What Is the Best Tumbler for Sublimation? Key Features You Need

Finding the best tumbler for sublimation is one of the most important decisions you can make as a crafter or small business owner. The quality of your blank directly affects how your finished product looks. A high-quality tumbler helps your design transfer cleanly and stay vibrant, while a poor choice can leave you with dull colors and wasted materials.

While there are many tumblers on the market, not all of them are ideal for sublimation, and using the wrong blank can cause faded images, peeling designs, and failed transfers. The best tumblers have a consistent coating, straight sides, and a size that works well with standard heat presses and sublimation ovens.

In this guide, we'll explain what to look for when choosing a sublimation tumbler. When selecting the best tumbler, it is important to take into account key features, like its material, coating quality, and compatibility with your equipment. This guide highlights some of the most important sublimation blank features as well as notable tumbler brands to help you get professional, consistent results every time.

What Makes a Tumbler “Sublimation-Ready”?

Tumbler cups are sublimation-ready if they feature special coatings that allow sublimation ink to bond permanently with the surface. This polyester-based coating is essential for the process, as untreated metal, ceramic, and glass will not accept sublimation transfers.

When you see stainless steel tumblers and other cups labeled as sublimation blanks, that means they have been professionally coated to deliver bright, long-lasting color. Still, not all sublimation blanks are equal in coating quality, so you need to compare brands to ensure you purchase suitable tumblers. A poorly coated tumbler may cause colors to look faded or uneven. Choosing blanks from a trusted supplier ensures that each one has a consistent coating, which means fewer wasted transfers and better results for your business.

Aside from these coatings, the tumbler's shape also matters. The best stainless steel tumbler for sublimation will feature a straight wall design. A straight-wall shape allows the transfer paper to make full contact with the surface of the tumbler, allowing for even heat distribution during pressing. Tapered or textured cups are more challenging to work with and may require extra tools or wraps to avoid faded spots or misaligned images. Skinny 20-oz and 30-oz tumblers are popular straight-wall choices because they are easy to sublimate with a heat press, and their convenient sizes appeal to a wide range of customers.

Now that you understand what makes a tumbler ready for sublimation, let's explore some of the most important features to look for when comparing the best tumblers.

Key Features to Look for When Shopping for the Best Tumblers

When deciding which tumbler cups to buy, there are a few essential features that can help you choose. Consider purchasing from reputable brands that offer tumblers with these qualities and features:

High-Grade Material Quality

The material of your tumbler affects both the durability and the quality of your sublimation designs. Choosing high-quality options ensures your finished products look professional and hold up over time. When searching for the best tumbler, look for polymer-coated cups made from the following materials:

• Stainless Steel: Look for polymer-coated food-grade 304 stainless steel. It is strong, resists rust, and is trusted by many small businesses for custom drinkware.
  
  
• Ceramic: Buying sublimation mugs made from ceramic can empower you to customize stunning coffee mugs that feature smooth, glossy finishes.
  
  
• Glass: Glass cups with polymer coatings are an ideal choice for creating stylish drinkware for iced coffee and other cold drinks.
  
  
• Acrylic: Acrylic tumblers offer a lightweight, durable option for customizing vibrant, eye-catching drinkware.

The material you choose will impact how your product’s durability and how well your sublimation designs turn out, so make sure to compare brands and select a supplier known for excellent quality.

Popular Tumbler Sizes

When choosing sublimation blanks, it helps to consider what sizes are popular so that your products appeal to a wide range of customers. 

Popular sizes include:

• 12-oz Tumbler: Perfect for kids, party favors, or smaller servings.
  
  
• 20-oz Tumbler: The most popular size for everyday use. This size fits easily in most car cupholders, making it convenient for both commuting and casual sipping.
  
  
• 30-oz Tumbler: Ideal for larger drinks or extended hydration needs.
  
  
• 40-oz Tumbler: Great for users who want maximum capacity.

It's also helpful to stock up on various styles and liquid capacity options to meet different customer preferences. Your customers will appreciate having multiple choices, whether they prefer sipping a morning coffee in a compact tumbler or carrying a large tumbler for their hydration needs. 

Leakproof Tumblers

Customers value a tumbler they can carry without worrying about spills, and many modern designs now feature completely leakproof seals or leak-resistant lids that provide peace of mind during travel or commutes.

Some lids include convenient reusable straws, allowing for easy sipping while maintaining hygiene. Certain tumblers even come with two lid options, such as a leakproof flip lid for hot drinks and a straw lid for cold beverages, increasing versatility.

The design of the lid also affects how comfortable it is to sip and how easy it is to clean the leakproof tumbler. While sliding mouthpieces can sometimes feel flimsy, sturdy straws and well-designed straw lids can add extra value and make the tumbler more practical for everyday use. 

Double-Wall Insulation (For Stainless Steel Tumbler)

If you choose to sublimate on powder-coated stainless steel, make sure to choose a supplier that offers double-wall insulation. Double-wall insulation is one of the biggest selling points for stainless steel tumblers. It keeps drinks hot or cold for several hours, making it easy to bring the cup to multiple locations throughout your day. This handy feature enhances the appeal of your custom tumblers.

