How to Make Tumblers: 5 Techniques Every Crafter Should Know

How to Make Tumblers: 5 Techniques Every Crafter Should Know

Learning how to make tumblers starts with choosing the right customization method. The five most popular methods are sublimation printing, laser engraving, UV DTF, vinyl, and epoxy.

Each of these printing techniques offers unique advantages, making it easy to create custom tumblers that fit your budget and style preferences.

In this guide, we'll unpack how to make custom tumblers using these five distinct methods. We'll cover the benefits of each method, the supplies you'll need, and the step-by-step process for creating custom tumblers.

Whether you want to customize tumblers for personal use or sell drinkware, this guide is for you. Learning the strengths and best practices for each method can save you time and help you achieve better results.

Looking for high-quality blanks, supplies, and equipment for tumbler crafting?

Explore the wide selection at The Stainless Depot Company, including stainless steel tumblers, epoxy resin, sublimation blanks, ceramic mugs, stainless steel water bottles, wholesale stainless steel tumblers, and more.

How to Make Tumblers with Sublimation

Sublimation is one of the most popular methods for making custom tumblers. You can learn how to do sublimation printing to produce tumblers with vibrant, permanent designs that boast exceptional detail.

What makes sublimation distinct from other crafting methods is that the printed design becomes permanently fused to the cup's surface. Instead of sitting on top of the tumbler, the sublimation ink becomes part of the tumbler's polyester coating.

Because the ink fuses with the surface, the finished design is highly durable and will not crack or peel. The designs are also smooth to the touch and can be incredibly vibrant. This makes sublimation ideal for decorating drinkware with colorful artwork and photographs.

To achieve professional results with this crafting method, you must use sublimation tumblers. These cups feature a specialized polymer coating that allows the ink to bond to the tumbler.

Additionally, you can use sublimation to decorate other polymer-coated blanks and polyester apparel, such as sublimation shirts.

Supplies You'll Need for Sublimation:

Steps for Sublimating Tumblers:

  1. Create the Design: Use graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or CorelDRAW, to create your artwork. Be sure to mirror the image before printing.
  2. Print Your Design: Use a sublimation printer to print your design onto sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
  3. Prepare the Tumbler: Clean the tumbler's entire surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and oils. Even small contaminants can degrade print quality or introduce imperfections into the finished design.
  4. Attach the Transfer: Wrap the printed sublimation paper tightly around the tumbler with the printed side facing the surface. Secure it with heat-resistant tape to prevent shifting during the heat transfer. Proper alignment helps prevent ghosting and blurry images. If you're using an oven, you'll also need to wrap your tumbler using heat-safe shrink wrap or a silicone wrap sleeve.
  5. Apply Heat and Pressure: Place the tumbler into a tumbler press or sublimation oven and apply the recommended time and temperature for your blank.
  6. Remove the Transfer: After pressing, carefully remove the tumbler while wearing heat-resistant gloves. Allow it to cool slightly for a few seconds before removing the tape and sublimation paper to reveal your finished design.
  7. Inspect the Results: Check that the colors are vibrant and the transfer is complete across the entire tumbler. If you notice faded areas, ghosting, or uneven colors, review your pressure, temperature, and paper placement before making another tumbler.

With the right supplies and a quality tumbler blank, sublimation is one of the easiest ways to make professional custom drinkware. It is well suited for beginners and can empower you to achieve exceptional results.

How to Laser Engrave Tumblers

When laser engraving a tumbler, you can create clean, permanent designs that will not peel, chip, or fade.

Rather than etching the metal itself, you can use a CO₂ or a diode laser to engrave powder-coated tumblers. You simply use the engraver to remove the tumbler's powder coating, exposing the stainless steel underneath. The result is a clean, permanent design that will not peel, chip, or fade.

Many crafters use laser engraving to create custom tumbler cups with logos, monograms, names, and simple artwork. It creates a premium appearance with very little maintenance.

Supplies You'll Need for Laser Engraving:

  • Graphic Design Software

  • Laser Engraving Tumbler

  • CO₂ or Diode Laser Laser Engraver

  • Rotary Attachment (Some Engravers Include This)

  • Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Lint-Free Cloth

  • Safety Glasses

Steps for Engraving Tumblers:

  1. Create Your Design: Design your artwork using your preferred software. For engraving, designing simple graphics, text, and logos typically produces the cleanest engraved results.
  2. Prepare the Tumbler: Clean the entire surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove fingerprints, oils, and dust. A clean surface helps ensure a consistent engraving.
  3. Secure the Tumbler: Mount the tumbler onto your laser engraver's rotary attachment or roller system. Make sure it is level and rotates smoothly throughout the engraving process.
  4. Adjust Your Machine Settings: Configure the laser engraver based on the tumbler's coating and your machine's specifications.
  5. Engrave the Design: Start the engraving process and monitor the machine while it runs. The laser will remove the powder coating, revealing the stainless steel underneath and creating a permanent etched design.
  6. Clean the Finished Tumbler: Once engraving is complete, wipe away any residue with a soft cloth. Inspect the design to ensure the engraving is clean, sharp, and evenly finished.

