Layer Infusible Ink in the Mug Press

One of the most common questions we’ve gotten since the Cricut Mug Press was released is, “Can you layer Infusible Ink in the Mug Press?” Well, today we are going to answer that question for you with our Infusible Ink tutorial.

Both Infusible Ink and the Mug Press have added such amazing new dimensions to our Cricut crafts. You can create so many beautiful designs with these products and techniques and we can’t wait to share our craft projects ideas with you.

How to Layer Infusible Ink in the Mug Press

We will share all of our Cricut Infusible Ink and Mug Press tips and tricks with you so that you can try layering Infusible Ink too. There are some important things to bear in mind to get the best possible results.

PS – We’re also testing out some off brand infusible ink sheets here. Check it out!

Materials used:

Working in Cricut Design Space

Layering Infusible Ink On A Mug Design In Design Space

For this particular mug, we used our Makers Gonna Learn Mermaid Hair Cut File. In addition, we’re using the Mug Press Template. We cut the Mermaid Hair cut file from black Cricut Infusible Ink and the Mug Press Template from a colorful piece of knock off ink.

Be sure to check out our full mug cut file collection here.

We wanted to manipulate the mermaid file first though to make it fit better on the mug. Begin by selecting the design and Ungroup. Next, grab a square from Shapes and cover the word “hair”.

Select both the word “hair” and the square and Slice. Discard the slice results. Now, you can move mermaid and hair independently of each other.

This allowed us to stack the words with the mermaid which we think works much better on a mug. Once you’ve done this, select all 3 parts of the design. Choose Align, Center Horizontally. Then, select Weld to hold your design together.

Size to fit the mug wrap. Right click the design to duplicate it so you can have a design on each side of mug.

Important tips for layering Infusible Ink

When layering you want to cut out the darkest layer first. It will get applied to the mug first and then the lighter design goes on top. If you do the reverse, it will remove some of the lighter design when you apply the darker one.

See photo above for the difference. On the left, we put the darkest layer on the mug first. On the right, we applied the lightest layer first. The adhesive from the transfer removed some of the color.

Black will not be changed by the color added over it. Other colors might be – you’ll have to experiment if you don’t want to use black.

Applying the design to the mug

Click Make It. Choose Infusible Ink for the material setting.

Apply your designs to the mug. Be sure to smooth out any air bubbles. Use heat-resistant tape to hold it in place if needed.

cricut mug press with mug in it and paddle down

Place the mug into the preheated Cricut Mug Press and heat it.

Let The Mug Cool And Peel Off The Transfer Tape

Mug After Backing Is Removed From Infusible Ink

Let the mug cool down and then peel off the Infusible Ink backing.

We like to place the mat on the table with the handle facing towards us. Put the wrap down so that it is flat on the table and wrap it around the mug towards you. This helps to get it on evenly.

Make sure one side is adhered. Then, we like to pull the second side around so we can get it nice and tight around the mug. Apply heat resistant tape all around the top and bottom of the design on the mug to hold the wrap in place securely.

Make Sure The Handle Of The Mug Is Centered So That Both Ends Of The Mug Wrap Are Completely Covered By The Press

Place it in the mug press again, making sure that the handle is centered so that both ends of the mug wrap are completely covered by the press so it all heats and transfers properly.

Finished Mug On The Left And Unused Infusible Ink On The Right

You can see the finished mug on the left and what the off-brand Infusible Ink looked like before it was applied. As you can see, there’s quite a difference, with the heat really bringing out the intensity of colors.

As you can see, the colored Infusible Ink goes over the plain black ink beautifully, given you these gorgeous results. If you make one of these layered mugs, be sure to tag us with #MakersGonnaLearn on social media so we can see your projects!