Sublimation printing let you to showcase your artwork on various materials. You can print amazing designs on tumblers which can be used personally or as a gift.
I got inspiration of printing tumblers when I saw my mum making beautiful designs with paint on old tumblers (she was turning old tumblers into vase).
Soon I went to my home press and created a beautiful design to print on a tumbler. I also bought a new ‘tumbler heat press’ which is used to apply right amount of heat, pressure and temperature for printing dye on tumbler accurately.
Printing designs on tumblers is pretty easy and requires a few simple steps. Here is a complete guide for you.
What is a sublimation tumbler?
Sublimated tumblers are becoming popular now a days, it’s because of their ability to customize and personalize drinkware. Generally, the dye – sub tumbler is a type of drinkware which is decorated using digital printing process.
This process includes the use of pressure and heat to transfer designs on specially coated surfaces. The outcome is long lasting and vibrant design which is both unique and durable.
How to sublimate a tumbler?
Making a sublimation tumbler is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
Material and tools needed for sublimation tumbler
- Transfer paper
- Printing ink
- Printer
- Heat press
- Tumbler
- Scissors
- Heat resistant tape
- Protective mat
- Heat resistant gloves
Steps for sublimating tumblers
- First you need to select the design for printing on the tumbler. Make sure to mirror the design before printing.
- Now print the design on transfer paper using a dye – sub printer.
- Cut the design using scissors.
- Now wrap your design around the tumbler and secure it using heat resistant tape.
- Place the tumbler in the heat press and apply pressure and heat as per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the design is transferred on tumbler, you need to remove it from the heat press.
- Let the tumbler cool completely before removing the tape and paper.
- Now clean the tumbler with soap and water before use.
Tips for successful printing on tumbler
You need to follow below tips for successful sublimation.
- Clean the tumbler with water and soap before sublimating.
- Let the printed tumbler cool completely before removing the tape and paper.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the heat press machine.
- Use heat resistant tape to secure the design in place during the transfer process.
- Make sure the design is mirrored before printing.
- Use high quality paper and ink for the perfect results.
How to take care and maintain sublimation tumblers?
Here is cleaning, washing and storage techniques for a sublimated tumbler.
1. Cleaning and washing instructions
Cleaning the tumbler is important to keep it hygienic, remove any odors or stains and prevent the design from peeling off or fading. Here are some washing and cleaning instructions to follow.
- Never put sublimated tumblers in the dishwasher as it may damage the tumbler or design.
- Rinse the printed tumbler properly with clean water and dry it with a soft towel or cloth.
- Avoid soaking the tumbler in water for an extended period as it may cause the design to peel off or fade.
- Hand wash the tumbler with mild soap and water. Never use cleaning agents or abrasive sponges which can scratch the design.
2. Proper storage techniques
Proper storage of printed tumblers can contribute to its quality and lifespan. Here are some right techniques to follow.
- Store the printed tumbler in a cool and dry place to prevent any moisture or heat from affecting the tumbler or design.
- Never put a printed tumbler in direct sunlight as it can cause fading.
- Make sure to dry the tumbler before storing it for longer periods.
What are the different types of sublimation tumblers?
There are various types of tumblers available in the market each having its own benefits and features.
1. Stainless steel tumblers
Due to insulation properties and durability, I personally like this tumbler. These tumblers are made of high-grade stainless steel and are available in various shapes and sizes. You can sublimate it by first coating it with a special polymer layer which allows the dye to adhere on the surface.
The main advantage of this type of tumbler is that they are double walled which let your drinks remain cold and hot for a long time. These tumblers are also resistant to scratches and rust which makes them an excellent option for everyday use and outdoor activities.
Pros
- You can customize them with various colors and designs so you can print your favorite picture on it.
- These tumblers are scratch and rust resistant so they can be used everyday.
- Due to its excellent insulation properties, you can keep your hot and cold drink save for a long time.
