Subject:

STEAM

Teacher:
Mauricio Anderson

Grade & group:

10ºA

Student:
Natalia Márquez

Date:
29 de Noviembre, 2023

Proyect:
Mug report
 Mug Sublimation
Report

Introduction

If you never know what you can give for Christmas to your family, you must read this. A
mug is a great thing you can give to someone as a Christmast, Birthday or casual present. It's
practical, fun and creative. But if you’re looking for an original, non basic gift, you can make
your own design for a mug by using the art of sublimation. Sublimation is a technique that
allows us to transfer vibrant and long lasting designs onto various materials, including ceramics
like mugs. This report will explore the step by step process involved in creating our very own
personalized mugs, from designing the artwork to the final product (Padilla. K, 2022).

Objectives of the practice

The objective of this practice is to design and sublimate a personalized mug using graphic
design techniques, sublimation, and conventional manufacturing, with the aim of fostering
creativity and technical skills. By using the sublimation technique, we can successfully transfer
our designed artwork onto ceramic mugs with long lasting results. I predict that the sublimation
process will allow for vibrant colors, details, and durability, creating personalized mugs that are
appealing and will support everyday use. Through this report, we will explore the effectiveness
of the sublimation method in making our custom mug designs.

Project description

Participants will learn to design graphics on design software, print these graphics onto
sublimation paper, and transfer them onto a mug using a heat press.

For this project we will need this easy to find materials, a white mug, sublimation paper,
sublimation ink and thermal tape. We need a sublimation printer, a heat press, a computer with
graphic design software, a ruler, scissors and tape.

The first step is to make a 21,5 cm by 7,6 cm design in whatever app you like, you can do it
in either a computer, an ipad or a phone. The next step is to send and download that design to a
computer with a graphic design software. Once you have it there, you’ll print the design into the
sublimation paper. Once you have the printing ready, with thermal tape you’ll paste the design to
the mug by the white sides, (the design must be facing the mug) making sure you don’t touch the
ink with either your fingers or the tape. The next step is using the heat press to print the design
onto the mug. Then you’ll wait until it isn't hot and remove the tapes and paper.

Questions

Start of the project

I’ll like that my mug design conveys how much I care and the love I have for my dog, she means
a lot to me, that’s the main reason I decided to design a mug dedicated to her.

I choose vibrant and calming colors for my mug, the reason is that I want to evoke happines and
nostalgia.
The target I want to reach with my mug design is my family, people that share that same love
that I have for my pet.

The design isn’t complex at all, it’s simple and significant, it speaks for it self.

I incorporated MAKER skills by thinking of the final result of the mug and design and bringing
it to life.

While building the project

To ensure the design transfers evenly, we’ll make sure by pasting it correctly without covering
any piece of the design or letting any piece of papaer out of the mug’s edges.

Some important precautions for when you’re using the heat press are being careful to not burn
your fingers or removing the paper before the mug is already cold.

To validate that the sublimation ink has transferred correctly, we will carefully inspect the
design on the mug after the sublimation process.

We will check for any fading or inconsistencies in the colors and details. Additionally, we can
perform a wash test to ensure that the design remains intact even after washing.

If the first attempt doesn't turn out as we hoped, our plan is to analyze the possible reasons for
the outcome. We will evaluate factors such as temperature, pressure, and timing during the
sublimation process. Based on our analysis, we will make necessary adjustments and try again to
achieve the result we expected.

To keep the work area organized and safe, we will designate specific areas for different tasks. We
will ensure that all equipment and materials are properly in its place when not in use.
Additionally, we will follow safety guidelines.
End of the project

The most challenging aspect of this project was ensuring that the design transferred correctly and
accurately onto the mug and accommodating the paper without touching the ink.

In terms of MAKER skills, this project has likely helped me improve my creativity, problem
solving, and attention to detail. Designing and executing a sublimation project requires thinking
and refining your artistic skills.

If I had to do the project again, I might consider experimenting with different designs, images, or
themes to add more creativity.

To scale this project or take it to the next level, we could consider setting up an online or local
store and selling designed mugs. Or printing a design into something bigger like a flower vase.

Projects like this have a significant impact on the development of MAKER-STEAM skills. They
foster creativity, and help us develop our problem solving abilities. They teach us make hand
made object and how to use tools we didn’t know how to use before.

Conclusion

Throughout this project, we've improved our MAKER skills, becoming more creative, detail
oriented, and better problem solvers. If we were to do the project again, we might explore
different designs and materials to expand our creative possibilities. Projects like these have a
significant impact on the development of MAKER-STEAM skills, fostering creativity and
problem-solving abilities.

References:
Padilla, K., & Padilla, K. (2022, 3 agosto). What is sublimation? - Inkwell Printing. Inkwell
Printing - The Perfect Fit for Your Team. https://inkwellnation.com/printing/what-is-sublimation/