How to Make Tumbler Wraps: Complete Guide for New Crafters

Learning how to make tumbler wraps starts with measuring the cup dimensions, creating a design, printing the wrap, and applying it to the tumbler. You can use vinyl, UV DTF, and sublimation printing to create custom tumbler wraps, but each method uses different supplies and application techniques.

In this guide, you will learn how to make tumbler wraps from start to finish with these different methods. We will start by exploring the best programs for designing tumbler wraps and share a sizing guide for the most popular tumbler sizes. From there, we will unpack each printing method so that you can craft professional-quality wraps.

If you're looking for blank drinkware for your wraps, you can order affordable, high-quality tumblers today at The Stainless Depot Company. You can choose from sublimation tumblers if you're working with sublimation wraps, or order standard stainless steel tumblers for vinyl and UV DTF.

Plus, we feature wholesale stainless steel tumblers to save you even more as you stock up for crafting.

What Are the Best Programs for Designing Tumbler Wraps?

The best programs for designing tumbler wraps include Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and CorelDRAW:

• Canva: Useful for creating tumbler wrap designs without advanced graphic design experience. Its templates, text tools, graphics, and image-editing features make it easy to create artwork before transferring the finished design to another program for production.
  
• Adobe Illustrator: Provides more advanced tools for creating custom wrap templates and precise vector artwork. It is especially useful when you need to adjust dimensions, create detailed designs, or prepare files for professional printing.
  
• Adobe Photoshop: Works well for photo-based tumbler wrap designs and detailed raster artwork.
  
• CorelDRAW: Features vector design and layout tools for creating precise tumbler wrap templates and artwork. It can be useful for adjusting dimensions, working with detailed graphics, and preparing designs for printing.

Now that you have some application ideas for designing your wrap, let's go over the most common tumbler wrap dimensions.

Tumbler Wrap Size Guide

Working with the correct wrap size is a critical first step when creating tumbler wraps.

When you choose the right size, you can ensure the wrap fits smoothly around your tumbler cup without large gaps or excessive overlap.

Here are the most common tumbler wrap sizes:

NOTE: These sizes are not universal. Tumbler dimensions can vary between manufacturers, even when two products have the same capacity.

For that reason, you will need to verify your cup's size before designing your wrap.

Check your tumbler blank manufacturer for the exact dimensions, or you can measure the tumbler yourself.

How to Measure a Tumbler for Your Wrap

Determining your tumbler's measurements is easy when you follow these steps:

1. Measure the Usable Height: Place a measuring tape along the tumbler and measure the area you want the wrap to cover. Leave out the sections that will remain uncovered near the top and bottom.
2. Measure the Circumference: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the tumbler at the widest point of the intended design area.
3. Measure Tapered Tumblers at Both Ends: Take a separate circumference measurement near the top and bottom of the wrap area. The two measurements will be different if the tumbler tapers.
4. Record the Measurements: Write down the height, top circumference, and bottom circumference. You can then enter these measurements into your design program or use them to select a matching wrap template.
5. Test the Dimensions: Print the wrap design on ordinary paper and wrap it around the tumbler before printing your actual transfer. This allows you to check the edges and seam to confirm that the wrap will fit your tumbler correctly.

Taking a few extra measurements before creating your tumbler wrap will help you avoid wasting your supplies.

Now that you know how to verify the wrap size you will need, let's explore how to make tumbler wraps for vinyl, UV DTF, and sublimation.

How to Make Vinyl Tumbler Wraps

Printable vinyl provides a versatile option for creating custom tumbler wraps with bold colors, intricate patterns, and personalized designs.

The process differs from applying individual vinyl decals. Instead of cutting and transferring separate pieces of artwork, you create a wrap-sized design that fits around the tumbler.

Supplies You'll Need for Vinyl Tumbler Wraps

You only need a few basic supplies to create a full-color vinyl tumbler wrap. Since you will use printable vinyl rather than adhesive vinyl that needs to be cut, you do not need a cutting machine.

