Another (possibly silly!) question from a newbie!
My understanding is that while a mug press is heating up to the pressing temperature, it is best to have a mug in it - to protect the machine.
Another thing people have said is that when you put your mug in it is cold and therefore changes the temperature of the heat press. Some don't account for this and the mug comes out faded.
My question is - why use a spare mug to heat up the press? Why not just put the mug you are going to press into the mug press, with the paper on it, and let it heat to the correct temperature, and keep it in until it's done?
I've tried it and the mugs look good - but is it too much heat / too long a time to leave them in? Do they break more easily/ the colour fades more easily?
Just trying to understand why people use a spare mug while the press heats up rather than using the one they want to press the whole way through?