The Easiest Way to Apply Vinyl to a Mug

Learn the easiest way to apply vinyl to a mug. Did you know that you can use vinyl on mugs without a mug press? Yes, you can!

Last week I shared some fun coffee themed SVG files. Let me tell you, I just cannot live without my coffee. It’s the first thing I reach for in the kitchen each morning. So what better project to make with a coffee themed SVG file than a coffee mug. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to use adhesive vinyl to personalize a mug. This tutorial is great for those who do not have or do not want to invest in a mug press

I’m using a Silhouette Cameo in this tutorial but this also works with the Portrait. You’re also going to need some more supplies:

DIY MUG SUPPLIES

• Mug – make sure the mug is big enough for the design that you choose
• Oracal 651 Permanent Vinyl – I like to get my vinyl from Expressions Vinyl. They have good prices and fast shipping. Plus, you can join their vinyl rewards program and get points towards future purchases every time you shop. 
• Weeding tools – my weeding tools are from Cricut but Silhouette sells some as well.  
• Transfer Tape
• Coffee themed SVG -available to my email subscribersIf you don’t want to use the coffee themed file, you can either design cut files in Illustrator  or I have numerous free cut files. I also recommend these sites for cut files:
  Kelly Leigh Creates Shop 
  Creative Market
  Design Cuts
  So Fontsy

HOW TO APPLY ADHESIVE VINYL TO A MUG

• Make sure your mug is clean and dry
• Cut out your SVG file onto adhesive vinyl. I highly recommend permanent outdoor vinyl for this project since you will be washing your mug

• Weed the excess vinyl from your design
• Apply transfer tape to your SVG file

• Center your design onto your mug and use a few pieces of tape to tack down the top and bottom

• Lift up one side of the design and peel of the vinyl backing (not the transfer tape). Cut the vinyl backing away.

• Smooth the design onto the mug

• Repeat for the other side of the design
• Remove the transfer tape

• Let your mug sit for 24-48 hour before washing. Always hand wash.

If you learn better through video, you’re in luck because I’ve created a short video showing this process.

 HOW TO APPLY VINYL TO A MUG VIDEO

MORE VINYL TUTORIALS

The Easiest Way to Layer Vinyl Perfectly Each Time
How to Weed Vinyl: 5 Must-Know Tips

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