Make sure to obtain these items and supplies before getting started with vinyl wraps:

• Printable Vinyl: Provides an adhesive-backed surface for printing your full-color wrap design.
• Inkjet Printer: Prints the wrap design directly onto printable vinyl.
• Smooth Stainless Steel Tumbler: Provides a clean, even surface for applying the wrap.
• Lint-Free Cloth: Cleans the tumbler without leaving fibers behind.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Removes oils, dust, and residue before applying the vinyl.
• Scissors or Craft Knife: Trims the printed vinyl wrap to the required size and shape.
• Laminating Film: Adds a protective layer over the printed design to help protect the wrap from moisture and wear.
• Squeegee or Scraper: Smooths the vinyl onto the tumbler and helps remove bubbles during application.
• Heat Gun or Hairdryer: Gently softens the vinyl so it can conform to curved areas during application.

Once you have the supplies you'll need, you can move on to designing your vinyl wrap with your preferred software.

How to Design a Vinyl Tumbler Wrap

Unlike standard vinyl designs, a printable vinyl wrap allows you to create a full-color image. This means you can use photographs, detailed graphics, gradients, text, and other elements without separating the artwork into individual vinyl layers.

Here's how to design your vinyl wrap with professional results:

1. Select or Create a Wrap Template: Choose a template that matches your tumbler's dimensions and shape, or create your own using the tumbler's measurements. For a tapered tumbler, make sure the template accounts for the different top and bottom circumferences.
2. Make the Artwork: Add text, graphics, photographs, patterns, or other elements to your wrap template. Keep important details away from the edges and seam so they are not cut off during trimming or hidden when you apply the printed wrap.
3. Set the Image Resolution: Create the design at a high enough resolution to produce a sharp print.
4. Check the Design: Make sure the artwork fills the template and does not extend beyond the intended wrap area. Print a test copy on regular paper and wrap it around the tumbler to check the size and placement before printing on vinyl.

The completed design should be a single, full-color image sized to the tumbler wrap template. Unlike sublimation, you do not need to mirror the design because the printed side of the vinyl faces outward when applied.

How to Print a Vinyl Wrap

Once you're finished with designing your wrap, you can print it directly onto printable vinyl:

1. Prepare the Printable Vinyl: Load inkjet-compatible printable vinyl into your printer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the printable side is positioned correctly for your specific vinyl.
   
2. Open the Wrap Design: Open the completed design in your preferred software and confirm that the dimensions match your tumbler wrap template. Double-check the artwork carefully to make sure no important elements extend beyond the printable area.
   
3. Select the Print Settings: Choose the appropriate paper type and highest-quality print setting recommended for your printable vinyl. These settings can help you produce sharper details and more vibrant colors.
   
4. Print the Wrap: Send the completed design to your inkjet printer and print the full wrap onto the printable vinyl.
   
5. Allow the Print to Dry: Place the printed wrap on a clean, flat surface and allow the ink to dry completely before handling it. Follow the vinyl manufacturer's recommended drying time to avoid smudging or damaging the design.
   
6. Protect the Printed Design: Apply compatible laminating film over the printed vinyl if recommended by the vinyl manufacturer. Smooth the laminate carefully with a squeegee or scraper to minimize bubbles and wrinkles before trimming the wrap.
   
7. Trim the Wrap: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut the printed vinyl along the template's edges. Keep the cuts as accurate as possible so the wrap fits the tumbler correctly.

Your printed vinyl wrap is now ready for application. Handle the finished wrap carefully to avoid creasing the vinyl or damaging the printed surface before attaching it to the tumbler.

How to Apply a Vinyl Tumbler Wrap

With your vinyl wrap printed, dried, and laminated, you can now apply it directly to your tumbler. Take your time during application to maintain alignment and smooth the vinyl as you work around the cup.