Laser engraving is a reliable method for decorating stainless steel tumblers with professional results. You can produce engraved tumblers for personal use, gifting, or growing your crafting business.

How to Decorate Tumblers with UV DTF

UV DTF decals are an easy way to make custom tumblers with detailed, full-color graphics.

With this method, you apply a pre-printed design directly onto the tumbler's surface using a strong adhesive film. The result is a vibrant, scratch-resistant design with crisp details and excellent color accuracy.

Many beginner crafters choose UV DTF because it's simple to get started. It doesn't require equipment, making it a highly practical option for beginners learning how to make custom tumblers at home.

You can find ready-to-use UV DTF decals online or use a printing service to create custom decals. Common sites for ordering custom UV DTF decals include United DTF and DTFGO.

Supplies You'll Need for UV DTF:

Steps for Applying UV DTF:

  1. Prepare the Tumbler: Clean the entire surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Removing dust, fingerprints, and oils helps the adhesive bond properly.
  2. Position the Transfer: Without removing the backing, place the UV DTF transfer against the tumbler to check its alignment. Once you're satisfied with the placement, carefully peel away the backing paper.
  3. Apply the Transfer: Press the adhesive side of the transfer onto the tumbler, starting from one edge and working toward the other. Applying the design slowly helps reduce wrinkles and trapped air.
  4. Smooth the Design: Use a squeegee or scraper to press across the entire design firmly. Work from the center outward to improve adhesion and remove any remaining air bubbles.
  5. Remove the Carrier Film: Slowly peel away the clear carrier sheet while watching the design closely. If any portion begins lifting from the tumbler, press it back down before continuing.
  6. Inspect the Finished Tumbler: Check that the design is securely attached across the entire surface, with no bubbles or lifted edges.

By following these steps, you can apply a pre-made UV DTF easily. This method is an excellent choice for tumbler makers who want professional-looking results without purchasing equipment.

However, you can also make your own UV DTF prints. This method will require more startup equipment, but it might be worth it if you plan to produce many custom tumblers.

You can learn all about making your own UV DTF decals with our guide "How to Make and Apply UV DTF Transfers for Tumblers."

How to Apply Vinyl to Tumblers

Applying vinyl decals is one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly ways to make custom tumblers.

Like with UV DTF, you don't need startup equipment to decorate your tumblers with vinyl. Instead, you can order pre-made vinyl decals. This makes it a popular choice for hobbyists and beginner crafters. Popular platforms for ordering pre-made vinyl decals include Sticker Mule and Turbo Vinyl.

The main difference from UV DTF is that the vinyl designs are cut from permanent vinyl and applied by hand with transfer tape. Additionally, vinyl is limited to solid colors, so it cannot reproduce gradients, photographs, or highly detailed artwork.

For that reason, vinyl is ideal for creating personalized tumblers with names, text, and simple designs. It is not designed for full-color photographs or edge-to-edge artwork.

Supplies You'll Need for Vinyl:

Steps for Applying Vinyl Decals:

  1. Apply Transfer Tape: Place transfer tape over the vinyl decal and firmly smooth it with a squeegee or scraper. This allows you to lift and position the entire design while maintaining proper spacing and alignment.
  2. Prepare the Tumbler: Clean the tumbler's entire surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. A clean surface helps the adhesive bond securely.
  3. Apply the Decal: Carefully position the decal on the tumbler, then press it onto the surface. Use a scraper or squeegee to remove air bubbles. Start from the center and work outwards.
  4. Remove the Transfer Tape: Slowly peel away the transfer tape while ensuring the vinyl remains attached to the tumbler.
  5. Finish the Tumbler: Inspect the decal and press down any edges that are not fully adhered. Allow the adhesive to set. Often, vinyl decals take up to 72 hours to fully cure.

Vinyl is a great choice for anyone getting started with customizing tumblers since it doesn't require startup equipment.

As with UV DTF, you can also make your own vinyl decals at home before applying them. You can learn more about this complete process with our guide "How to Make a Vinyl Decal at Home."

How to Epoxy a Tumbler

Decorating tumblers with epoxy is a popular way to create drinkware with a smooth, glossy finish.

Unlike the other crafting methods on our list, using epoxy requires coating your tumbler with a liquid resin. This resin then hardens to create a durable, transparent coating over the tumbler surface.

You can also use epoxy resin alongside other crafting methods, especially decals. It's an excellent choice for enhancing and protecting existing artwork, giving the finished resin tumbler a premium appearance.

Additionally, you can use epoxy resin to preserve decorative effects. This allows you to add glitter, mica powders, alcohol inks, spray-painted designs, and other creative elements, all protected underneath the epoxy coating.

