Using a heat press mug involves several steps to transfer a design onto a ceramic mug. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Prepare the Design: Create or select your desired design. This is typically printed onto sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
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Secure the Design to the Mug: Wrap the printed design tightly around the mug, ensuring proper alignment. Use heat-resistant tape to secure the paper to the mug surface. This prevents shifting during the heat pressing process.
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Set the Heat Press Parameters: Turn on your mug press and set the temperature and time according to the manufacturer's instructions and the type of mug and sublimation paper you're using. A typical setting might be around 385-400°F (196-204°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes.
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Place the Mug in the Heat Press: Carefully position the mug inside the mug press, ensuring it's snugly fitted against the heating element.
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Press the Start Button: Once the mug is in place, press the start button on the heat press to begin the transfer process. The machine will apply heat and pressure for the set duration.
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Remove the Mug: When the timer goes off, carefully remove the mug from the heat press. Important: Wear heat-resistant gloves, as the mug will be very hot.
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Cool Down: Allow the mug to cool down completely before removing the sublimation paper. You can place it on a heat-resistant surface to cool.
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Remove the Paper: Once the mug is cool, carefully peel off the sublimation paper to reveal the transferred design.