Here's how to apply a vinyl wrap to tumblers:

1. Clean the Tumbler: Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove oils, dust, and residue. Let your tumbler dry completely before applying the wrap.
2. Position the Wrap: Hold the wrap against the tumbler and check the placement before exposing the adhesive. Align the top and bottom edges and make sure the design will meet correctly at the seam.
3. Create a Starting Point: Peel back a small section of the vinyl's backing to expose the adhesive. Keep the rest of the backing in place while you secure the starting edge.
4. Apply the Wrap Gradually: Press the exposed section onto the tumbler, then slowly pull away more of the backing as you work around the cup. Use a squeegee or scraper to press the vinyl onto the surface and minimize bubbles and wrinkles.
5. Smooth the Curved Areas: Continue working around the tumbler while maintaining steady pressure. If the vinyl needs additional flexibility, gently warm it with a heat gun or hairdryer so it can conform to curved or tapered sections.
6. Align the Seam: Bring the two ends of the wrap together carefully as you reach the starting point. Make sure the artwork lines up correctly before firmly pressing down the seam.
7. Smooth the Finished Wrap: Run the squeegee over the entire surface to improve adhesion and push any remaining bubbles toward the edges. Press down the edges and seam to ensure they adhere securely.
8. Allow the Adhesive to Set: Follow the vinyl manufacturer's recommendations for curing or setting time before using or washing the tumbler.

When you apply a printed vinyl wrap correctly, it should sit smoothly against the tumbler with a clean seam and firmly adhered edges.

Once you've mastered the process, you can use printable vinyl to create breathtaking custom tumblers for yourself, gifting, or resale.

How to Make UV DTF Tumbler Wraps

UV DTF wraps offer another way to create detailed, full-color tumbler designs without heat pressing the artwork.

These wraps can display vibrant graphics with fine details, making them a useful option for customizing tumblers with intricate artwork, logos, photographs, and personalized designs.

Supplies You'll Need for UV DTF Tumbler Wraps

The right materials are important for producing a UV DTF wrap that transfers cleanly and stays adhered to the tumbler.

Gather the following equipment and supplies before starting the design and printing process:

• UV DTF Printer: Prints the design onto UV DTF film using UV-curable inks.
• UV DTF A-Film: Holds the printed artwork during the printing and curing process.
• UV DTF B-Film: Covers the printed A-film to create the finished transfer, holding the design in place during application.
• Smooth Stainless Steel Tumbler: Provides the clean, hard surface needed for applying the wrap.
• Lint-Free Cloth: Cleans the tumbler without leaving fibers on the surface.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Removes oils, dust, and residue from the tumbler before application.
• Scissors or a Craft Knife: Trims the finished transfer to the desired size.
• Squeegee or Scraper: Presses the transfer firmly against the tumbler and helps prevent bubbles.

Now that you have the right equipment and supplies, you can design, print, and apply your UV DTF wraps.

How to Design UV DTF Wraps for Tumblers

Full-color UV DTF wraps make it possible to decorate your tumblers with stunning designs. These wraps give you endless design options as you combine text, graphics, photographs, and other elements into one continuous wrap.

The following steps will help you craft stunning UV wraps:

1. Select or Make a Wrap Template: Choose a template for your tumbler dimensions, or create one using the tumbler's measurements. For tapered tumblers, account for the different top and bottom circumferences so the finished wrap fits the surface correctly.
2. Create the Artwork: Add graphics, text, photographs, or other elements to the template. Extend the artwork across the entire wrap area and keep important details away from the edges and seam.
3. Set the Design Resolution: Create the artwork at an appropriate resolution for the final print size.
4. Prepare the Background: If your design requires an opaque background, prepare the appropriate white ink layer according to your printer and RIP software settings.
5. Plan the Seam: Decide where the two ends of the wrap will meet around the tumbler. Position important text and design elements away from the seam, and align repeating patterns so they connect cleanly.
6. Test the Dimensions: Print a paper version of the template and wrap it around the tumbler before using UV DTF film. Make adjustments if the design is too large, too small, or poorly aligned.

