A Beginner’s Guide to Engraving Tumblers in 2025

Laser engraving was the first method crafters used to add stunning designs to tumblers, and it continues to be an excellent way to create durable, long-lasting decorations. It provides an opportunity to etch intricate designs that maintain their crispness and clarity, empowering you to add a touch of class and distinction to your custom pieces. You can bring your ideas to life and showcase your creativity on your laser-etched tumblers.

In this guide, we’ll take a look into the world of laser engraving, unraveling its intricacies and showcasing how it can elevate your custom tumbler repertoire. We’ll begin by explaining the overall process, and we'll then unpack what laser engraving equipment you'll need, as well as guide you through the process of etching your first tumbler.

Let’s embark on this enlightening journey into crafting stunning engraving tumblers!

What Is Laser Engraving? 

Before we dive into the specifics of laser engraving a tumbler, it’s important to understand the basics: What is laser engraving, and why is it so powerful? It’s a sophisticated process that has been honed and refined over the years to a point where it’s now accessible to businesses of all sizes and even hobbyists.

Laser engraving is a process that uses a high-powered laser beam to etch or mark a surface. The laser beam effectively vaporizes the surface material, leaving behind a permanent mark or design. Unlike other methods, laser engraving doesn’t involve any tool bits that contact the surface and wear out, making it a non-contact, wear-free process. This results in highly detailed, intricate designs that are both durable and resistant to fading or wearing out.

Benefits of Laser Engraving Tumblers

What sets laser engraving apart from other customization techniques? First, it offers unparalleled durability, as the laser-engraved design is etched directly into the surface. It's capable of withstanding everyday use without the risk of peeling or fading.

Secondly, laser engraving can etch fine lines and patterns that other methods might struggle to replicate. This gives you the creative freedom to venture beyond simple designs and truly personalize each tumbler, making every piece a unique personal item tailored to individual preferences.

Lastly, laser engraving is versatile. From stainless steel and powder-coated tumblers to glass and certain plastics, the right type of laser can mark or engrave them all. This versatility allows you to offer a wider range of custom products, appealing to a broader customer base.

Laser Engraving Tumblers Vs. Sublimation Printing and Epoxy 

Sublimation printing and epoxy are popular and effective methods for customizing tumblers, and they each have unique strengths. Sublimation involves using a heat press machine to infuse full-color designs on sublimation blanks, while epoxy resin kits empower crafters to add glitter, vinyl decals, and vibrant finishes with a glossy protective coat. Both methods are excellent choices for tumbler crafters, especially when working on bulk projects or creating colorful custom designs.

However, a laser-etched tumbler offers something truly different: a clean, permanent design that has a distinct feel and look. You can use tumblers for laser engraving to achieve a sleek, textured finish that noticeably differs from sublimation prints and epoxy coatings.

Each tumbler customization method offers its own unique styles, so you can experiment with all three or combine different methods to craft eye-catching, original drinkware.

Why Add Tumbler Engraving to Your Repertoire? 

Now that you know a little bit about the benefits and the uniqueness of laser engraving, it's time to look into why it's such a valuable addition to your custom tumbler repertoire. Let's explore how laser engraving can help take your crafting to new heights.

Laser-Engraved Cups Can Elevate Your Custom Tumbler Business

In a world where customers value uniqueness and personalization, laser engraving can give your business an edge. Offering laser-engraved tumblers can help your crafting shop stand out in a competitive market.

By offering laser-engraved tumblers, you’re giving your customers a high-quality, personalized product that makes your brand stand out from others. It’s a powerful way to build customer loyalty and generate repeat business because satisfied customers come back for more and spread the word about your amazing creations.

Engraving Tumblers Can Expand Your Creative Options 

With laser engraving, your creativity is only limited by your imagination. The level of detail and precision you can achieve allows for an almost infinite variety of designs. From intricate patterns and logos to personalized messages and portraits, there’s no limit to what you can create.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, laser engraving offers a fresh canvas to express your creativity on. If you're already experienced with sublimation or epoxy, laser engraving provides you with a new way to challenge yourself, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tumbler customization.

Laser Engraving for Beginners 

Now that you know why laser engraving could be a game-changer for your tumblers, it’s time to explore the actual process. As with any new technique, it might seem a bit daunting at first. However, with a bit of practice, you’ll be etching your designs with confidence in no time!

Laser Engraving Equipment 

The first step to engraving stunning tumblers is gathering the right laser engraving equipment:

• Laser Engraver: There are a variety of affordable laser engraving machines available on the market, such as the Sculpfun SF-A9 and the OMTech 40W K40. When choosing a laser engraver, consider factors like power, workspace size, and compatibility with different materials. When it comes to engraving tumblers with powder coatings, you'll likely want a CO₂ or a diode laser engraver. If you want to mark a stainless steel tumbler directly into its metal, you'll need a fiber laser engraver.
  
  
• Graphic Design Software: You'll need a program for creating and editing vectors or raster artwork. Common applications include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer.
  
  
• Laser Engraving Safety Equipment: When working with tumblers for laser engraving, it's important to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand.
  
  
• Engraving Tumblers: You’ll need high-quality engraving tumblers. If you're working with a CO₂ or a diode laser engraver, your tumblers should have powder coatings.

How to Set Up a Laser Engraving Machine

Once you have your equipment ready, it’s time to begin the setup of your laser engraver. This process will vary depending on the specific model of your machine, but there are some general steps you’ll likely follow.

First, you’ll need to connect your laser engraver to your computer. This is typically done via USB or Ethernet cable. Next, install the software that controls the engraver. This software will enable you to upload your design, set the engraving parameters, and control the operation of the machine.

