Sublimating mugs

Sublimating mugs is honestly my favorite item to sublimate!

I feel like mugs are the easiest item to sublimate and in my opinion one of the cheapest way to start sublimating! 

There are two ways in which you can sublimate on mugs. One is to use a conventional oven or by purchasing a cup press! When I first started sublimating on mugs I didn't realize you could start really cheap so I spent quite a bit of money. Now that I have been sublimating on mugs for some time I have found the most budget friendly way to do so, and I will be sharing that with you today!

Lets start with the items you need.

1. You are going to need sublimation transfers. The easiest way to start is by purchasing the sublimation transfers from a sublimation shop. We actually offer custom sublimation transfers! All you have to do is send your design and we will print it for you. You can always contact us at general@craftykari.com if you have any questions!

Orrrr you can purchase your own sublimation printer and ink! I will definitely be posting a blog on sublimation printers and ink soon. 

2. You are going to need a mug press or a conventional oven. 

There are so many great mug press options out there.

This was the first ever mug press I purchased. I purchased the 7 in one bundle because I knew I was going to be pressing 11oz and 15oz mugs, 20 oz cups, 16 oz cups and shoot glasses! I actually loved this mug press so much that I now have two. This press does come in a few different bundles so make sure to check them out!

That being said, if you don't plan on sublimating shot glasses but would still like to press 20 oz cups and 16 oz cups I would recommending getting this press instead. Its the same press pictured above that just includes less sleeves. They also have the same press available in super cute colors. I have the mint one as well! It works great and it looks so good in my craft room. As long as you have the small sleeve you will able to sublimate both 11 oz and 15 oz mugs.

Okay now lets talk about the cheapest option! I had no idea heatpressnation had such an affordable mug press! This press is literally $100!! How crazy! I wish I would've noticed it before and started with this one instead. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to sublimate 20 oz cups. But it is a great way to get started with sublimating mugs! And yes this mug press also sublimates 11 oz and 15 oz mugs!

The last item you will need are mug blanks! I purchase all my mug blanks from HPN. I have found they sublimate well and have the best pricing. The main mugs I purchase are the 15 oz mugs. They are the ones I used for my sisters 15. I also like to purchase the 11 oz mugs when selling custom mugs to offer a cheaper alternative to my customers.

After you have all the supplies you need we can start working on the design for the mugs. I like to use canva.com to create my designs! here is a step by step on how to make your own design:

1. Head over to canva

2. Select create a new project

3. Select custom size

If you are working with a 15 oz mug your imprint area will be 8.6 x 4.3

If you are working with a 11 oz mug your imprint area will be 8.2 x 3.7

Please keep in mind that these are the sizes that work best for the HPN mugs linked above. If you are using a different brand the imprint area will vary.

4. Create your design and export it as a png

5. Once you have downloaded your png you can send it to print!

Now lets go over how to actually sublimate your mugs:

1. Wrap your mug with your sublimation print

2. Make sure to use enough tape to wrap your mug. If you don't have enough tape you could get ghosting on your mug

3. Change your tumbler press settings to 385 F for 190 seconds.

4. Place your mug onto your mug press. Your HPN mug press will actually start beeping once its done