Tumblers with Removable Handles

Tumblers with handles offer added convenience for users who need flexibility and comfort while drinking. The handle can make it easier to carry larger or heavier tumblers, especially when they're full.

When it comes to sublimation, it's important for these handles to be removable. A handle that can be detached allows the entire surface of the tumbler to sit evenly on a heat press or in a sublimation oven, ensuring full, smooth transfers without obstruction. Handles left in place can block heat or create uneven pressure, leading to faded or distorted designs.

Additionally, removable handles make cleaning easier and allow the tumbler to fit in standard cup holders or storage spaces, making it an incredibly desirable feature when shopping for the best tumbler.

Choosing the best tumbler for sublimation means paying attention to material quality, size, lids, insulation, and special features like removable handles. By selecting tumbler cups from reputable brands that offer these characteristics, you ensure your designs transfer smoothly, your products perform reliably, and your customers enjoy a high-quality drinking experience.

Best Tumbler Brands for Sublimation

Choosing the right tumbler brand is one of the most important decisions for any small business or crafter. The quality of your sublimation blanks affects how your designs transfer, how durable the final product is, and ultimately how satisfied your customers are.

There are many tumbler options on the market, but some brands consistently deliver high-quality stainless steel cups that are easy to work with and reliable for small-batch or bulk production. Knowing which brands are trusted can help you select the best tumblers, ensuring you get the most for your money.

Let's explore some of the best tumbler brands.

The Stainless Depot Company

The Stainless Depot Company is widely regarded as one of the most reliable brands for sublimation blanks. Our stainless steel cups are made from durable 304 stainless steel and feature a smooth, sublimation-coated finish, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting designs. These tumblers come in an extensive range of sizes and boast excellent features, such as removable handles, leak-proof lids, sturdy straws, double-wall vacuum insulation, high-quality powder coatings, and more. Many of our tumblers feature straight-wall designs, making it easy to create breathtaking custom designs using a tumbler heat press. 

Numerous small businesses and crafters trust The Stainless Depot Company to deliver top-tier quality at affordable prices. We also offer daily deals on multiple products to help you stock up on the best sublimation blanks. 

Additionally, The Stainless Depot Company features both individual cups and wholesale options. Hobbyists and small businesses alike can purchase in bulk without worrying about inconsistent sizing or coating issues. 

Some of our popular individual cups include:

• 20oz Sublimatable Skinny Tumbler 
  
  
• 40oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler
  
  
• Sublimatable 4 in 1 Can Cooler 
  
  
• 15oz Sublimatable Ceramic Coffee Mug 

Some of our best-selling cases are:

• 20oz Sublimatable Skinny Tumbler Case (24 Units)
  
  
• Subilmatable 4 In 1 Can Cooler Case (25 Units) 
  
  
• 15oz Sublimatable Ceramic Coffee Mug Case (30 Units)
  
  
• 40oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler Case (24 Units)

Trying out the high-quality tumblers from The Stainless Depot is a smart decision that will help you fulfill orders going forward, whether you're in the market for stainless steel tumblers, water bottles, ceramic mugs, glass cups, or acrylic tumblers.

Additionally, we offer crafters an easy-to-use tumbler heat press machine and a plethora of resources to ensure you get the best sublimation results.

Whether you’re just starting out or running an established business, The Stainless Depot Company provides reliable, high-quality sublimation blanks that make creating custom tumblers easy, profitable, and enjoyable.

MakerFlo

MakerFlo offers a wide variety of drinkware and blanks for crafters and small businesses. Their 30-oz powder-coated stainless steel tumblers are made of 304 stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulated, with straw lids (twist-on style), and optional handles.

The company offers a large number of colors, including satin, rainbow, and gold finishes. Some of their products also include accessories, such as silicone straws and care cards. Their “Build-A-Bundle” mixes and case pricing allow for bulk orders with discounts. 

However, there are trade-offs you should be aware of before relying on MakerFlo blanks. Lids and straws have mixed reliability, with some leaking or not sealing well, and color variations occasionally differ from expectations. Additionally, their powder-coated finishes often cost more, and they sell their handles separately, further increasing the cost per unit. 

While MakerFlo is usually a good choice, consider inspecting each tumbler batch and testing the lids and finish quality before selling them to your customers.

PYD Life

PYD Life is well-known in the sublimation world for its large catalog of sublimation blanks, including tumblers in many sizes, finishes, and styles. Their selection covers everything from 12-oz tumblers to large 40-oz tumblers, and they offer popular accessories like slide lids, clear lids, and matching straws.

Many of their stainless steel cups use food-grade 304 stainless steel with double-wall insulation, which means drinks stay hot or cold for hours. For shop owners who want variety, PYD Life makes it easy to stock different tumbler styles. Many of their products come individually boxed, and bulk orders are usually in stock with quick turnaround. This can be helpful if you need dozens of 20-oz tumblers for a bulk order or an event.