Like with vinyl wraps, you do not need to mirror UV DTF designs before applying them to the tumbler surface.

Once your design fits the tumbler correctly, you can move on to printing your UV DTF wrap.

How to Print UV DTF Wraps

With your artwork ready, it's time to print the completed wrap onto UV DTF A-film:

1. Get Your Printer Ready: Load the appropriate UV DTF A-film and check the printer's ink levels and settings. Follow the manufacturer's recommended settings for the film and ink being used.
2. Send the Design to the Printer: Import the completed artwork into the printer's RIP software or compatible printing program. Confirm the dimensions, orientation, color settings, and required white ink layers before printing.
3. Print the Wrap: Send the complete wrap design to the printer and print it onto the A-film. Make sure the entire design prints within the intended wrap boundaries.
4. Cure the Printed Wrap: Allow the UV inks to cure according to the printer and film manufacturer's specifications. Proper curing helps prepare the printed A-film for lamination.
5. Laminate the Wrap If Required: If your UV DTF printer does not automatically laminate the B-film, apply it to the cured A-film according to the film manufacturer's instructions.
6. Trim the Wrap: Cut away excess film, if any. Follow the template edges so the finished piece fits the tumbler correctly.

The completed UV DTF wrap should have the printed artwork securely laminated between the appropriate film layers.

Now, you simply need to apply it to your tumbler.

How to Apply UV DTF Cup Wraps

To apply your UV DTF wrap to your tumbler, you will need to first clean the cup surface.

From there, position your wrap carefully, as UV DTF is difficult to reposition once it's firmly pressed onto the tumbler.

Follow these important steps as you go through the process:

1. Clean the Tumbler: Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove oils, dust, and residue. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the transfer.
2. Position the Wrap: Hold the UV DTF wrap against the tumbler and check the top, bottom, and seam alignment. Make sure the artwork is positioned correctly before exposing the adhesive.
3. Peel the Backing: Remove the backing from the transfer carefully, exposing the adhesive without allowing the wrap to fold or touch itself.
4. Apply the Wrap Gradually: Start at one side and slowly press the transfer onto the tumbler while working toward the opposite edge. Avoid stretching the film because this can distort the artwork or create alignment problems.
5. Smooth the Transfer: Use a squeegee or scraper to press the wrap firmly against the tumbler. Work from the center toward the edges to push out trapped air and reduce bubbles.
6. Burnish the Design: Apply firm, even pressure across the entire transfer, paying particular attention to the edges and seam. This helps ensure that the adhesive makes consistent contact with the tumbler.
7. Remove the Carrier Film: Slowly peel away the top film while checking that the printed design remains attached to the tumbler. If part of the design begins lifting, lay the film back down and burnish that area again.
8. Check the Finished Wrap: Inspect the edges, seam, and surface for bubbles or areas that have not adhered properly. Press down any loose edges before handling the tumbler further.
9. Let the Adhesive Bond: Allow the finished tumbler to sit for the time recommended by the UV DTF transfer manufacturer before you use it.

Once the adhesive has bonded, your custom tumbler is ready to showcase its full-color UV DTF wrap.

These durable wraps offer a long-lasting way to add full-color artwork to your stainless steel tumblers.

How to Make Sublimation Tumbler Wraps

Sublimation is a fantastic way to decorate drinkware because you embed the full-wrap designs into the tumbler's surface.

This makes the design incredibly vibrant, durable, and smooth to the touch, but the process requires special polymer-coated tumblers.

Supplies You'll Need for Sublimation Tumbler Wraps

In addition to specially coated tumblers, sublimation requires a printer that can handle sublimation ink as well as a dedicated heat source for transferring the design.

