Tumblers Sublimation: A Complete Guide on Sublimation Tumblers
Tumbler sublimation is an excellent way to create custom tumblers. Whether you are looking for something unique, or just want to promote your business, these tips will help you get started. All of our sublimation tumbler blanks are made of stainless steel and aluminum and are designed to be used as sublimation mugs. You can change the color of the tumbler blank by using a heat press.
The sublimation tumbler blank is the most important part of the sublimation tumbler, which is used to keep the water in the tumbler. Many people have the misconception that sublimation only works on paper. However, this process also works with other materials including glass, plastic, ceramics, and metal. This article will discuss the benefits of using this process for tumbler sublimation.
If you’re interested in learning more about tumbler sublimation and what it can do for your business, read on!
What is Tumbler Sublimation?
A tumbler is a type of cup that has a rim around the edge and a curved bottom. The process of sublimation uses heat to apply an image onto a surface. The result is a transfer of ink from one material to another without the use of pressure and without damaging either surface.
As the name implies, this process is ideal for tumblers because it makes it possible to design your own custom tumblers easily. This process also does not require any special equipment, so you can do it at home or at your business.
Recommended: What is the Difference Between an Inkjet Printer and a Sublimation Printer?
Quick Review: The Process of Tumbler Sublimation
Sublimation printers work by transferring the ink from a flexible surface, such as a digital printer’s paper, to a rigid surface, such as a tumbler. This process is done through heat.
In this process, the dye or ink is transferred to an absorbent material which is then heated to temperatures between 250-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat melts the ink and this transfers it to the tumbler.
The sublimation process allows companies to print any design onto their tumblers. They can create any design they want on their tumbler and it will be unique with no extra cost! And because of the heat that transfers the ink into the tumbler, there is very little chance of cracking around your design.
How to Make a Sublimation Tumbler
The first thing you need to do is decide on a transfer method. The following are your basic options:
- Cutting machines are required for intricate drawings on these infusible ink transfer sheets.
- Pens and Markers with Infusible Ink (or Artesprix Markers which I have not tried). If you don’t have a Cricut machine, you can utilise them one at a time by hand.
- Using a modified inkjet printer, you may print Sublimation Transfers.
- Purchased from Etsy or another merchant, a pre-printed Sublimation Transfer.
Check out the specifics below once you've decided on a technique!
Sublimation Designs for Tumblers
The best thing about sublimation is that you can use almost any kind of picture. With a converted inkjet printer, you can print photos, graphics, or any other thing that can be printed. You can do this with the printer. An SVG file will work best if you are using an electronic cutting machine to cut transfer sheets. A DXF file will work best with free versions of Silhouette Studio.
Here are some great places that sell Sublimation Designs:
If you want to design your Tumbler so that it can be printed, I suggest that you use Adobe Photoshop instead. In terms of sublimation printers, this one has the best color conversion rate.
Read: Silhouette Cameo 4 Reviews: Specs, Features, Price & Rating
Sublimation Tumbler with Transfer
The process of making your own sublimation transfers is much easier than you think. The most important thing is that you get a new inkjet printer that you can use to print sublimation ink on. You can learn how to convert Epson EcoTanks in a blog post “How to Convert a Printer to Sublimation“. While an old printer can be converted, a new printer is more convenient and likely to offer superior results.
Your design should be printed on Sublimation Paper after it has been created in an app like Procreate or Photoshop.
To prepare for heating, secure the tumbler using heat-resistant tape. Make sure the design extends all the way around the tumbler.
Tumbler for Sublimation and Infusible Ink
Have you owned a Cricut machine? If yes, then Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets are a wonderful introduction to the sublimation process. In Cricut Design Space, you may select a design and then cut it out like you would with iron-on vinyl. It takes some getting accustomed to, but once you do, weeding will be second nature.
Next, heat the design to embed it into the cup’s covering, and you’ve finished making a DIY tumbler! The Cricut Mug Press, a tumbler mug press, or an oven are all viable options.
Using a Tumbler Heat Press
There are commercial-scale heat presses that are specifically sized for tumblers. A tumbler-sized attachment for a larger press is an option, although they can also be used independently.
You may find a Tumbler Heat Press on Amazon. A heat press is wonderful if you have the space for it and would want to create a lot of sublimated cups. The problem is that they can grow pricey quickly, and you may need several attachments for different sizes of tumblers and mugs.
Benefits of Tumbler Sublimation
Tumbler sublimation is a process that transfers designs onto tumblers. This provides an excellent way of promoting your business or creating custom gifts for family and friends. Not only can this process be used on materials like paper, but it also works with glass, plastic, ceramics, and metal.
This article will focus on the benefits of using tumbler sublimation for custom promotional products. For one, these promotional tools are portable and convenient to carry around. They are perfect for events like trade shows or conventions where you need easy-to-carry items that will not break or get lost easily.
Secondly, they are reusable and dishwasher safe so you do not have to worry about carrying or washing them when traveling. These are just some of the many benefits of tumbler sublimation when it comes to branding your business!
Ideas for Tumbler Sublimation
Tumbler sublimation is one of the most popular items we make. This process allows you to print your company logo, patterns, and other designs on the surface of a tumbler. Tumblers are made from durable plastic that can withstand dishwasher and microwave use.
Tumbler sublimation is an affordable way to promote your brand at events and conferences. If you’re looking for a gift idea for clients or employees, this process may be a great option. We offer a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
However, if you’re not in need of a new tumbler or promotional item, it’s possible to have custom designs created for gifts or decorations around your home.
Can You Use Any Tumbler for Sublimation?
No. The polyester coating on tumblers for sublimation helps bind the ink with the rest of the material once the polyester reaches a higher temperature. Unfortunately, blank tumblers are more expensive than other materials and can be more difficult to locate. An advantage of using this approach is that you’re not limited to “printing” on items in-store or pre-made! Do consider trying another type of DIY method if you’re finding it hard to source materials; a glass bottle can yield simply stunning results.
Can you Make a Sublimation Tumbler in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Use a sublimation shrink wrap to protect your tumbler once your design has been placed in place (this is similar to using a silicone mug wrap for a sublimation mug.) Apply heat to the wrap and shrink it to fit the tumbler using a heat gun on low. Tumbler pressure is precisely what’s needed to ensure a clear transfer of your design.
The type of transfer and oven you’re using will have an impact on the exact temperature and time required for heating. For example, in a typical oven, the settings are 400 degrees for around 6-10 minutes. The tumbler will heat up significantly faster in a convection toaster oven.
Conclusion
Tumbler sublimation is an easy way to personalize your tumbler with your own design. It is a great gift for any occasion.
There are countless possible combinations of colors and designs, so you are sure to find something that suits your tastes. Tumblers are also available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs. The process of tumbler sublimation is not too complicated and does not require any special skills.
All you need to do is place your tumbler in an oven, choose a design on our website, upload it onto the tumbler and wait for the magic to happen!
Selena Richard
Selena Richard is a tech blogger and entrepreneur who is passionate about new technologies. She has a keen interest in 3D printing and sublimation printers, which she uses to design crafts and solve problems for small business owners.
Selena provides simple and effective solutions for small business growth. With a team of expert members, she targets the needs of small business owners and takes pride in her work.