So which is better for mugs – vinyl or heat transfer vinyl? I thought I would do some experiments applying both to glass and give you my opinion on this debate. Then you can use my information to decide which to buy when adding vinyl on mugs. After all, you don’t want your gift to a friend to end up being in the trash after it has been washed a few times! Read on to see how to keep vinyl from peeling off mugs.
Types of Vinyl
First, what type of vinyl do you use on a mug? There are different types depending on the application. For instance, you want a vinyl design on your wall to come off when you are tired of it so you would need a removable vinyl. For vinyl on mugs, however, you want one that will last a really long time. The type I used for my experiments is the Premium Permanent Vinyl from Cricut. There are other brands but you want to look for something that is rated for outdoor or permanent use.
Types of Heat Transfer Vinyl
You may not even realize that you can add heat transfer vinyl to glass but you can! Most types will work you may just need a little patience. I like to do a lower heat and time and then like to do multiple passes over the mug. The glass does have a higher chance of breaking when heated so you want to use caution. Protect your hand from the heat and also from any potential breakage. This means that heat transfer vinyl products that require a higher temperature are not ideal. I am using Everyday Iron-on from Cricut for all of my experiments.
How to Put Vinyl on a Mug
Now we have to get both of these onto our mug. Adding the vinyl is easy as you just need to cut and then add to your mug with some transfer paper. You can see more about using vinyl here.
What about that heat transfer vinyl? You can use a heat press, EasyPress, or even a mini iron. You can watch me use all three in the video below. For the mini iron, click here to purchase the version I am using. You can also see more about iron-on here.
Vinyl or Heat Transfer Vinyl for Mugs?
When it comes to how to keep vinyl from peeling off mugs, which one is better? Which works best when adding vinyl on mugs? I found that if you are going to wash your mugs in the dishwasher, the adhesive permanent vinyl is best hands down. It was the only one that I found would last with the heat and power of automatic washing.
Now, if you are going to hand wash your mugs, you can probably use either adhesive vinyl or heat transfer vinyl and any of the application methods mentioned. I will say my favorite application method for the heat transfer vinyl on a mug was the mini iron.
NEW: Now there is also the EasyPress Mini that will work great for projects like these.
So, will you be making some mugs for giving as gifts? I would say use premium adhesive vinyl as you will not know if your recipient will hand wash or throw in the dishwasher. You can buy the brand that I used here. Just be sure to pick up the PERMANENT version and NOT the removable version.
For your own needs, you can decide which will work for you with the information above. I will say that this was my experience only. You might run some tests for yourself especially if you are going to make a ton of these for gifts or to sell.
So, will you use vinyl or heat transfer vinyl on mugs? We would love to hear about which you use and which works best for you! Want to make these mugs? Here’s a similar cut file to make your own.
Love this project and want more ideas? Try the links below!
- Heat Press Versus EasyPress
- How to Use a Heat Press
- Which Cricut Machine is Right for You?
- Cricut EasyPress versus EasyPress 2
- Funny Coffee Mugs SVG Files
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So which was better? I see that we are using Premium Permanent Vinyal but is it the heat transfer one?
“I found that if you are going to wash your mugs in the dishwasher, the permanent vinyl is best hands down. It was the only one that I found would last with the heat and power of automatic washing.” I was left wondering which one was better.
Me too! I’m so confused.
I commented earlier and I didn’t understand what you were saying as to which one was better. I want to apologize. I understand now. I’m learning about the different products for Cricut and appreciate your knowledge. Thank you for the article and video.
Hi Latasha, can you help me in which one is better? I’m still learning and am not sure
There is adhesive vinyl that is like a sticker. Theres permanent and removable. She is saything the permanent is the best. These two do not take a heat press. The heat transfer vinyl is they kind you use with a heat press. I hope this helped.
I am new to vinyl as well, is the permanent premium vinyl from Cricut still put on with heat or is it self sticking?
It is self adhesive so you just peel and stick!
Hi there, would the Oracle 651 work just as well in the dishwasher?
I haven’t used that particular brand. Sorry!
Yes! I put Oracle on my Yeti and always put in dishwasher and it has held for about 6 mo now.
Oracle 651 vinyl is used on boats so it would certainly hold up to the dishwasher.
Good to know! Thanks!
I have tried both the Oracal 651 and the Cricut HTV and neither one has lasted more than a few weeks before the ends and tails of the letters start lifting off. I’ve applied to a Thermos brand go cup and a s’well water bottle and am not having any luck with the graphics. I haven’t put either in the dishwasher and have been rinsing or hand washing only. I wouldn’t consider gifting anything at this point. I don’t understand how others are able to put theirs in the dishwasher with success. Any suggestions?
I didn’t have luck with the HTV. The only one I had luck with was the Cricut Premium Vinyl Permanent version. It is a sticky vinyl not a heat transfer.
try baking in the oven 300 for 20 minutes, helps adhere the vinyl
But if your cup is powder coated, you never want to put it in an oven that you are going to use for food!
I am definitely not using a powder coated mug! You are definitely correct!
Make sure before applying the vinyl (I use oracle 651) you wipe the surface of the glass with rubbing alcohol to remove any grease or fingerprints. After you apply the vinyl, use your blow dryer to heat set it. Make sure you go back and forth, don’t stay in one spot, for about 10-15 seconds. It just helps activate the glue better.
Oracle 651 would work great! I don’t however use heat? I don’t know why that would help.
Also, what I have done with my boyfriends Yeti, which we haven’t put in the dishwasher mind you, I used the permanent vinyl by cricut, and I cleaned the surface with rubbing alcohol first 🙂 to make sure it adheres well!
It is best not to use delicate skinny fonts on mugs. Those are the ones that tend to peel. Try chunkier ones or if you have a silhouette cutter, do an offset at .008 to fatten up the thin fonts.
Good tip!
Where did you purchase the mini iron by chance?
On amazon!
Also have it at Joanne Fabrics! Using a % off coupon and it is cheaper than Amazon.
Hi, thank you so much for this post! I’m excited to try it out. Can you tell me where you purchase the mugs?
I get mine from Dollar Tree.
What about the microwave? Can you put htv on a mug and then safely microwave it?
I have not tried that…sorry!
Yes – I do it all the time.
I do all the time, and have decided I prefer HTV for my mugs, and then put them in the oven at 300 for 20 minutes. I use can use them in the microwave afterward, but to be safe do not put them in the dishwasher…
My Cricut brand permanent vinyl said right on the package that it was not to be used in the dishwasher at all so I am very confused.
You can definitely go by the package. I was running tests on my own.
With the permanent vinyl can that be used with a heated mug press also or is that just for HTV?
You only have to heat the HTV. The adhesive vinyl just sticks on.
Hey, thanks this helped a lot! I do have a quick question tho. I’m making a mug for my mother in law. She usually pops her coffee mug into the microwave to rewarm it. Will the permanent vinyl hold up to heat like that? I was thinking people use this vinyl on cars and windows which heat up very hot in the summer, but as for a microwave I’m not sure! I’m sure she would not have it in the microwave very long. Maybe 20 seconds. Do u think it would still stick?!
This is not recommended for the microwave. Neither option.