10 Easy Steps to Create Custom Sublimation Tumblers

Have you ever seen those beautiful sublimation tumblers and wondered how to make them? Thankfully, the process is not as complicated as it may seem. With the right materials and some patience, you can create custom tumblers for yourself or to sell to others.

To start, you’ll need a tumbler that’s compatible with sublimation printing. Most tumblers made of stainless steel or aluminum work well, as long as they have a coating designed for sublimation. You’ll also need a design or image to print onto the tumbler, which can be created using graphic design software or downloaded from the internet. Additionally, you will need sublimation transfer paper, sublimation ink, a heat press machine, and a peel-and-stick mat. With all of these materials in hand, it’s time to get started on your project.

How to Make Sublimation Tumblers

Introduction

Sublimation tumblers have gained immense popularity due to their versatility and functionality. They are perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for a longer time, and can also be customized to show your personality or business brand. In this article, we will guide you on how to make sublimation tumblers that are long-lasting and visually appealing.

1. Choose your tumbler

When making sublimation tumblers, the first step is selecting the right tumbler. There are many options available in the market, such as stainless steel, plastic or glass. Stainless steel tumblers are preferred as they are durable, easy to maintain and hold heat well. It is also essential to choose a tumbler with a smooth surface that will give high-quality sublimation prints.

2. Make a template

After choosing the tumbler, create a design template that will guide you on the sublimation print placement. Templates can be made using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or online platforms like Canva. It is crucial to ensure that the print design matches the size and shape of the tumbler.

3. Print the design

Print the design using sublimation ink on sublimation paper. Sublimation ink works by transferring dye onto the tumbler’s surface, bonding the ink with the material, forming a long-lasting print. Remember to ensure the print is mirrored and that the colors match the template design.

4. Apply the design on the tumbler

Apply the sublimation print on the tumbler using a heat press. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully on the sublimation paper to avoid compromising the print quality. The heat press extracts dye molecules from the ink and embeds them in the tumbler’s surface, creating a vibrant, long-lasting print.

5. Dry the tumbler

After applying the design, it’s essential to let the tumbler dry for at least 24 hours to ensure the print adheres correctly to the surface. Place the tumbler on a non-stick surface and let it dry away from direct sunlight or heat.

6. Secure the design

To make the sublimation print last longer, apply a layer of clear coating on top of the print. The coating will protect the print from scratches and wear and tear. It is essential to choose a coating that is food safe, suitable for stainless steel and that will not peel off or flake over time.

7. Clean and maintain the tumbler

Before use, always make sure to rinse the tumbler thoroughly with warm soapy water to get rid of any residue from the printing process. Do not scrub the tumbler too hard as this may cause the print to peel off. Also, avoid using bleach or abrasive cleaners on the tumbler.

8. Customize with accessories

To enhance the tumbler’s appearance and functionality, add customized accessories like lids, straws, or handles. There are many options available in the market that will make your sublimation tumbler unique.

9. Market and sell

Once you have made sublimation tumblers, it’s time to take advantage of social media and other online marketplaces to advertise and sell them. You can also offer customized sublimation tumblers to friends, family, or create a business selling them.

10. Conclusion

Making sublimation tumblers is a fun and relatively easy process that can help you express your creativity and customize functional and stylish tumblers. Follow our guide above, and you will be sure to make beautiful sublimation tumblers that will last a lifetime!

Preparing the Tumbler for Sublimation

Sublimation is a printing process that transfers a design onto a special type of paper before placing it onto the tumbler. Here, we’ll take you through the basic steps of preparing the tumbler for sublimation.

1. Clean the Tumbler Thoroughly

Before starting the sublimation process, it’s essential to clean the tumbler thoroughly to ensure that there’s no dirt or dust on its surface. You can use isopropyl alcohol for this purpose and allow it to dry before proceeding further.

2. Remove the Protective Film

If your tumbler comes with a protective film, you’ll need to remove it before starting sublimation. Be careful to ensure that the tumbler is clean and free of any adhesive residue.

3. Check for any Scratches or Dents

It’s a good idea to check your tumbler for any scratches or dents. Any damages may affect the sublimation process and the final appearance of your tumbler. If you notice any imperfections, consider using an alternate tumbler for sublimation.

