While there are many different ways to create a glitter tumbler using epoxy, we wanted to share a common method, and walk you through the basics. Remember: the more you practice, the more you learn. You’ll quickly develop preferred methods that work best for you, your setup and skill level.

STEP 1: PREP YOUR TUMBLER

(If your tumbler is pre-sanded, you can skip this step)

Proper preparation of your tumbler will help ensure your glitter and epoxy binds well with the stainless steel. Put on disposable gloves (any kind will work) to keep your hands clean. Sand the entire tumbler with 200-400 grit sandpaper, paying special attention to the bottom and top rim. Rinse with cool water and dry the tumbler (a black dust residue will wipe off, so don’t use your favorite kitchen towel), then wipe clean with a coffee filter & 91% rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind.

Or, to save some time, start with a pre sanded tumbler. It will take this step out of the process 100%!

STEP 2: APPLY A BASE COLOR (optional)

Choose a matte or semi-gloss spray paint color that is close to the glitter color you’ll be using. Secure your tumbler to your turner arm (or other stand) so you don’t have to transfer it while it’s drying.

Spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, shake can well, and apply following manufacturer directions (usually about 2” away, in short, even bursts across the tumbler surface).

Let it dry completely according to the paint manufacture recommendations.

STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR CRAFTING AREA

It’s important to prep your working area just like you prepped your tumbler. By taking a minute to grab all of your supplies, you’ll save a lot of frustration (and potentially your entire design) later.








Before you brush on the glitter glue or sprinkle the glitter, protect your table/desk and flooring. Try laying down a large silicone mat, a disposable cookie sheet, old newspapers or printer paper under your working space. This will help prevent drips of sticky glue or epoxy from ruining your dining room table or the carpet in your family room.









Next, get something to catch your “overflow” glitter. Finding something that’s not sticky and easily bendable will help you to pour the extra glitter back into the MakerFlo glitter jars. This could be parchment paper, a paper plate or even a manila folder.

Now it’s time to put your tumbler on the turner. Make sure it's securely attached to the turner arm using a foam insert (some crafters use small footballs as an insert) and attached to your turner.

STEP 4: ADHERE YOUR GLITTER TO YOUR TUMBLER

For this step you can use glue or epoxy.
For using glue see Step 4A, for using epoxy see Step 4B.






STEP 4A: USE GLUE TO ADHERE GLITTER

Apply glitter with glue or adhesive spray

Glitter Glue method: Squeeze out a line of glue and spread it evenly over the entire tumbler surface, using a slightly damp, soft bristled brush. Pay special attention to the top rim and bottom of your tumbler. With your glitter catch sheet in place, generously pour glitter over the wet glue making sure to coat the entire tumbler until no more glitter sticks. Leave turning for 1 hour, then using wax or parchment paper, press the glitter down. This helps flatten and smooth the surface, saving you time later. Allow glitter glue to dry for a total of 2 hours before proceeding.







STEP 4B: USE EPOXY TO ADHERE GLITTER

We recommend FloPoxy

Epoxy method: Using proper PPE, mix parts A and B per manufacturer’s instruction. Apply a small amount of epoxy, 10-20ml depending on cup size, to the tumbler using a gloved hand or a silicone brush. This should be just enough to cover the entire tumbler with a paper-thin coating.





Epoxy method: Using proper PPE, mix parts A and B per manufacturer’s instruction. Apply a small amount of epoxy, 10-20ml depending on cup size, to the tumbler using a gloved hand or a silicone brush. This should be just enough to cover the entire tumbler with a paper-thin coating.

SEE STEP 5 FOR ADDITIONAL EPOXY MIXING DIRECTIONS) Next, slide your glitter catch sheet under the tumbler, and start pouring on your glitter. Once fully coated (including the bottom), tap the tumbler arm a few times to release any loose glitter. Repeat application/tapping as needed until full coverage is achieved. If you using Flopoxy, your first coat will be dry to touch within 2-4 hours and ready for more Epoxy!

For all other Epoxies, follow your manufacturer’s directions for dry time, usually between 8-12 hours per coat, before proceeding.

STEP 5: TOP COATS AND FINISHES

For this step you can use water based finishes or epoxy based finishes (like Flopoxy), the methods for these different finishing types are different. For water-based finishes go to Step 5A. For using epoxy go to Step 5B.






STEP 5A: USING WATER BASED FINISHES AS TOP COAT(S)

Applying water based finish over glitter

When using the water based finish, you will notice a few positives in the use, because the product is water-base and safe for use with your bare hands (should you choose), work can be done indoors and it does not produce toxic fumes. Most water based finishes must be applied in multiple thin layers, with at least 1 hour on the turner and a total of 4 hours drying between layers. (Always follow manufacturer instructions to ensure best use of the product)

With the tumbler spinning on the turner, apply your first thin layer of water based finish, using a gloved or bare finger or a brush. Once full coverage is achieved, start a 1 hour timer. After 1 hour, the tumbler can be moved off the turner and stored in a vertical fashion for another 3 hours to fully dry. (This would free up your turner for another tumbler.