While many buyers achieve good sublimation results with PYD Life tumblers, powder-coating consistency can vary, and some users report pale or uneven transfers, particularly on specialty finishes like glitter or ombré blanks. Fit issues with some lids have also been reported, which can cause leaking or make the cup feel less professional. A few products have beveled bottoms or thin walls that make pressing more difficult, resulting in wrinkles or faded spots on full-wrap designs.

Overall, PYD Life can be a good option for variety and quick shipping, but quality control concerns make it important to test their sublimation blanks before committing to large orders.

Heat Press Nation

Heat Press Nation (HPN) is a popular supplier in the sublimation industry, offering a variety of tumblers that are popular among small businesses and hobbyists. Their SubliCraft and ORCA lines feature stainless steel tumblers in multiple sizes, including 12-oz, 16-oz, 20-oz, and 30-oz options, many with double-wall insulation for hot and cold beverages. These tumblers are coated with high-quality sublimation layers that produce vibrant, long-lasting designs, making them ideal for creating custom drinkware.

While HPN tumblers are generally reliable, there are some drawbacks to consider. Certain sizes or finishes may be limited in availability, which can be a challenge for businesses looking to offer a wide variety of options. A few customers have reported minor inconsistencies in coating or occasional shipping damage, which could affect the final sublimation result. Additionally, while these tumblers are well-suited for many projects, they may not always provide the same level of durability or heat retention as some premium products on the market.

Overall, Heat Press Nation tumblers are a solid choice for beginners and small businesses looking to start or expand their custom drinkware offerings. They provide a good balance of quality, variety, and affordability, but buyers should consider the available sizes, finishes, and potential minor issues when planning bulk purchases.

Tips When Comparing Brands

When considering the many tumbler brands available, it's invaluable to consult user reviews and ratings. By reading user reviews and checking ratings, you can get a real-world sense of how different tumblers perform in everyday situations — helping you find the perfect match for your business, whether you prioritize leakproof tumbler lid designs, long-lasting cold retention, or sleek styles.

If you choose to purchase individual cups from different brands, consider also time testing them for temperature retention. Guaranteeing your offerings can keep drinks cold or hot for long periods can help distinguish your tumbler offerings.

You can also test how well these tumblers hold up when they're knocked over to see whether they leak or stay sealed. You can also turn the tumbler upside down to see firsthand whether it remains leakproof. Ensuring your tested tumblers are leak-resistant helps you provide a reliable, high-quality product that customers can confidently take on the go.

Best Tumblers FAQs

Can You Sublimate on Any Tumbler?

No, not every tumbler works for sublimation. To get a clean, vibrant transfer, the tumbler must have a polyester coating designed for sublimation. Plain stainless steel cups or uncoated metal cups will not hold the ink properly and will result in faded or washed-out images. Look for stainless steel tumblers that are labeled “sublimation ready” or “sublimation blanks.”

What’s the Best Size for a Tumbler?

For most custom shops, the 20-oz tumbler is the best choice. It is the most requested size, perfect for coffee, iced drinks, and everyday hydration. The 30-oz tumbler is also a strong seller for anyone who prefers a larger drink size. It is popular with customers who want fewer refills during the day or who use their tumblers for water-intake goals. Offering both 20-oz and 30-oz sizes gives your business the flexibility to meet most customer needs and maximize sales.

What Type of Tumbler Is Best?

The best tumbler for sublimation is usually a high-quality stainless steel cup with even powder coatings. This style gives the brightest colors and longest-lasting designs. For a more unique offering, you can also try coated glass cups, ceramic mugs, and acrylic tumblers, which work well with sublimation when properly coated.

Can Insulated Tumblers Go in the Dishwasher?

Insulated stainless steel tumblers are hand-wash recommended, especially when they are sublimated. The heat and detergents in a dishwasher can cause the coating or print to fade over time. Some tumbler brands may advertise their tumblers as being dishwasher-safe, but handwashing will increase their lifespan and preserve the cup's insulation. Insulation is essential for maintaining the temperature of warm drinks and cold liquids, so don't risk damaging this important feature.

How Long Do Stainless Steel Tumblers Last?

A well-made stainless steel tumbler can last for over a decade with proper care. The main thing that can shorten its lifespan is damage to the sublimation coating, which is why gentle washing and avoiding harsh scrubbing are important. Customers who follow care instructions can expect their custom tumblers to last through daily use for many years.

Get the Best Tumblers for Your Crafting Business

Choosing the best tumbler for sublimation comes down to material quality, smooth coating, design, features, and choosing the right size for your customers. Whether you prefer stocking up on popular sizes, like 20-oz or 30-oz options, or more niche sizes, such as 40-oz or 12-oz cups, choosing the best tumblers will make your sublimation designs look professional and last longer. 

Regardless of where you are on your crafting journey, The Stainless Depot Company has everything you need to support your sublimation endeavors. Our wide selection of sublimation products includes high-quality sublimation tumblers, heat press machines, Sawgrass sublimation printers, and essential supplies.

We also provide educational resources to help you succeed, including our complete Tumbler Sublimation Guide as well as brand comparison guides for sublimation printers and heat press machines.

Whether you are just beginning or expanding your tumbler business, The Stainless Depot Company provides the tools and resources to help you succeed. Explore our products and guides today to get more out of your crafting.