Learn how to use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on Mugs to create one of a kind designs! These mugs make perfect gifts and keepsakes.
I absolutely love using the Infusible Ink pens and markers! I’ve used them on coasters, onesies, tote bags and now mugs and every time I’m always amazed at how bright and vibrant the colors turn out. Like the Infusible Ink transfer sheets, the pens’ colors are a bit duller than the real color when you draw with them. With heat the colors really come alive and it’s always fun to get that first peek behind the paper after it’s pressed.
Infusible Ink Pens and Markers vs Transfer Sheets on Mugs
While the heating process is the same when it comes to making mugs with any of the Infusible Ink projects, what you do with your mugs before you put them into the Mug Press to be pressed is a little different. Unlike the transfer sheets that have a thicker backing, the laser paper you use for Infusible Ink pens is a lot thinner. To protect the walls of your Mug Press from getting died with the ink from the pens and markers, you need to make sure you are wrapping your mug designs with THREE sheets of parchment paper before putting the mugs in the Mug Press.
Other than that, the process is pretty much the same for designs with Infusible Ink pens/markers and the transfer sheets. Check out the section below for more tips on how to get the most out of your mug projects.
What Pens Can I Use?
This all depends on what Cricut machine you are using. If you are hand drawing your pictures or designs you can use any of the Infusible Ink Pens and Markers. There are even Freehand Markers available that you can use while drawing (note Infusible Ink Freehand Markers are only to be used when drawing by hand. They do not fit in any of the Cricut Machines).
If you are using the Explore or Maker machines you can use any of the Infusible Ink Markers and Pens here. If you are a Cricut Joy user, these are the Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens and Markers.
Tips for Getting The Best Results When Using Infusible Ink Pens and Markers
Turn your Cricut Mug Press on and allow it to pre-heat as you are drawing your designs. To do this, plug it in to the wall and press the power button on top. It takes about 3-5 minutes to get to temperature. The power light will go from orange to green when it’s ready.
Not all paper is created equally when it comes to using Infusible Ink Pens and Markers. Whether you are pressing your Infusible Ink drawings on a mug, tote, t-shirt or any other Cricut blank, Laser Copy Paper provides a more clear, brighter finished project.
Don’t forget to MIRROR your design. Just link with iron-on vinyl or Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, if you don’t mirror your design it will appear backwards after you remove the paper with your design on it from the mug.
Make sure to clean your mug with a lint roller prior to putting your design on the mug. Even the smallest of fibers can affect the finished design.
Once you have your design mirrored, put the paper picture side facing the mug and attach it to the mug with Heat Resistant Tape.
Cut 3 sheets of butcher paper down to size so it covers the mug. I use the Cricut Paper Trimmer to cut my sheets down to size. Then you’ll want to tape them on to the mug on top of your design.
Place your mug into the Cricut Mug Press with the handle in the center of the opening. Press the handle of the Cricut Mug Press down to begin the heating process. The small lights will start blinking to indicate how far along in the process you are. When all the lights have stopped blinking you will hear a beep and your mug is done.
After Your Mug Is Pressed
Lift up the handle on the Cricut Mug Press and carefully remove your mug. Let it rest on a protected surface (I use either a Self Healing Mat or an EasyPress Mat) and allow the mug to completely cool. This can take 5-10 minutes. You want to let your mug cool on a protected surface. This prevents any of the ink from getting on your work surface.
Let your mug completely cool. This allows the colors of the Infusible Ink Pens and Markers to fully set into the mug. If you remove the butcher paper and copy paper too soon you could see faded colors or ghosting.
Leave a Reply