Because Infusible Ink transfers are permanent, we’ve worked hard to ensure your success from beginning to end. Unwanted transfer effects with Infusible Ink are permanent too, but can be easily avoided by following all recommended material and blank preparation guidelines for Infusible Ink projects. Select a link below to learn more about issues and how to avoid them.
Note: If you notice signs of overheating or not enough heat, adjust the temperature on your Mug Press by following the steps listed in this article.
- Browning or scorching of butcher paper or transfer sheet
- Blue dots
- Black dots
- Bleeding
- Marbling
- Blurring
- Faded design edges near mug handle
- Blurred effect on beveled/chiseled edge of mug
- Yellow gridlines/Cricut watermark
Browning or scorching of butcher paper or transfer sheet
Some browning/scorching of butcher paper or transfer sheet is normal and will not damage your press or design. However, make sure to trim butcher paper or transfer sheet to fit around mug properly; avoid allowing it to extend above rim or below bottom of mug.
Blue dots
Why it happens:
Though often not visible to the naked eye, there may be particles of lint or dust on the surface which can transfer onto your blank, resulting in blue dots on your mug. When heat is applied, dye present in particles can permanently transfer onto the blank.
How to avoid it:
- Lint-roll surface of mug blank before wrapping design around it.
- Do not leave weeded transfer sheets out for long periods of time. This will allow the exposed sticky liner to collect unwanted particles that could affect your transfer results.
- Trim transfer sheet liner close to design to avoid collecting lint.
Black dots
Why it happens:
Black dots are caused by extraneous particulate matter either on the mug or on the transfer sheet liner, particles such as Infusible Ink transfer sheet slivers, dirt, and dust.
How to avoid it:
- Make sure your crafting environment is clean
- Trim Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet liner close to the design
- Avoid working directly in front of fans
Bleeding
Why it happens:
When design is not tight or completely flat against mug, bleeding around edge of the design can occur.
How to avoid it:
Make sure design is secured flush against the mug without bubbles or gaps.
Marbling
Why it happens:
This can occur when the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet gets moisture on it.
How to avoid it:
- Store Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets in a cool, dry environment
- Do not touch colored side of transfer sheet with damp or oily hands
Blurring
Why it happens:
- There was a gap or bubble between design and mug
- There is a dramatic taper or divot in mug wall
How to avoid it:
Make sure design is firmly secured flush against mug.
Faded design edges near mug handle
Why it happens:
This occurs when edges of design are not getting enough heat.
How to avoid it:
- Align design properly on mug
- Ensure heat plate completely covers edges of design
- Make sure mug diameter is in spec and you're using a Cricut mug blank or sublimation compatible blank
Blurred effect on beveled/chiseled edge of mug
Why it happens
For best results, designs should be applied only to the smooth, straight pressing area on mug blanks. When the design extends past this area, a blurred effect will occur.
How to avoid it
For best results, align design so it stops before the beveled or chiseled edge begins. To help get your design in just the right spot before pressing, flip the mug upside-down and use the straight edge of the top rim as a reference. To press, place in Cricut Mug Press right side up, resting bottom of mug on base heater.
Additionally, due to the beveled or chiseled edge, the pressing area of these mugs is a different height than it is for other Cricut mug blanks; the maximum design dimensions are:
- Beveled mugs: 8.75 in (22.52 cm) wide x 4.17 in (10.59 cm) high
- Stackable mugs: 8.75 in (22.52 cm) wide x 2.95 in (7.49 cm) high
To find projects designed especially for these mugs, search Design Space Projects for Mug Design Setup, then be sure to select one of the "beveled" or "stackable" options from the Finished Size drop-down.
Design Space for Desktop
Design Space for mobile
Yellow gridlines/Cricut watermark
How to avoid it:
- Use a Cricut mug blank* or sublimation compatible blank
- Before wrapping around mug, trim transfer sheet liner close to design
- Use heat-resistant tape as needed to secure design to mug
*Poly-coating on Cricut mug blanks is specially formulated to minimize gridline transfer.