Here's everything you'll need:

• Sublimation Printer and Ink: Prints the artwork onto sublimation paper using heat-transferable dye inks.
• Sublimation Paper: Holds the printed design before you transfer it to your tumbler.
• Heat-Resistant Tape: Secures the transfer to the tumbler and helps prevent movement during the heating process.
• Tumbler Heat Press or Sublimation Oven: Applies the heat needed to transfer the sublimation ink into the tumbler's polymer coating.
• Shrink Wrap or Silicone Wrap (for oven): Holds the sublimation paper tightly against the tumbler when using a sublimation oven.
• Butcher Paper (for heat presses): Protects your heat press and workstation from excess ink during the transfer process.
• Sublimation Tumbler: Provides the polymer-coated surface needed for the sublimation ink to bond.
• Lint-Free Cloth: Cleans the tumbler without leaving fibers behind.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Removes oils and residue from the tumbler before applying the transfer.
• Heat-Resistant Gloves: Protect your hands when handling hot equipment and tumblers.
• Scissors or a Craft Knife: Cuts the sublimation wrap to the correct size for a clean, precise finish.

Once you have your sublimation supplies ready, you can begin creating artwork that fits your tumbler's dimensions.

Next, we'll cover how to design a sublimation wrap and prepare your artwork for printing.

How to Design a Sublimation Tumbler Wrap

Sublimation can produce exceptionally vibrant, sharp tumbler designs because the ink becomes embedded into the tumbler's polymer coating rather than sitting on top of the surface.

This creates a seamless finish that can preserve fine details and rich colors better than vinyl and UV DTF.

Follow these steps to make stunning, one-of-a-kind sublimation designs:

1. Use or Create a Wrap Template: Use a template that matches your tumbler's dimensions, or create one using the cup's measurements. For tapered tumblers, account for the different top and bottom circumferences so the artwork follows the tumbler's shape correctly.
2. Create the Artwork: Add text, graphics, photographs, and other elements to the template. Keep important details away from the edges and seam so they remain visible after application.
3. Set the Resolution: Create the design at 300 DPI to produce sharp, detailed artwork. Use high-resolution source images when incorporating photographs or other raster graphics.
4. Check the Printable Area: Make sure the completed design fits within the dimensions of the sublimation paper and printer.
5. Mirror the Design: Flip the completed artwork horizontally before printing. Mirroring ensures text and artwork appear correctly on the cup after the heat transfer.

With the design sized, mirrored, and ready to go, the next step is printing the wrap onto sublimation paper.

How to Print a Sublimation Tumbler Wrap

Printing your tumbler wrap involves transferring the finished artwork onto sublimation paper using a sublimation printer and specialized ink.

In this stage, you will produce a clean, full-wrap transfer that you will use to create a stunning, fully designed custom tumbler.

1. Prepare the Sublimation Printer: Load the sublimation printer with compatible ink and sublimation paper.
2. Select the Paper Settings: Configure the printer for the sublimation paper you are using. If an ICC color profile is available for your specific printer, sublimation ink, and paper combination, install and use the profile according to the manufacturer's instructions and your design software's color-management settings.
3. Print the Mirrored Design: Send the prepared artwork to the printer. Check the preview one final time to make sure the design has not been accidentally reversed or resized.
4. Trim the Transfer: If necessary, cut the printed sublimation paper to fit the sublimation tumbler's dimensions to avoid unnecessary excess.

After you print the design, avoid touching the ink, since oils and moisture can interfere with the transfer.

You can now use your printed sublimation transfer to embed permanent artwork into your tumbler surface.

How to Apply a Sublimation Tumbler Wrap

Sublimation works by using heat to turn the dye in the printed transfer into a gas that bonds with the polymer coating on the tumbler.

Once the tumbler cools, the design becomes part of the coated surface for a smooth, durable finish.

