How to Make an Infusible Ink Mug without a Mug Press -

I really wanted to make my husband an infusible ink mug without a mug press for St. Patrick’s Day. I didn’t want to spend the money on a mug press because I knew that I wouldn’t make enough mugs to make it cost effective. This technique is a lot less expensive though it takes a bit longer. But that’s alright it still came out great. If you would like more Infusible Ink projects check out my Infusible Ink page here.

I used Infusible Ink sheets for my project today but you could use pens if you like. You could also use most any design you like so long as it fits on the mug. I decided to make my own design today using the divided monogram technique I described in this post. I am not going to spend any time talking about Design Space and creating the design in this post. This post is all about how the sublimation technique works in the oven. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive small commission at no extra cost to you.

What you will need: How to Make an Infusible Ink Mug without a Mug Press

Step 1: Create your Design

Head to Design Space and create your design or upload a stock design. Mine as 3″ wide and 3.25″ tall. Make sure that when you cut your design that you mirror the image or it will come out backward when you place it on the mug. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Step 2: Cut your Infusible Ink Sheet

Given the size of my deign I cut each of my sheets 4″ x 4″ to accommodate bot the P and the name Patrick. I placed my first sheet onto my green standard grip mat and used a brayer to make sure that it was firmly adhered to the mat.

Step 3: Cut your Design

Choose On Mat and again make sure the reverse image button is selected. Select Infusible Ink transfer sheet from the browse more menu. Feed the mat through and after it has fed click go and cut.

Step 4: Remove your Design

Weed your design. Depending on your design and colors you may have to weed one part of your design and place it on the transfer sheet of the other design. It is important to note that you can only bake this once so all of your design must be on the mug at the same time. For my design, I used two different patterns of Infusible Ink sheets and put them both on the same transfer sheet.

Step 5: Clean the Mug

Using the alcohol, clean the mug to make sure there are no oils to interfere with the sublimation process.

Step 6: Add your Design to the Mug

Add the design to the mug by centering it in your desired location using the transfer sheet. Tape it on using heat resistant tape.

Step 7: Add the Silicone Mug Wrap

Wrap the silicone mug wrap around the mug by placing the mug handle facing up on the mug wrap. Wrap the mug wrap so that the metal fastenings go in through the handle. Push the wrap together until the metal fastenings click together.

Step 8: Bake your Mug

Place the mug into an oven bag if you are concerned about the fumes getting into your food. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove the mug from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before removing the silicone wrap. Don’t skimp on this step.

Step 9: Remove the Silicone Wrap

Once the mug has cooled remove the silicone wrap. Take off the Tape and transfer backing and you have finished your Infusible Ink mug without a mug press.