paper)
- StandardGrip Machine Mat
- Fine-point blade
- Weeding tools
To Make the Mug
- Cricut MugPress
- Infusible ink transfer sheets – Cricut has released an array of specially sized blanks for mugs. You can cut down and use regular transfer sheets as well.
- Cricut mug blanks – available in both 12oz and 15oz.
- Butcher paper (if using markers)
- Laser copy paper (if using markers)
- Infusible ink markers and pens
- Heat-resistant transfer tape
How to Use the Cricut Mugpress
Step 1 – Activate/Pre-heat Your Mugpress
Connect the MugPress to a computer with the provided cable, go to the setup page and follow the prompts.
This is a one time activation and is not required once complete.
When you are ready to make the mugs, preheat the MugPress by pressing the power button. I like to do this when I am designing the mug so it is ready by the time I am for it.
Step 2 – Load the Template
- In Cricut Design Space – load the mug template. You can pick the options for the size and edge design of the mug. Do not alter the size of the “Ready to Make” mug template—it is a perfect size.
- Once loaded it will look like below. It has three parts –
- the top layer (the turquoise layer) – this is where you need to put the design.
- the bottom layer (the outline with the tabs) – this will be cut out and will be the liner.
- The red mug guides – to help you align your designs.
Step 3 – Design Your Mug
- Add a design you like from the Design Space library or make one using the thousands of images available – anything that works for you.
- You can create designs that are cut with a fine point blade or you can draw designs on laser copy paper with the infusible ink markers.
- Once ready to make, you can delete the guide marks for the mug.
- “Attach” the designs you want to print in a single layer. You also want to “attach” the square and mug outline to your design.
Step 4 – Cut/Print the Design
- Follow the prompts on the screen to load the infusible ink sheet or markers. Remember to mirror the images!
- Cut out or print the design using your Cricut machine and weed it out if necessary.
Step 5 – Align and Tape to Mug
- Align the design on the mug.
Aligning tip – Set the mug on a table with the handle facing and wrap the sheet onto the mug. If using standalone designs, use tape to mark the center of the mug from the top and pace the design.
- Apply heat-resistant tape to ensure that the liner does not move at all!
Important – Be very generous with the tape. Tape the bottom and top edge of the design to ensure that it does not move while you insert it into the MugPress.
Step 5 – Make It!
- Slowly set the mug in the MugPress and push down the clamp on the right to activate it.
- The progress lights will turn on and show you the progress on the image transfer.
- Once it’s done, it will beep and you can open the clamp and remove the mug by its handle.
- The mug will be hot so place it on an insulated surface while it cools down like the EasyPress Mat.
- Once cool to touch, reveal the beautiful design! This is the most satisfying part!
Making Designs With Infusible Ink Pens/Markers
Using the Cricut you can take personalization to the next level with beautiful designs drawn using pens or markers – even hand drawn.
- Pick a “draw” only design in Design Space and draw it on laser copy paper mounted on a LightGrip Machine mat using Infusible ink pens.
- Alternatively, you can also hand-draw something on Laser copy paper. Remember that the design gets mirrored so draw only designs that aren’t affected by the mirroring.
Below, I used the Cricut to print the words and made the hearts myself.
- Use at least 3 layers of butcher paper to cover the design. This is not needed if using transfer sheets.
The rest of the process to transfer the designs is the same as before! Here is the mug!
Making Layered Designs
If you want to layer multiple colors or patterns, it is easy to do so! Simply weed one of the layers and pop it onto the sticky back of the second layer. Transfer as usual and you will have multiple colors!
The infusible ink technology coupled with the MugPress makes the mug look professional quality. The design is seamlessly infused into the mug!
I have been making lots of lots of mugs lately 🙂
A Few Quick Questions You Might Have –
Can I Use My Easypress With the Mugs and Infusible Ink?
No! Do not use the EasyPress with Cricut mugs and Infusible Ink. The EasyPress is flat and designed for flat, even surfaces – it cannot be used for curved mugs and can possibly result in burns. The MugPress is specially engineered to work with mugs.
Can I Use Iron-on Vinyl or Htv With the Cricut Mugpress?
No! The heat from the MugPress can burn or melt the iron-on/htv material. This can damage the heat plate. Infusible Ink transfer process requires very high heat and the MugPress is programmed to do just that.
When and Where Can I Buy the Mugpress
The Cricut MugPress is available starting today (March 11, 2021)!
Below are links to all the products you need to start making your own pro-level mugs –
- Cricut MugPress
- Infusible ink transfer sheets – Cricut has released an array of specially sized blanks for mugs. You can cut down and use regular transfer sheets as well.
- Cricut mug blanks
- Butcher paper
- Laser copy paper (if using markers)
- Infusible ink markers and pens
- Heat-resistant transfer tape
More Cricut How-to Articles –
How to Use the Cricut MugPress
How to make professional quality mugs using the Cricut MugPress.
Materials
- Infusible ink transfer sheets
- Cricut mug blanks
- Butcher paper (if using markers)
- Laser copy paper (if using markers)
- Infusible ink markers and pens
- Heat-resistant transfer tape
Tools
Instructions
- Activate/pre-heat your MugPress. This is a one time activation, connect to a computer, go to the set up page and follow the prompts. Then pre-heat by pressing the power button.
- Load the template in Cricut Design Space. You can pick the size and edge design of the mug.
- Design your mug.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to load the infusible ink sheet or markers. Remember to mirror the images! Cut out or print the design using your Cricut machine and weed it out if necessary.
- Align the design on the mug. Use heat resistant tape to make sure that the liner doesn't move at all!
- Slowly set the mug in the MugPress and push down the clamp on the right to activate it.
- Once it's done, remove the mug by it's handle. The mug will be hot so place it on an insulated surface while it cools down like the EasyPress Mat.
- Once cool to the touch, reveal the design!
Making designs with Infusible ink pens/markers
- Pick a "draw" only design in Design Space and craw it on laser copy paper using Infusible ink pens.
- Use at least 3 layers of butcher paper to cover the design. This is not needed if using transfer sheets.
- The rest of the process to transfer the designs is the same as above
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
