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Sometimes it can feel like tumblers are taking over the world. I mean just a few years ago, they really weren’t all that popular. But today, we sell thousands….yes thousands and I see no signs of slowing demand.
That brings us to a very logical question as we try our best to get these tumblers sublimated as quickly and as perfectly as possible.
So Can You Make Tumblers with a Cricut Mug Press?
Making a sublimation tumbler using a Cricut Mug press can be done. However, it takes extra material, extra work, multiple rotations and you must keep watch the entire time. Tempting as it is, it is not practical; especially when there are 2 other ways to sublimate tumblers in less time and with professional looking results.
So, even though it can be done, results are more likely to be disappointing when trying to sublimate a skinny tumbler in a Cricut Mug Press.
You will have to turn the tumbler around 8 times. Each time, you increase the chances of blurry transfers (ghosting) and you could ruin your machine or burn your fingers. But…still, it can be done. (more on that later).
How We Sublimate Tumblers
To make life easier, we use a dedicated convection oven (product link). By “dedicated” we mean we don’t mix food and sublimation fumes.
We also use an actual tumbler press (like this link). We have the 7-in-1 mug press with tumbler attachment, but the 2-in1 can also be used…especially if you have no desire to do shot glasses or latte mugs.
That being said….WE LOVE OUR CRICUT MUG PRESS! and it has a place in our workshop.
Read on to see why…and yes, we’ll also show you how to do a tumbler if you insist…
Can You use Cricut Mug Press for Sublimation?
Yes and it’s why we love it! With the right mug, the Cricut Mug Press is great for Sublimation Blank Coffee Mugs between 11 and 16oz. In fact, the mug press is perfect for sublimation craft shows because it’s portable and uses a regular outlet.
Can You use other Mugs with Cricut Mug Press?
Cricut brand mugs are high quality and produce high end results. But you can use the Cricut Mug Press to sublimate other mugs as long as those mugs are coated for sublimation. We regularly swap out which mugs we are using based on pricing and supply.
If you find a great deal on sublimation coffee mugs, they will work with the Cricut Mug Press. We do it all the time. One of our favorite online retailers, Heat Press Nation Link to Sublimation Mugs offers mugs compatible with Cricut mug press
What about Regular Mugs?
Beware! You cannot use Regular mugs with the Cricut mug press when you are using sublimation inks. Sublimation ink will not transfer to regular mugs, such as those found in the dollar store.
The mugs you buy must be for sublimation. HPN has some of the best prices on their entry level series (link)
How to use Cricut mug press for tumblers
If you’re absolutely convinced that you want to use the Cricut Mug press to sublimate tumblers, here is how it’s done. Remember though, it is not the best way to do tumblers and they take a lot of time.
Plus, the Cricut mug press manual does not support this method and so you take a chance of burns and/or ruining the press with no recourse.
TIP: the tumblers must be straight, not tapered. The Cricut Mug Press only supports straight-walled drinkware.
Step 1 – Insert your ready to sublimate tumbler into mug heat press and push it all the way toward the back as pictured below
Step 2 – Now you’ll need to insert a wedge so the tumbler pushes against the back wall when closed. The wedge must be clean, free of ink and be able to tolerate high heat. Something like a couple of sublimation car coasters or air freshener blanks might do the trick.
Step – 3 Close the heat mug press and test to make sure the wedge pushes the tumbler all the way to the back and doesn’t move around. Here is a video clip I did to show you what I mean:
Step 4 – Perform the first press by clamping the mug press closed. When done, rotate 1/4 turn and repeat. Then you’ll have to flip it upside down and repeat the process.
Is Cricut Mug Press Worth it?
When used properly, the Cricut mug press is an incredible little machine. It’s portable, lightweight, easy to clean, takes up the space of a toaster, and the press makes beautiful looking mugs.
You can take this compact mug press to shows, events, vacation, camping, etc., and it won’t feel like it’s in the way. We think it’s worth it and that’s why we have one in every studio. When we have just a couple of orders to fulfill, we turn to the Cricut Mug Press because it’s so easy.
We own several. We say it’s totally worth it and check for the best price at both the Cricut Official site (link) and at the Cricut store (link) on amazon.com
Cricut Mug Press vs. Cricut Mug Press Bundle Options
As of this writing, you have a few standard options when purchasing the Cricut Mug Press:
- Just the Mug Press
- Cricut Mug Press Essential Bundle
- Cricut Mug Press Everything Bundle
If you are a sublimator without a Cricut cutting machine, then the heat press mug alone will serve you well. You don’t need most of items included in the bundle.
Simply use sublimation prints from your printer of choice article (or order prints online).
However, if you have a cutting machine, then you may be interested in in the mug press bundles, especially if they are on sale. Here is a snapshot, direct from the Cricut Official Website of how these 2 bundles compare:
Cricut Mug Press – Essential
Bundled with:
- Ceramic Mug Blank, White – 12 oz/340 ml (4 ct)
- Infusible Ink™ Pattern, Pink Limeonade, – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™ Pattern, Purple Watersplash – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™ Markers (1.0), Neons (5 ct)
- Heat Resistant Tape
*Materials in bundle may be substituted based on availability
Cricut Mug Press Everything
Bundled with:
- Ceramic Mug Blank, White – 12 oz/340 ml (8 ct)
- Infusible Ink™ Pattern, Buffalo Check, – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™ Pattern, Green Watercolor – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™ Pattern, Blue Paint Splash – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™, Black – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™, Cherry Red – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™, Ultraviolet – 4.5″ x 12″
- Infusible Ink™ Pens (0.4), Watercolor Splash (5 ct)
- Infusible Ink™ Markers (1.0), Neons (5 ct)
- Heat Resistant Tape – 2 ct.
*Materials in bundle may be substituted based on availability.
you can check out Cricut’s bundle options here: link to bundles. They are great deals if you need all the stuff in the bundle. Definitely worth a look.
Cricut Mug Press Machine Summary
We have a Cricut Mug Press in every location and we find them to be easy to operate. More importantly, they give crisp, professional results that command a top retail price.
Our favorite time to use them is for logos, client samples, on the road or when we just have a few to get out the door.
You won’t be able to do a full wrap mug design, and the design should stop short of the handle by about 3/8’s of an inch on each side.
Here is a picture of about how close you can get to the handle:
The Cricut Mug Press is easy to clean and we overall recommend this heat cup press for sublimation of coffee mugs.
get the best price by shopping around. We recommend checking both the Cricut Official site (link) and at the Cricut store (link) on amazon.com
Thanks for visiting,
Happy Sublimating!