Dishwasher safe mug with Cricut

Learn how to make a dishwasher safe mug with a Cricut! The process is a bit long but it’s worth it for long-lasting custom mugs.

A personalized mug is a popular project for Cricut or Silhouette Cameo users. But do you know how to create dishwasher safe mugs? The vinyl we use to personalize the mugs is permanent vinyl. It can last but it’s not entirely dishwasher safe, so the most important step is sealing! Learn more about this below

Supplies needed

First find the design for the mug, at BGArt Designer are some designs that will look good! Do not mirror the design to cut out the vinyl. Cut out the design using a Cricut cutting machine. The fine point blade works well to cut permanent vinyl. Then weed the vinyl, remove any leftover pieces that you don’t want to transfer to the mug.

After that, cut a piece of transfer tape the same size as the design. Keep in mind that strong grip transfer tape will not work for this project because the vinyl will not peel off from it easily, it is best to use regular grip transfer tape. use the scraper tool to make sure all the vinyl pieces adhere to the transfer tape and to remove all air bubbles.

Applying the vinyl

To apply the vinyl to the mug, first clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oil or dirt and leave the surface as clean as possible. That ensure that the vinyl sticks permanently. If the surface of your mug is straight, apply the decal as usual; but if it is curved, snip the edges of the tape.

This step allow the tape to bend with the curve of the mug to apply the decal without creasing. Above all, when applying the decal, don’t try to force the transfer tape into position; the cuts in the transfer tape will move the decal itself into place. there will be creases in the transfer tape but not in the vinyl.

Dishwasher-safe mug sealing

This is the important step to create a dishwasher safe mug after cutting the design with the Cricut. Actually permanent adhesive vinyls are hand washable and can survive the dishwasher normally but it depends on how rough it is. but after many washings the vinyl will start to peel off. Sealing the mug with dishwasher safe mod podge is the solution!

The dishwasher safe mod podge can withstand heat, and dishwashers. In addition, it is non-toxic but not approved as food safe. Be sure not to put sealant where the lips touch the cup, leave half an inch below the rim unsealed.

First of all, to apply the sealant, clean the cup with the vinyl with alcohol. Then, coat the entire mug except for the handle and half an inch below the rim. This is so that the mug has the same texture all over. Apply a very thin layer all over the cup with short strokes in the same direction with a soft foam brush.

The mod podge dries very quickly, so do not brush too many times over the same spot. Apply three coats to the mug, waiting 1 hour between coats to allow each coat to dry properly. The mod podge will be less noticeable after curing and on light colored cups the strokes will be less visible.

After the last coat of sealer put the mug in a clean dry place to cure for 28 days before use. It will dry in a couple of days but don’t use the mug or expose it to water until the 28 days are up. After that time the mug will be ready to use.