You'll need to follow these steps to complete this effective printing process:

1. Clean the Tumbler: Wipe the polymer-coated surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove oils and dust. Allow it to dry completely before attaching the transfer.
2. Position the Transfer: Wrap the printed paper around the tumbler with the printed side facing the coating. Align the edges and seam carefully so the design covers the intended area.
3. Secure the Paper: Use heat-resistant tape to hold the transfer firmly against the tumbler. Keep the paper tight against the surface to prevent air gaps and movement.
4. Add a Shrink Sleeve (sublimation oven only): Place a shrink sleeve or silicone wrap over the tumbler if you're heating it with a sublimation oven. This helps maintain tight contact between the paper and tumbler during heating.
5. Cover with Butcher Paper (heat press only): Wrap the prepared tumbler with butcher paper before placing it in the heat press. This helps protect the press from stray sublimation ink during heating.
6. Apply Heat and Pressure: Place the prepared tumbler into a dedicated tumbler press or sublimation oven. Follow the equipment manufacturer's directions when setting the temperature, time, and pressure.
7. Rotate When Required: If your device requires multiple pressing positions to cover the entire surface, rotate the tumbler according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
8. Remove the Transfer: After the heating cycle, carefully remove the tumbler while wearing heat-resistant gloves.
9. Unwrap the Sublimation Transfer: Carefully remove the heat-resistant tape and peel away the sublimation paper while the tumbler remains secure. Avoid dragging the paper across the finished surface.
10. Inspect the Finished Design: Check the entire surface for fading, blurry areas, gaps, or incomplete transfers. Testing a single tumbler before starting a larger batch can help you identify problems with temperature, pressure, timing, or paper placement.

The completed tumbler should now feature your artwork across the full surface with no separate decal or vinyl layer.

The process produces colorful and detailed artwork, making sublimation a strong choice for creating seamless designs with extensive coverage.

How to Make Tumbler Wraps FAQs

What Is the Best Program to Show a Wrap on a Tumbler?

Canva and Adobe Photoshop are two of the best programs for showing how a tumbler wrap will look on a finished cup. Canva lets you place your wrap design into a tumbler mockup, while Photoshop can use tumbler mockup files with Smart Objects to apply your artwork to a realistic image of the tumbler. Both options let you preview the overall appearance of your design before producing the finished wrap.

How to Make a Cup Wrap Template?

To make a cup wrap template, measure the tumbler's usable height and circumference, then use those measurements to create the template in your preferred design software. For tapered tumblers, measure the top and bottom circumferences separately so the template follows the cup's shape, then test the finished template with paper to confirm the fit before creating your wrap.

What Do You Print Tumbler Wraps On?

You can print tumbler wraps on different materials depending on the decorating method. You print vinyl wraps onto printable vinyl, UV DTF wraps onto UV DTF film, and sublimation designs onto sublimation paper.

Do Tumbler Wraps Need to be Sealed?

Tumbler wraps do not always need to be sealed, but sealing can provide additional protection depending on the printing method. Adding an epoxy resin layer over your decorated wrap tumblers can protect the designs from scratches, moisture, and everyday wear while adding a glossy finish.

Order High-Quality Tumbler Wrap Supplies Today

Making tumbler wraps starts with choosing the right design program, measuring the tumbler, and creating artwork that fits the cup properly. From there, you can add stunning artwork to your tumblers using printable vinyl, UV DTF, or sublimation wraps.

Regardless of which crafting method you choose to create wraps, you need to use high-quality tumbler blanks to get the best results. Stainless steel tumblers with smooth surfaces provide an ideal foundation for applying wraps cleanly and evenly.

Fortunately, you can order affordable, high-quality tumbler blanks today at The Stainless Depot Company. We feature stainless steel tumblers that are ideal for UV DTF and vinyl, as well as sublimation tumblers specifically designed for sublimation wraps.

While affordable, these tumblers are made from high-quality 304-grade stainless steel and feature double-wall vacuum insulation.

Additionally, our website features pre-made tumbler wraps, UV DTF transfers, sublimation heat presses, sublimation printers and ink, wholesale stainless steel tumblers, and other essential supplies and equipment to help you achieve even better results with tumbler crafting.

Get started with creating breathtaking custom tumblers today with the help of The Stainless Depot Company.