Learn everything you need to know when it comes to using Cricut’s Infusible Ink Pens and Markers.
In case you haven’t been following me on Instagram or Facebook (if you want fun behind the scene tips and tricks and some funny craft fails you totally should), let me tell you know that I am LOVING Cricut’s new Infusible Ink products! There are so many possibilities with the transfer sheets and pens/markers. Not to mention the colors are so vibrant!!
If you are new to Infusible Ink, check out this post for the basics plus how to use transfer sheets and answers to the most commonly asked questions. Today’s post is going to cover everything you need to know about the Infusible Ink Pens and Markers.
What Are Infusible Ink Pens and Markers?
Cricut’s Infusible Ink Pens and Markers are part of Cricut’s Infusible Ink line of products that allow you to create seamless designs on shirts, totes, coasters and more. You can use them in your Cricut machine (Maker or any Explore machine) or you can even hand draw or write with them.
Infusible Ink Pens are .4mm thick and create crisp, clean thin lines. Infusible Ink Markers are 1mm thick and create thicker lines. The pens are great for drawing or writing outlines and the markers are great for coloring designs in. Both pens and markers come in basic colors as well as neon colors.
What Else Do I Need To Make Infusible Ink Pens Work?
There’s not a whole lot extra you need, other than a Cricut machine and EasyPress or Heat Press to use Infusible Ink Pens!
- Cricut Cutting Machine – You can use either the Maker or any Explore machine to cut or draw your designs
- EasyPress or Heat Press – An iron WILL NOT work with Infusible Ink for two reasons. One, an iron does not get hot enough to press the Infusible Ink into your base. You can check out this interactive guide to get all the temperature and time settings. And secondly, you need to make sure the heat source is very still during the pressing process. When you use an iron to apply iron-on vinyl you move it around to get the iron-on vinyl to adhere to the surface. If you move the heat source with Infusible Ink it will ruin the design.
- EasyPress Mat – The materials inside the EasyPress mat help keep the heat inside your shirt, tote, coaster, etc. Because of this you’ll want to use the EasyPress mat every time. If you are using a clamshell heat press, the pads inside have similar materials that keep the heat in your base.
- Lint Roller – You’ll want to use a lint roller before you pre-heat your surface (not needed on coasters) to make sure there is nothing on your shirts or totes that will affect the design.
- Laser Printer Paper – You need to draw your designs on laser printer paper. If you use cardstock or regular printer paper, the design will not transfer as well.
- Heat Transfer Tape – Use this to attach paper your design is on to your base/blank.
- Butcher Paper – Use this to keep ink from getting on your EasyPress or heat press.
How To Use Infusible Ink Pens and Markers
For this tutorial we are going to be using both the pens and markers on ceramic coasters. You can make these same coasters with this design in Cricut Design Space.
Supplies:
Infusible Ink Pens and Markers in Neon
Cricut Maker (or Explore Machine)
Cardstock
If you are wanting to order from Cricut.com make sure to use promo code TF10 to get 10% off and score FREE shipping on orders over $50!
Directions:
Open up this design in Design Space.
On the preview mat, make sure to MIRROR your image.
Load Laser Paper onto LightGrip Mat.
Insert pen into A clamp and load mat into Cricut Machine. Draw/Cut Design.
Use Infusible Ink Maker to color in Emoji Face.
Preheat EasyPress or Heat Press to 400°F.
Clean coasters with lint-free cloth.
Tape design on to coasters with the design face down on coaster making sure to use Heat Resistant Tape.
Put cardstock on EasyPress Mat.
Place coaster on EasyPress Mat upside down. Place Butcher Paper on top of coaster.
Put EasyPress on coaster and press for 240 seconds. DO NOT move the EasyPress during pressing.
Allow to cool for 4-5 minutes before removing tape and paper.
Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Infusible Ink Pens and Marker Projects
Having time to play around and use the pens and markers here are a few things I’ve learned to do and NOT do to make sure your projects are exactly how you want them.
- Always MIRROR your images. I totally forgot to do this the first time with the pens because my mind was still in iron-on vinyl mode. When you use regular Cricut pens you don’t need to mirror your designs but because you are pressing your design into your blank with the EasyPress, if you don’t mirror your design it will come out backwards.
- Use the LightGrip Mat when drawing your designs with your Cricut. Also, make sure your mat isn’t super sticky or you will have a hard time getting the paper to detach from the mat. If your mat is brand new or super sticky, press it on your shirt a few times to remove some of the stickiness.
- ONLY use Laser Printer or Copy Paper. Any other paper won’t give you as vibrant of a design. You can get a ream of Laser Paper for $7 or less on Amazon.
- ALWAYS use Heat Resistant Tape to attach your Laser Paper to your blank. This will insure it doesn’t move during pressing.
- Be prepared for a LONG press. If you are using pens with the ceramic (round) coasters you will need to press it for 4 minutes. Other materials are only 40-60 seconds, but this is still longer than you may be used to with iron-on projects.
- You need to keep your heat source (EasyPress or heat press) COMPLETELY still when pressing Infusible Ink Pens and Markers into your blanks. If you move them your design can become smudged.
- Use EasyPress Mat for best results to insure heat is kept in your blank.
- Let design cool for 1-2 minutes (more like 4 or 5 minutes with ceramic coasters) before removing laser paper.
Infusible Ink Pens and Markers Made Easy
Have you had a chance to use the new Infusible Ink Pens or Markers? Let me know what you created in the comments! If you’d like to check out more ways you can use your Cricut check out these posts! Need help with your Cricut? Join our Cricut Support Facebook Group!
Mary Christenson says
Please send me instructions for using infusible pens and markers and transfering art to shirts, etc.
Sydney says
Hi Mary! Here is a link to the post on Infusible Ink pens and how to transfer the designs to your blanks: http://tastefullyfrugal.org/2019/06/how-to-use-infusible-ink-pens-and-makers.html
Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Lori says
How many uses should I expect out of one pen? I drew on explore 4 coaster outlines in black, worked fine. Tried to fill in some spaces using the same black pen and it appears to be dried out already!! I can’t afford to buy a $14 pack for black every time I want to use it!
thanks for any feedback!
Sydney says
Hi Lori! Did you use the pen or marker to color in? I found if I used the pen to color in the designs I ruined the tip and it wouldn’t write anymore. If you are coloring in it’s best to use the markers.
Megan says
Can you draw out image with a pencil than cover with a marker? Or will the pencil show through
Sydney says
Hey Megan! I don’t think the pencil will show through but it might affect the look of the marker. What are you wanting to press it on? A shirt or a coaster? I can do a test and let you know!
Sherri says
How long can I leave a printed design before I transfer it? For example, would I be able to print and color today -and then transfer it tomorrow or will it be too dried out? (I‘m designing a shower curtain, so I have several things to print and color before transfer)
Sydney says
As long as you keep it in a cool, dark place that should be fine. I would put it in a drawer or somewhere dark before you press it.