How to Make Sublimation Tumblers with Cricut Mug Press
Creating personalized sublimation tumblers is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to everyday items. The Cricut Mug Press is a fantastic tool that makes it easy to transfer designs onto tumblers, mugs, and other materials. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to make sublimation tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, you will find this tutorial helpful in achieving professional-looking results.
Materials Needed:
Before you start, gather the following materials:
1. Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
2. Cricut Mug Press
3. Sublimation transfer paper (Cricut brand recommended)
4. Tumblers (white or light-colored)
5. Design software (Design Space or Cricut Design Space app)
6. Weeding tool
7. Heat press or household iron
8. Heat-resistant tape
9. Cutting mat
10. Scissors or a craft knife
Step 1: Design Your Image
Open your design software and create a design for your sublimation tumbler. You can use pre-made designs or create your own. Make sure the design is suitable for sublimation printing, as it requires a specific type of ink and paper.
Step 2: Load the Sublimation Transfer Paper
Place the sublimation transfer paper onto the cutting mat, ensuring it is aligned properly. Load the mat into your Cricut machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Cut the Design
Select the design you want to cut and load it into the design software. Choose the correct settings for your material and cut the design. Once the cutting is complete, remove the sublimation transfer paper from the mat.
Step 4: Weed the Design
Use the weeding tool to remove the excess transfer paper around your design. Be careful not to touch the design with the weeding tool, as it can cause the ink to smudge.
Step 5: Prepare the Tumbler
Clean the tumbler thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. Use a lint-free cloth and mild soap. Allow the tumbler to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 6: Apply the Design
Place the weeded design onto the tumbler, ensuring it is centered. Use heat-resistant tape to secure the design in place. If you are using an iron, set it to the highest temperature suitable for your tumbler material. If you are using a heat press, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and time settings.
Step 7: Heat Press or Iron the Design
Apply the heat press or iron to the tumbler for the recommended time and temperature. Be sure to use even pressure to transfer the design onto the tumbler. Once the heat has been applied, remove the heat press or iron and let the tumbler cool for a few minutes.
Step 8: Peel Off the Transfer Paper
After the tumbler has cooled, carefully peel off the transfer paper. The design should now be permanently adhered to the tumbler.
Congratulations! You have successfully made a sublimation tumbler using the Cricut Mug Press. Enjoy your personalized creation and share it with friends and family. Happy crafting!