You’ll also need to set up your workspace. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to deal with the fumes that result from the engraving process. Make sure there is enough room for the rotary attachment and the tumbler so that you can place and level your objects properly.

Create Your Laser Engraving Designs 

With your laser engraver set up, the next step is creating your design. Start by preparing your design file using graphic design software. It’s important to ensure that your design is a black-and-white image, as the laser engraver will interpret the black areas as the parts to be engraved.

Once your design is ready, import it into the engraver’s software. You’ll then be able to position and scale the design as needed. Remember, it’s always a good idea to double-check everything before you start the engraving process.

How to Laser Engrave Tumblers

With your design set up in the software, you’re ready to start the engraving process. Position your tumbler in the laser engraver, ensuring it’s properly aligned with the machine’s laser head. Input the material type and focus height into the software, as well as the speed, frequency, line spacing, and power settings. If you’re unsure about these settings, consult your machine’s manual or do a test run on a spare tumbler to see how it turns out.

Once everything is set, you can start running the engraving process. The laser will move over the surface of the tumbler, precisely vaporizing the areas defined by your design. The engraving process could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and size of your design.

When the engraving is complete, remove the tumbler from the machine and wipe it down to remove any debris. The end result should be a smooth, bright, and clean appearance.

Note: As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. It might take a few tries to get everything just right, but with time and patience, you’ll soon be producing eye-catching laser-engraved tumblers that your customers will love.

Tumbler Engraving Safety Precautions

While the process of laser engraving is highly rewarding, it’s critical to remember that you're working with a powerful machine. Safety should always be your top priority. To help ensure a safe working environment, here are some essential safety measures to consider when laser engraving your tumblers:

Use Laser Engraving Safety Glasses

The laser beam produced by your engraver can cause serious harm if it comes into direct contact with your eyes. Always wear laser safety glasses that are rated for the wavelength of your laser when operating the machine.

Ensure There’s Proper Ventilation When Engraving Tumblers

During the engraving process, the laser vaporizes the material it comes into contact with, creating fumes. These fumes need to be properly ventilated to avoid inhalation, which may cause health problems. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, and consider investing in a laser engraver with a fume extraction system if you plan on laser engraving often.

Avoid Loose Clothing and Hair

Ensure that your clothing, hair, or any other loose items are secured and cannot come into contact with the laser beam. Loose items can potentially catch fire or keep the machine from working correctly.

Be Prepared for a Fire

The laser can ignite coatings, tape, or residue. Always stay with the machine while it’s running and keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical and chemical fires nearby.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines 

Always refer to and follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your laser engraver. This includes recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and operation of the machine.

By adhering to these safety measures, you can enjoy the creativity and versatility of laser engraving while maintaining a safe working environment. Always ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Engraving Tumblers FAQ

How Much Does a Laser Engraving Machine Cost?

Purchasing a laser engraving machine for tumblers can be expensive, but this depends on the type of laser. While the average laser engraving machine cost is a few thousand dollars, there are more affordable models to help you get started. For example, the ACMER S1 is less than $200, and many crafters use this diode laser for tumbler engraving. You can compare some of the best laser engraving machines with our guide “What Is the Best Laser Engraver for Tumblers in 2025?”

Can I Use Any Tumbler For Engraving?

The type of tumbler you need will depend on the kind of laser engraver you’re using. A fiber laser is capable of metal engraving and is especially effective for stainless steel tumblers, providing durable and long-lasting results. While a fiber laser engraver can directly etch metal, it’s more common for crafters to use a CO₂ engraver, which requires powder-coated laser-engraving tumblers to be effective. The CO₂ engraver removes the powder coatings to reveal the stainless steel underneath, leaving stunning laser engraving designs.

To minimize the risk of buying incompatible engraving blanks, consider purchasing a small number of tumblers for testing. You can then evaluate their engraving quality before making a larger investment. You can also learn more about selecting the right tumblers by checking out our guide “What Is the Best Laser Engraved Tumbler?”

Can You Laser Engrave Plastic? 

Yes, you can laser engrave plastic, but results depend on the type of plastic and the laser you’re using. Certain plastics engrave cleanly, while others may melt, char, or discolor under the beam. Light-colored, transparent, or blue plastics can be especially challenging with diode lasers, since the blue-light laser wavelength is not always absorbed efficiently. CO₂ lasers generally perform better on most plastics, but settings still need to be tested carefully for each material.

While plastics can work for some projects, powder-coated stainless steel is the best way to get a professional finish when engraving a tumbler.

Start Engraving Tumblers Today

Like any masterpiece, your first venture into laser engraving may not be perfect, but as you continue to explore and experiment with this tool, you’ll gain experience and fine-tune your skills. Soon, you'll be able to create stunning engraved tumblers that stand out.

Here at The Stainless Depot Company, we have top-quality tumblers for laser engraving to get you started with crafting. Each tumbler features a consistent, high-quality powder coating to ensure the best results.

In addition to these engrable tumblers, our website also features guides to further help you on your laser engraving journey, including our articles “What Is the Best Laser Engraver for Tumblers in 2025?” and “What Is the Best Laser Engraved Tumbler?”

With the right tumblers, helpful guides, and a little practice, The Stainless Depot Company is here to support you every step of the way as you create beautiful laser-engraved tumblers your customers will adore for years.

We love to see customers’ photos showing off their amazing creations! Share your thoughts and pictures in the comment section below so we can see the amazing work you’ve created.