How to Sublimate Stainless Steel Slim Can Coolers for Custom Drinkware Sales

Why Sublimating Slim Can Coolers Is a Smart Business Move

Stainless steel slim can coolers are a hit. They’re trendy, practical, and perfect for both everyday use and custom gifts. Whether your customers want to keep their hard seltzers ice cold or promote their brand at events, sublimated can coolers offer a professional, long-lasting finish that sets your business apart.

This guide walks you through the complete process of sublimating stainless steel slim can coolers using Joto Imaging Supplies’ trusted tools. We’ll also share pro tips for best results, common mistakes to avoid, and creative ideas to grow your drinkware sales.

If you’re new to sublimation, don’t worry. This project is easy, quick, and incredibly rewarding once you see the bright, full-color design come to life on stainless steel.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your materials and make sure everything is ready to go. For this project, you’ll need:

Optional but helpful:

• Shrink sleeves or wraps if using a convection oven instead of a pres
• Teflon sheet or protective paper to protect your press platen

Setup and Preparation

Before pressing, make sure your design, press, and cooler are all properly prepared.

1. Print your design using your sublimation printer. Make sure you select the correct print profile for aluminum or stainless steel. This ensures accurate color and transfer quality.
2. Trim the design neatly so it wraps around the can cooler without overlapping too much. Leave a small gap where the ends meet to prevent ghosting.
3. Clean the cooler with a lint-free cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, or oils. Even small particles can affect how the ink transfers.
4. Position the design face-down on the cooler. Center it carefully, once taped, you don’t want it to shift.
5. Secure it with heat tape. Use at least two pieces of tape to hold the paper in place. Make sure it’s snug but not overly tight.

Pro tip: Double-check your alignment before pressing. The coolers are symmetrical, which makes it easier to center your design by eye.

Step-by-Step Process

Once you’ve prepared everything, it’s time to sublimate.

1. Preheat your Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press to 375°F (190°C).
2. Set the timer for 90 seconds.
3. Adjust the pressure. You want firm, even contact, not too tight, but enough to press the paper smoothly against the surface.
4. Place the can cooler into the press horizontally, with the printed paper facing inward where it will receive pressure.
5. Close the press and wait for the full 90 seconds.
6. When the timer beeps, open the press carefully.
   Stainless steel holds heat, so use your heat-resistant gloves to handle it safely.
7. Peel off the sublimation paper while it’s still warm for best results.

You should see a crisp, vibrant image transferred onto the cooler’s surface. The Pearl Coating finish ensures bright color and long-lasting durability.

Troubleshooting and Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple process, small details can make a big difference. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Bonus tip: If you plan to produce multiple coolers, check your press pressure regularly. As the heating elements expand with heat, pressure can change slightly over time.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use the right size heating element. The Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press includes seven elements, choose the one that matches your cooler’s diameter for even heat distribution.
• Warm up your press before the first use of the day to stabilize temperature.
• Print mirror image designs so they transfer correctly when face-down.
• Let coolers cool completely before packing or shipping to avoid condensation spots.
• Experiment with full wraps or logo repeats. Slim can coolers are perfect for wraparound designs, brand logos, or textured patterns.
• Stay consistent. Keep a log of your settings and results for future reference, this builds efficiency and reduces waste.

Creative Design Ideas

Stainless steel slim can coolers are versatile, stylish, and great for a wide range of custom projects. Here are a few design ideas that sell well:

• Event Giveaways: Weddings, bachelor parties, or corporate events with personalized text or logos.
• Seasonal Designs: Summer beach themes, sports teams, or holiday graphics.
• Branded Merchandise: Use your company or client’s logo to create promotional drinkware.
• Gift Sets: Bundle coolers with custom tumblers or bottle openers for retail.
• Matching Sets: Offer couples or family designs that coordinate.

Because the Pearl Coating™ Slim Can Coolers are made from 304 stainless steel with vacuum insulation, they keep drinks cold much longer than standard plastic or foam sleeves. That durability adds serious value for your customers, and for your profit margins.

Business Tips for Print Shops and Crafters

Whether you’re running a full sublimation shop or crafting from home, drinkware customization is a profitable niche. Here are some tips to make the most of your investment:

1. Know Your Market

Slim can coolers appeal to young adults, event planners, and small brands. Position them as upscale alternatives to standard foam koozies.

2. Bundle for Value

Offer “party packs” or “event sets” of 5 or 10 coolers. This helps increase order size and provides better margins.

The Pearl Coating™ Slim Can Cooler – Pack of 5 is perfect for this because it comes ready for bulk customization.

3. Promote Custom Options

Highlight that customers can choose full-color prints, names, or themes. Use photos or short videos to show off the vivid sublimation results.

4. Streamline Your Workflow

If you’re producing larger quantities, consider upgrading to the Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press for faster output.

Its seven heating elements let you switch between mugs, tumblers, and coolers without buying multiple presses, an efficient setup for growing businesses.

5. Use Joto’s Profit Calculator

Estimate your costs and margins before you price products. Joto’s built-in calculator (available on the website) helps you set fair prices while protecting your profit.

6. Leverage Social Media

Share before-and-after videos or customer testimonials to attract new buyers. Visual projects like this do extremely well on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Efficiency Hacks for Higher Production

• Pre-tape multiple blanks before pressing to save time during production runs.
• Batch press five or more coolers using a multi-station press for high-volume orders.
• Maintain your heating elements. Regular cleaning extends lifespan and ensures even heating.
• Offer upsells. Add matching sublimated tumblers or bottle openers to each sale.

If you want to scale up, Joto also offers a 5-station mug press, ideal for bulk sublimation projects. With 90 seconds per press, you can produce dozens of units per hour, keeping production fast and profitable.

Wrap-Up: Build Your Custom Drinkware Line with Joto

Sublimating stainless steel slim can coolers is one of the easiest ways to expand your product offerings, and boost profits. With the Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press and Pearl Coating™ Sublimation Slim Can Coolers, you’ll get professional results with vibrant color, durable finishes, and excellent customer appeal.

Start experimenting with different designs, bundle options, and seasonal themes. Whether you’re crafting at home or running a busy shop, Joto’s sublimation tools make every project faster, easier, and more reliable.

👉 Ready to get started?

Explore Joto’s full range of sublimation blanks and heat press equipment to level up your custom drinkware business today.