- These tumblers are highly durable so there are less chances of breakage.
Cons
- You cannot microwave it directly, so you have to first heat the drinks in another container and then put it in the tumbler.
- Due to insulated walls these are bit heavier.
- Because of their ability to keep drinks hot or cold for longer time, these tumblers are bit costly.
2. Ceramic tumblers
These tumblers are an excellent choice for the people who prefer a more traditional feel and look. They are made with high quality ceramic materials and come in various sizes and shapes. You need to coat the tumbler with a polymer layer to print designs.
The main benefit of using ceramic tumblers is that they can be used in the microwave so you can heat the drinks directly in the tumbler without transferring it to another container. These are also dishwasher safe, making them easy to maintain and clean.
Pros
- As they are made with ceramic, they are extremely lightweight.
- You can easily customize the tumblers with your favorite designs.
Cons
- Ceramic is easily breakable, so these tumblers are not ideal for outdoor usage.
3. Plastic tumbler
If you are looking for a lightweight tumbler with affordable options then plastic tumblers are the best choice. They are made from high quality plastic materials and are available in various sizes and shapes. You need to do a polyester coating to sublimate it.
The main advantage of plastic tumblers is that they are affordable and are available in bulk quantities which makes them excellent choices for giveaways or events. They are very lightweight and easy to carry which make them a great option for outdoor activities.
Pros
- Due to its affordability, they are best for giveaways or events.
- As they are lightweight, you can carry hem easily anywhere.
Cons
- As the material is plastic, you cannot keep the drinks hot or cold for long time.
- These are not microwave friendly as the plastic can melt in oven.
- Plastic is not a durable material, so the mugs made out of it are also not durable.
Benefits of using sublimation tumbler
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but there are various benefits of sublimation tumblers.
1. Customization options
The most significant benefit of using these tumblers is they are highly customizable. You can easily transfer any artwork on the tumbler, making it a personalized and unique product.
It means you can create the tumblers which are tailored to specific occasions or events like corporate events, birthdays or weddings. In addition, this technique permits high resolution printing, resulting in vibrant and sharp designs.
2. Longevity and durability
The printed tumblers are built to last for years. Unlike traditional prints which can scratch or fade over time, these designs are embedded in the tumbler’s surface, making sure they remain intact and vibrant for multiple years.
The sublimation prints also result in the design which are scratch resistant and are ideal for everyday use. Additionally, they are made from high quality stainless steel which ensures its longevity and durability.
3. Usefulness and versatility
These tumblers are incredibly useful and versatile. They are used for a range of purposes like keeping drinks cold or hot for an extended period.
Also, printed tumblers are often designed with a sleek and modern look, making them perfect for use in any environment i.e. gym or office. They are also available in various ranges of sizes and make it suitable for any drink.
Conclusion
With above guide now you must have understood that what is a sublimation tumbler and how you can print beautiful artwork on it. With proper care and maintenance, you can preserve its quality and enhance longevity. Follow above ideas for reference. Let me know in the comments about your opinion or you can message me directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – What all I need to heat press a tumbler?
You will be needing a tumbler heat press, sublimation paper, ink, design, tumbler with polymer coating, protective gear, and heat-resistant tape. Always get high quality equipment so that you can get an amazing end result.
Q – What temperature should a tumbler be heated to?
Optimum time and temperature for tumbler is 360 to 365°F (182 to 185°C) for 40 seconds. However, you should always start from the lower settings and then move towards higher temperature settings to get good end result. I also advice to do a sample test so that you can achieve optimum temperature according to your equipment and substrates.
Q – Can you heat press plastic tumbler?
If you are using a plastic tumbler for sublimation, then there are chances that it may not withstand elevated heat from the heat press. Even if you are using a heat – resistant plastic then also it is a risky job as the tumbler may melt in heat press. It is recommended to use stainless steel or glass tumbler coated with polymer for dye – sub printing.