4. Position the Design

Before printing the design on the paper, decide which part of the tumbler you want the design to appear. Once you have finalized the placement of the design, adjust the design’s size to fit the size of your tumbler.

5. Print the Design on the Paper

Print the design on sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. Be sure to use the correct type of paper that’s compatible with your printer to achieve high-quality prints.

6. Cut out the Design

Once the design is printed on the paper, cut around the edges of the design carefully. Be sure to remove any extra paper to avoid smudging of the design during the sublimation process.

7. Tape the Design onto the Tumbler

Using heat-resistant tape, apply the design to the tumbler as accurately as possible. Be careful to ensure that it’s positioned correctly and without any air bubbles.

8. Secure the Design with Heat-Resistant Tape

Heat-resistant tape secures the design to the tumbler and prevents it from moving during the transfer process. Keep in mind that the tape must be heat resistant to withstand the temperature of the heat press.

9. Bring the Tumbler to Room Temperature

Before sublimation, bring the tumbler to room temperature. This step is crucial since an abrupt change in temperature can cause the design to crack.

10. Heat Press the Tumbler

Once the tumbler is ready, it’s time to heat press! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the heat press time and temperature. Remember to remove the heat-resistant tape carefully before handling the tumbler. Enjoy your newly sublimated tumbler!

Top 5 Materials Needed to Make Sublimation Tumblers

Sublimation tumblers are the newest craze for anyone who wants to do DIY crafting at home. These tumblers are easy to make, and they make the perfect personalized gift for any occasion. In this section, we will discuss the top 5 materials needed to make sublimation tumblers.

Sublimation Printing Process

Now that you know the materials required let’s move on to the next important step – the sublimation printing process.

The first step is to select the design you want to print. You can either create your own design or download from various platforms such as Etsy, Freepik, Canva, etc. Once you have your design ready, it’s time to print it onto the sublimation paper using the sublimation printer.

Now that your design is printed, it’s time to transfer it to the tumbler. Wrap your sublimation paper around the tumbler, ensuring that the design faces the tumbler’s exterior surface. Use heat-resistant tape to hold the paper in place.

Using a heat press machine, clamp the tumbler with the paper and apply heat for a specific time and temperature. Typically, this process takes around 300-400°F and lasts for 10-15 minutes.

After the time is up, release the pressure and remove the paper back. You will have a gorgeous and vibrant design on your tumbler.

Tumbler Maintenance

Making sublimation tumblers is a fun DIY project, and these tumblers are long-lasting too. However, without proper care and maintenance, the design can wear off or peel. The following tips will help you keep your tumbler looking as good as new.

• Hand wash only: Avoid using a dishwasher to clean your sublimation tumblers. The high-temperature water and pressure can damage the design.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use any harsh cleaning chemicals or coarse scrubs on your tumbler. They can scratch the design and damage it.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Do not expose the sublimation tumblers to direct sunlight for a long time. This can cause the design to fade away soon.
• Avoid Extreme Temperature: Do not put hot beverages in the tumblers. This could potentially burn out the tumbler’s exterior and destroy the design. Similarly, also avoid putting cold drinks in the tumbler as it has a chance to come in contact with external water droplets which can ruin the design.
• Store properly: Store your tumbler in a dry and cool place. Avoid putting it in high humid areas as it could peel off the design.

Conclusion

Making sublimation tumblers is a fun and easy DIY project that is perfect for personal use or as a gift. By following the above steps and taking good care of your tumbler, you can enjoy your custom-made tumbler for years to come. The creative potential with sublimation tumblers is endless. Try out different designs, colors, and patterns and flaunt your personalized tumbler to your friends. Lastly, enjoy sipping your hot beverage in a beautiful tumbler that represents you!

Happy Tumbling!

Now that you know how to make your own sublimation tumblers, it’s time to get creative and start designing. Remember to have fun and experiment with different patterns and colors. Don’t forget to grab some extra supplies like transfer tape and an epoxy coating to give your tumblers that finishing touch. Thank you for reading this article and I hope it has inspired you to start your own tumbling journey. Make sure to visit again for more crafty tips and tricks. Happy tumbling, my friends!