Creating Custom Tumblers: The Art of Sublimation & Glitter Design
When it comes to custom tumblers, it’s all about the details—and we’re here to spill the tea (or coffee ☕️) on how they’re made! If you’ve ever wondered how we create those dazzling glitter finishes and vibrant designs, this behind-the-scenes peek is for you.
Whether you’re sipping iced coffee or staying hydrated throughout your busy day, these custom beauties are more than just tumblers—they’re personal statements. So, how do we bring them to life? Let’s break it down!
Sublimation: The Science Behind the Magic 🔬✨
Sublimation might sound fancy, but it’s really just a super-cool way to transfer designs onto tumblers using heat and pressure. Here’s how it works:
- Print the Design: We start by printing a custom design onto sublimation paper using special sublimation inks. (I converted an Epson ET-2850 printer into a sublimation printer.)
- Heat & Transfer: The tumbler is wrapped with the design and held together with heat resistant tape (tightly!), then placed in a heat press. I press my tumblers for 45 seconds on each side (turn it after the first 45 seconds, then another press for 45 seconds) at 360 degrees. The heat transforms the ink into a gas that fuses directly with the tumbler’s coating.
- Permanent & Vibrant: The result? A flawless, vibrant design that won’t peel, fade, or scratch—no matter how many iced coffees you fill it with.
Sublimation is perfect for creating those clean, full-color designs—the possibilities are endless with what you want to put on your tumbler!
Glitter Tumblers: Add Some Sparkle to Your Day ✨🌈
Now, let’s talk glitter tumblers—because who doesn’t love a little sparkle? These tumblers are all about customization and creativity. How We Create the Perfect Glitter Tumbler:
Picking the Glitter Combo: We mix glitter shades for the perfect ombré effect (like Candy Pink + Love Struck Red 💖) for a full-coverage sparkle.
- Spray away: First I spray paint the cup to match the glitter color.
- Apply the Magic: Everyone has their own method – I prefer using epoxy (“Promise” brand). I apply a light coat of epoxy all over the cup and stick it on a tumbler turner and let it spin for about 90 mins.
- Glitter time: I then take the tumbler off the turner, apply the glitter, and stick it back on the tumbler turner for 8 hours.
- More coats: Every 8 hours I apply another coat of epoxy to get it nice and smooth! This process takes a few days since the epoxy takes so long to dry between coats.
- Sand away: When the cup is just about smooth, I give it a good sanding to get it as smooth as possible. More epoxy afterwards.
- Personalization Time: Now we get to put on the personalization. This can be a name, monogram, quote, etc. Epoxy again to seal it on!
Each glitter tumbler is handmade with love, and a lot of hours! As they say, beauty takes time.
Why Custom Tumblers Are the Ultimate Accessory
Beyond their beauty, custom tumblers are practical, too! They keep your drinks cold (or hot!) for hours, fit perfectly in your car’s cupholder, and come with a lid & straw. Oh, and did we mention they’re double-walled and BPA-free? 🙌
If you’re looking for a fun way to express yourself (or the perfect gift for someone special), custom tumblers are a no-brainer. You dream it—we’ll create it!
Ready to Design Your Own?
Whether you’re into vibrant sublimation designs or sparkling glitter finishes, there’s something magical about holding a tumbler that was made just for you. Browse our collections and start creating today! 💖
Until next time,
Brittany
Owner & Creator of Rosewood & Sage