After 4 layers of water based finish (with 4-hour dry time in between each layer), do a very light sand (100 grit sandpaper), rinse with cool water and dry with a clean coffee filter for a lint-free finish. Return the tumbler to the turner and continue applying layers of the water based finish and sand every 4 layers until smooth.





STEP 5B: USING EPOXY BASED FINISHES AS TOP COAT(S)

Applying epoxy based finish over glitter

If using the Flopoxy/epoxy method, make sure to put on your PPE (mask, gloves, apron) and craft in a well ventilated area.

Using a silicone measuring cup or disposable plastic medicine cups, follow your epoxy manufacturer instructions for mixing parts A and B (most epoxies are equal parts, ie: 15ml of part A and 15ml of part B). When it comes to stirring your Flopoxy, stir slowly, this will help reduce the amount of bubbles produced! You can use a metal, silicone, or popsicle style stir stick.





Be sure to mix enough Flopoxy/epoxy to cover the entire tumbler; ~30mls total for a 30oz. Mix according to manufacturer instructions, for Flopoxy, we recommend stirring thoroughly, not vigorously, for 3-4 minutes. Try scraping the sides of the mixing cup, the bottom and the stir stick, ensuring a very well mixed Flopoxy.

Your ‘exposed’ glitter will always soak up more epoxy than the finishing layers that follow. Be sure to mix enough epoxy to cover the entire tumbler in one batch.

Helpful Hint: After mixing, most epoxies have between 15 and 20 minutes before it starts to thicken and become tacky. Be sure you’re ready to use the epoxy before you start mixing.

With your tumbler attached, turn your cup turner on. Begin applying the epoxy to the tumbler with a gloved hand or silicone brush, slowly spreading across the entire tumbler (don’t forget the bottom).









If you see air bubbles, let spin for 3-5 minutes and quickly take a torch or heat gun to the surface to pop any microbubbles (keep a safe distance of 4”-6” from the tumbler, move quickly and don’t overheat). Allow the tumbler to dry the minimum amount of time before moving on. (Resist the temptation to TOUCH the tumbler until the dry time has passed. You will leave a fingerprint or indent.) If you see no air bubbles, proceed to the next step!

Once the first layer is dry, check the tumbler for a smooth finish. If any glitter is still poking through, do a light sand with 100 grit sandpaper, rinse and dry with a coffee filter, return to the turner and apply a second, much thinner layer of epoxy (15-20ml total). Repeat until smooth.

STEP 6: ADDING DECALS, WATERSLIDES OR VINYL TO YOUR TUMBLER AND CLEANING AFTER CRAFTING

Once you have a smooth tumbler, you can add a decal, waterslide or vinyl designs. After application of these designs, you’ll need to repeat step 10A/10B until smooth. Once you’re happy with your design, next you’ll want to clean up the inside of the tumbler.




If you used water based finishing products, use extreme caution to keep rubbing alcohol away from your finished surface. To clean the inside of the tumbler (any overflow/drips of paint, glue or BT) use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a gentle scrubber. Rinse in cool water and dry. Remember, water based finishing products can take 28 days to fully set, so gentle handling is required.

If you used Flopoxy/Epoxy, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean up any overflow/drips that went inside the tumbler. Wash with mild soap, lukewarm water and dry. With Flopoxy, you will get a full cure in 24 hours!!! Other regular epoxy tumblers are set enough for gentle handling or shipment after 72 hours of drying, but full cure time can take between 15-30 days.




STEP 7: TUMBLER CARE


Gentle handling and care should be given to your crafted tumbler throughout it’s life to maintain it’s seal and the hard work you put into crafting it! Dishwashing can break the tumbler’s seal, meaning it will not maintain the hot or cold temperature of the beverage. Whether crafting a tumbler for yourself or a client, take extra special care in the first 30 days, as the top coat is still curing. (Unless you used Flopoxy, then you are all set in 24 hours!)




STEP 8: PHOTOSHOOT & SOCIAL SHARING TIPS
Optional

If it’s your first or your 100th tumbler, don’t forget about snapping some photos of your creation! For best results, we recommend:

• - Use natural sunlight (whenever possible) as it makes our glitters sparkle better in photos
• - Try to find a natural and neutral space to take your tumbler photos, whether it’s a nice green patch of grass, fresh snow or a fuzzy blanket. Avoid patterns or busy backgrounds, since they provide less contrast and distract from your beautiful creation
• - Photos are great, but videos can help capture the amazing sparkle that glitter gives off. Be sure to take both so you can share everywhere







STEP 9: SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH YOUR MAKERFLO FAM
Optional

Don’t forget to join our Facebook group and share your projects and your own crafter tips with our MFC family. And when you’re ready to leave a product review on our website, remember to add a photo of your creation to score extra Flo Points.

For tumbler inspiration view other Makerflo fam crafters' photos and reviews on our website!