I love all the many things you can customize with vinyl.  It’s amazing how just a tiny bit of vinyl can transform something from plain and boring to super cute.  I think adding vinyl to a mug for a custom gift is a great idea, but I struggle with putting it on straight…until now!

After some trial and error, I came up with a method that helps me apply it straight every time. It takes a few extra steps, but the results are totally worth it!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but will earn a small percentage of sales as an affiliate.

Here is what I used:

– Mug
– Vinyl (I used lime-tree green and turquoise blue)
– Painters Tape
– Transfer Tape
– Electronic cutter (cricut explore, silhouette or other cutter)
– Weeding tool
– Cut File (see below)

1. I started by printing out the design on regular paper.  I usually print out a couple different sizes and pick the one that looks best.  Once I decided where I wanted it to go, I taped it in place.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

2. Then, I measured from the top of the design to the top of the mug.  It was about 1.25″.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file3.  I imported the design into my vinyl cutting software.  I added the x’s for registration marks and then placed a small horizontal line 1.25″ above the design.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

4. I used my cutter to cut out the design in 2 colors of vinyl.  The registration marks need to be cut on both colors, but the horizontal line can just be cut on one.  I weeded the excess vinyl and applied clear transfer tape to the green vinyl.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

5. I cut the backing off the green vinyl, just below the registration marks.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

6.  Next, I placed the green registration marks directly over the blue registration marks.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

7. Once the X’s were line up, I removed the rest of the backing from the green vinyl and pressed it down over the blue vinyl.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

8. I placed a piece of painters tape over the center of  transfer tape.
How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

9. I cut the backing off,  just below the horizontal line.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

10.  I cleaned the mug with rubbing alcohol.  Then, I lined up the horizontal line with the top of mug and used the painters tape to hold the design in place.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

11. I folded the design over to the blue tape and cut off the backing.  Then, I pressed that section of the vinyl onto the mug.How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

12. Then, I removed the rest of the transfer tape and pressed the rest of the design into place.How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

13.  I removed the registrations marks and the mug was finished and the vinyl is perfectly straight.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

Do you have any special tricks to help you apply vinyl straight on a mug? I’d love to hear.

How to apply vinyl on a mug and apply it straight - Plus, free SVG cut file

Want to make your own?  You can purchase the cut file I used for this project below.

 

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