Why not just leave the mug in the whole time?

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?

I think its because its best to have one in the press when its cooling down also. I had a mug which had a couple of blemishes on it when I took it out of the box so I use that to get the press up to temp and cool it down. Been using it about a year now. Its looking a little browned but never really had problems with elements so I guess it does the trick.

Alex.

This is a really silly question, I place a mug in my press while heating up, are you supposed to close the handle, or just place it loose, I just place mine in loose, told you it was silly LOL

I'm tending to use an oven more now, but when I use the mug press (I have 2 presses), I tape the wrap to my mug and place it in the first press at 110 degrees for 4 mins, then sublimate it in the second press at 180 degrees for 3 mins.

I thought you just weren't suppose to CLOSE the press empty....
we leave empty to heat up, usually, and always empty to cool down.
If doing a run, just keep banging them in.
We get a good few thousand a blanket so think that is ok .....

I'm with logobear on this one, don't bother putting any mugs in until I am ready to cook.