Supplies You'll Need for Applying Epoxy Resin:

Steps for Applying Epoxy:

  1. Prepare the Tumbler: Clean the entire surface with isopropyl alcohol, then lightly sand the tumbler to improve adhesion.
  2. Add Decorations: Apply glitter, decals, paint, or other decorative elements before coating the tumbler.
  3. Mix the Epoxy: Combine the resin and hardener according to the package directions. Mix thoroughly but slowly to prevent air bubbles. Work in a well-ventilated area, as the epoxy emits fumes.
  4. Apply the Epoxy: Place the tumbler on a tumbler turner, then slowly pour or brush on a thin, even coat of epoxy resin while the tumbler rotates. Some projects may require multiple coats to achieve a smooth, durable finish.
  5. Remove Air Bubbles: Pass a heat gun or small torch lightly over the surface to remove trapped air bubbles. Avoid overheating the resin, as excessive heat can damage the finish.
  6. Allow the Epoxy to Cure: Let the tumbler rotate on the turner for the amount of time recommended by the epoxy manufacturer. Afterward, allow the epoxy to fully cure in a safe location for approximately 72 hours before regular use.

Due to curing time, epoxy tumblers can take longer to complete than other customization methods, but the results are worth the wait. The glossy finish enhances colors, protects the design, and creates durable personalized tumblers that stand out.

Which Method Is Best for Customizing Tumblers?

Now that you know these five key customization methods, you're likely wondering which one is right for you.

The best choice will depend on your budget and design goals. Each customization method has its own advantages and different startup costs. You should also consider which finish you want for your tumblers, as these methods change the cup's texture.

Understanding these differences will help you choose the right method before you invest in supplies and equipment:

  • Choose Sublimation: Best method if you want vibrant, full-color designs that become part of the tumbler's surface. Sublimation is ideal for photographs, detailed artwork, and full-wrap designs. It produces excellent print quality, but it requires a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and a heat source for transferring the designs onto the tumbler.
  • Choose Laser Engraving: Excellent option if you want durable designs with a premium look and feel. It is an excellent option for logos, names, and premium custom tumblers, although the equipment requires a large upfront investment.
  • Choose UV DTF: Great for beginners who don't want to invest in specialized equipment. UV DTF transfers produce full-color, scratch-resistant designs that you can apply directly to stainless steel tumblers.
  • Choose Vinyl: Another great choice for beginner crafters. You don't need equipment to apply vinyl decals, but vinyl has fewer color choices than UV DTF and is usually limited to simpler designs.
  • Choose Epoxy: Perfect for a glossy, handcrafted finish with added depth and dimension. Epoxy excels at providing a protective, stylish coating, and you can use epoxy resin after applying other crafting methods.

Whether you're making great gifts, creating cups for personal use, or selling drinkware, selecting the right customization method will empower you to get started.

How to Make Tumblers FAQs

What All Is Needed to Make Tumblers?

The supplies you will need to customize tumblers depend on your printing method. Most custom drinkware projects start with high-quality stainless steel tumblers and then require additional equipment to apply designs, such as a heat press, a laser engraver, a sublimation printer, and epoxy resin. You'll also need basic supplies, such as isopropyl alcohol, lint-free cloths, and safety equipment for certain methods.

What Machine Do I Need to Make Tumblers?

The right machine depends on your crafting method. Sublimation requires a sublimation printer and equipment for applying heat. Laser engraving requires a CO₂ or diode laser engraver with a rotary attachment. For epoxy, you will need a tumbler turner to ensure an even coating while the resin cures.

How Do People Make Custom Tumblers?

People make custom tumblers using several popular techniques, including sublimation, laser engraving, UV DTF decals, vinyl decals, and epoxy.

How Do You Make Tumblers for Beginners?

Vinyl and UV DTF decals are often the easiest methods for beginners because they don't require equipment. Getting started with epoxying tumblers is also highly affordable, making it an excellent way to create professional drinkware.

Can Any Stainless Steel Tumbler Be Sublimated?

No. Sublimation only works on tumblers with a special polyester coating. The polyester coating allows the sublimation ink to permanently bond with the surface during the heat transfer process.

How Long Does Epoxy Take to Cure on a Tumbler?

Most epoxy tumblers should cure for about 72 hours before regular use, although cure times vary by manufacturer.

Are Custom Tumblers Dishwasher-Safe?

While some custom tumblers are dishwasher-safe, it's usually best to hand wash these cups. Using a dishwasher can cause custom designs to fade or peel, depending on the crafting method. Gentle hand washing helps keep custom drinkware looking its best for years.

Order High-Quality Tumblers and Supplies for Customizing Drinkware

Learning how to make tumblers opens the door to countless creative possibilities. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can use these different methods to craft truly unique drinkware for personal use or sale.

No matter where you are in your crafting journey, it's essential to use reliable supplies and materials to achieve lasting results. Starting with high-quality stainless steel tumblers is a must, as durable blanks support cleaner designs and long-lasting results.

Fortunately, finding quality blanks is easier than ever. You can bring your creative ideas to life today with the best tumblers for drinkware crafting.

Regardless of which crafting method you choose, The Stainless Depot Company has the blanks you need for the best results, including sublimation blanks, laser engraving tumblers, and smooth stainless steel tumblers for epoxy and decals.

Plus, you can get other affordable supplies and equipment for crafting, including sublimation heat presses, sublimation ovens, sublimation printers and ink, epoxy resin, and more.

Whether you're decorating cups for fun or starting a small business, our tumblers and supplies will empower you to craft beautiful, long-lasting custom drinkware.

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