# What is Cricut Infusible Ink? Source: https://bladeandmat.com/blog/what-is-infusible-ink Published: 2026-10-09 Publisher: Blade & Mat **Short answer:** Cricut Infusible Ink is a heat transfer system where the ink, not a vinyl layer, moves into the blank. Under heat the ink turns into a gas and bonds with polyester fibers or a polymer coating, so the design becomes part of the surface with no feel and no peeling. It only works on compatible blanks: high polyester fabric or coated items such as Cricut's mugs, coasters and shirts. Infusible Ink is Cricut's version of sublimation, packaged so you can cut it with a Cricut instead of printing it. It comes as transfer sheets you cut and weed, and as pens and markers you draw with on laser copy paper. This page explains how it works, which blanks accept it and why, how a typical project goes, and how it compares with iron-on vinyl and printer sublimation. If you are deciding between transfer methods, see [HTV vs sublimation vs Infusible Ink](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/htv-vs-sublimation-vs-infusible-ink). ## How Infusible Ink works Infusible Ink uses sublimation dyes. At press temperature, the dye goes from solid to gas without becoming liquid, and the gas enters polyester fibers or a polyester-based coating. When the blank cools, the dye is locked in. The result is a design that is part of the fabric or coating, not a layer sitting on top. That is why Infusible Ink designs do not crack, peel or feel raised the way vinyl can. It is also why the blank matters so much. Cotton fibers do not take the dye, so the colors wash out. A light colored blank is needed too, because the dye is transparent and cannot cover a dark background. ## Which blanks work | Blank | Works? | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Cricut Infusible Ink blanks (shirts, totes, coasters, mugs) | Yes | Made with polyester fabric or a compatible coating | | High polyester white or light fabric | Usually | Polyester takes the dye; check the maker's compatibility list | | Sublimation blanks with a polymer coating | Often | The coating takes the dye; results vary by brand | | 100% cotton shirts | No | Cotton does not bond with the dye; colors fade quickly | | Dark colored blanks | No | The dye is transparent and does not show on dark backgrounds | | Uncoated ceramic, glass or wood | No | No polyester or coating for the dye to bond with | Infusible Ink and blank compatibility Note: Cricut lists the blanks it has tested with Infusible Ink. Blanks from other makers may work but are not guaranteed; test one before making a batch. ## Transfer sheets and pens **Transfer sheets** are thin paper sheets coated with the ink, in solid colors and patterns. You cut them with a Cricut, weed the design, and press it onto the blank. The colors look dull and muted on the sheet; they become bright only after pressing. **Pens and markers** let you draw or have the Cricut draw a design on laser copy paper, then press that paper onto the blank. They work in Cricut machines that hold pens, and by hand. Cutting a transfer sheet uses the fine point blade and the Infusible Ink material setting in Design Space. Place the sheet on a LightGrip or StandardGrip mat with the ink side up and the liner down, mirror the design, and cut. Weeding is different from vinyl: bend the sheet so the cuts crack open, then lift the unwanted pieces with your fingers. Avoid touching the ink with greasy fingers, which can leave marks. ## How a shirt project goes Do not press Infusible Ink in sections or slide the press. Any movement can blur the design or leave ghost images. For other blanks such as mugs and coasters, use the settings Cricut lists for that blank in the Heat Guide, or our [heat press settings tool](https://bladeandmat.com/tools/heat-press-settings). 1. Lint-roll the shirt. Lint and fibers block the ink and show as white specks. 2. Put white cardstock (80 lb) or 4 layers of butcher paper inside the shirt to stop the ink bleeding through to the back. 3. Cover the shirt with butcher paper and preheat it for 15 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles. 4. Place the weeded transfer ink side down on the shirt, cover with butcher paper, and press once without moving the press. Cricut's Heat Guide lists 385 F (195 C) for 40 seconds with firm pressure on a Cricut T-shirt blank with an EasyPress 2. For the original EasyPress, it lists 360 F (185 C) for 120 seconds. 5. Remove the liner while warm. ## Infusible Ink vs iron-on vs sublimation | | Iron-on vinyl | Infusible Ink | Printer sublimation | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | What transfers | A vinyl layer with adhesive | Dye from a cut sheet or pen | Dye printed by a sublimation printer | | Feel | Raised layer | None, part of the fabric | None, part of the fabric | | Works on cotton | Yes | No | No | | Works on dark blanks | Yes | No | No | | Full color photos | No (except printable HTV) | Limited to sheet colors and patterns | Yes | | Extra equipment | Cutter and press | Cricut and press | Sublimation printer, ink and press | How the three methods compare ## Presses for Infusible Ink Infusible Ink needs higher heat than most iron-on vinyl and an even, steady press. An EasyPress 2 or later, a clamshell or swing-away press, or a Cricut Mug Press for mugs all work. A household iron does not reach and hold the heat evenly, so it is not recommended. For mugs and tumblers, see [how to use a Cricut Mug Press](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/how-to-use-cricut-mug-press) and our guide to the [best mug and tumbler presses](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-mug-and-tumbler-press). For shirts, compare options in [best heat presses for T-shirts](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-heat-press-for-t-shirts). [Best heat presses for T-shirts](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-heat-press-for-t-shirts) ## Frequently asked questions **Can you use Cricut Infusible Ink on cotton?** No. The dye bonds with polyester fibers or a polymer coating, not cotton. On cotton the design is faint and fades quickly. **Is Infusible Ink permanent?** On a compatible blank, yes. The ink becomes part of the fabric or coating, so it does not crack or peel like vinyl. **Why does my Infusible Ink sheet look dull?** That is normal. The colors on the sheet are muted and become bright only after pressing. **Do I mirror Infusible Ink?** Yes. The sheet is pressed ink side down, so mirror the design before cutting, the same as iron-on. ## Gear guides for this topic - https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-heat-press-for-t-shirts - https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-mug-and-tumbler-press - https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-t-shirts ## Sources - [Cricut Heat Guide](https://cricut.com/en-us/heatguide)