How to Make Sublimation Tumblers: Easy Beginners Guide!

Learn how to make sublimation tumblers with this easy beginners guide! Follow these step-by-step instructions for vibrant, lasting designs on your custom tumblers.

Materials and Tools Needed for Sublimation Tumblers

Essential Materials

• Sublimation Tumblers: These are specially coated tumblers designed to accept sublimation ink. They typically come in various sizes and colors, so choose the ones that best fit your design needs.
• Sublimation Paper: This specialized paper holds the sublimation ink and transfers it to the tumbler during the heat press process. It’s crucial for achieving sharp, clear designs.
• Sublimation Ink: Sublimation ink is a special type of dye that turns into gas when heated, bonding with the surface of the tumbler to create a permanent design.
• Heat-Resistant Tape: This tape is used to secure your sublimation paper to the tumbler, ensuring that the design stays in place during the heat press process.

Required Tools

• Sublimation Printer: A printer that uses sublimation ink is essential for transferring your designs onto the sublimation paper. Popular brands include Epson and Sawgrass, which are known for their reliability and high-quality prints.
• Heat Press or Tumbler Press: A heat press is used to apply the necessary heat and pressure to transfer the design from the sublimation paper to the tumbler. For cylindrical tumblers, a specialized tumbler press is ideal.
• Heat Gloves: These gloves protect your hands from the high temperatures of the press, making it safer to handle the tumblers during and after pressing.
• Cutting Tools: Scissors or a craft knife are useful for trimming your sublimation paper to the correct size before applying it to the tumbler.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sublimation Tumblers

Step 1: Create and Prepare Your Design

Start by creating your design using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or free alternatives like Canva. Ensure your design matches the dimensions of your tumbler and that the resolution is high enough for a clear print. Once your design is ready, save it in a format compatible with your sublimation printer, typically PNG or JPEG.

Step 2: Print and Cut Your Design

Next, print your design onto sublimation paper using your sublimation printer. Make sure to mirror your design before printing, as it will transfer in reverse onto the tumbler. After printing, carefully cut out the design, leaving a small margin around the edges to ensure full coverage on the tumbler.

Step 3: Prepare Your Tumbler

Before applying the design, it’s important to prepare the tumbler. Clean the surface with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust, oils, or fingerprints that could interfere with the sublimation process. Once the tumbler is clean, position your printed design on the tumbler, securing it in place with heat-resistant tape.

Step 4: Apply and Press the Sublimation Design

Now it’s time to transfer your design to the tumbler. Place the tumbler in your heat press or tumbler press, ensuring that the design is correctly aligned. Set the press to the recommended temperature and time—usually around 360°F for 60-90 seconds, depending on your specific tumbler and press. Apply consistent pressure throughout the process. Once the time is up, carefully remove the tumbler using heat gloves and allow it to cool before handling.

Step 5: Final Touches and Presentation

After the time is up, gently peel off the sublimation paper to reveal your design. Inspect the tumbler for any imperfections. If everything looks good, your custom sublimation tumbler is ready to use or display! Whether it’s for personal use, a gift, or a product for sale, your tumbler should showcase vibrant, permanent designs that are both durable and eye-catching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Should You Sublimate a Tumbler?

The standard time for sublimating a tumbler is between 60 to 90 seconds at 360°F. The exact time and temperature may vary depending on the specific tumbler and heat press used, so it's important to adjust based on your equipment and material.

Do You Need a Special Printer for Sublimation Tumblers?

Yes, you need a sublimation printer that is capable of using sublimation ink. Regular inkjet or laser printers won’t work for sublimation as they don’t have the ability to use sublimation ink, which is essential for the sublimation process.

Can You Sublimate Tumblers with a Cricut Mug Press?

The Cricut Mug Press is primarily designed for mugs, but with the right setup, it can be adapted for certain types of tumblers, particularly those with similar dimensions to mugs. However, for best results, a specialized tumbler press is recommended.

What Types of Tumblers Work Best for Sublimation?

Sublimation works best on tumblers that have a special polymer coating designed to bond with sublimation ink. Stainless steel and other non-coated tumblers won’t work unless they’ve been pre-treated with a sublimation coating.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

Preventing Common Mistakes

To avoid common mistakes like ghosting or faded designs, make sure your tumbler is thoroughly cleaned before applying the design. Ensure the sublimation paper is secured tightly to the tumbler with heat-resistant tape to prevent any shifting during pressing. Also, avoid overheating, which can cause colors to become distorted or washed out.

Caring for Your Finished Tumbler

To ensure the longevity of your sublimated tumbler, it’s best to hand wash it with mild detergent and avoid using abrasive sponges or cleaners. While many sublimated tumblers are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to preserve the vibrancy of the design over time. Avoid exposing the tumbler to extreme heat, such as leaving it in a hot car, as this could potentially affect the sublimation ink.