Things You'll Need
Ceramic, porcelain or stainless steel mugs
Mug wraps
Thermal heat-resistant tape
Transfers
Gloves, heat-resistant
Scissors
Oven, convection
Drill or nut driver
Making your own decorative mugs using the process of sublimation is a moderately simple way to create your own piece of art. By utilizing household items for the most part, you can make a nice set of matching coffee mugs for your own kitchen or gifts for those special people in your life. Either way, the final product is special and unique because it was made with your own hands and artistic vision.
Step 1
Create the transfer by printing your selected image onto transfer paper.
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Step 2
Trim the transfer to the appropriate size so that it covers the entire mug from top to bottom and from one side of the handle to the other.
Step 3
Cut the thermal tape into two one-inch pieces and apply to the middle of both sides of the transfer. Allow one half inch of tape to stick out on each side.
Step 4
Center the transfer onto the mug and tape down one side. Slide your thumb around the vessel to keep it tight to the mug. Tape down the second edge.
Step 5
Center the mug wrap around the mug and transfer image so that it is even with both sides of the mug handle. Tighten the mug wrap using a drill or hand tighten with a nut driver. Do not let the edges of the wrap touch at the mug handle.
Step 6
Place the mug upside down on the oven rack and heat at 400 degrees in a convection oven. If heating more than one mug at a time, space the mugs evenly on the oven rack. Heat for approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
Step 7
Use gloves to remove the hot mug from the oven.
Step 8
Angle a fan down at a 45-degree angle next to the mug and turn it on, letting it run for three to five minutes to cool down the mug.
Step 9
Remove the thermal tape and transfer image with gloves.
Tip
Make a test mug to determine how long to heat your mugs for your desired result.
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