There are two methods to sublimating tumblers. You can use a convection oven or a tumbler press. In this guide we'll walk you through the steps and supplies you'll need for each method.

STEP 1: PUT ON GLOVES AND PREP YOUR TUMBLER

Wipe your tumbler down with alcohol working with a with a lint free cloth (or an unused coffee filter) wearing a pair of gloves to ensure you don’t leave fingerprints on the tumbler (as they will show through the sublimated image)

STEP 2: MEASURE YOUR TUMBLER

Measure from top to bottom for height and circumference (around) the tumbler for width. You'll use those dimensions as reference for your image, so measure both exactly, then for width, add a quarter inch so you make sure you have a little overlap

You can download a free template for our 20 oz. Skinny Sublimation Tumbler here, or visit the product page on our website for more info.

STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR IMAGE/DESIGN

You can make your own image or download one of our design templates from our website. Set your design file to CMYK color mode and print out a few test designs in different sizes on regular printer ink and paper to make certain you have the size down. Once you have your size exact, it’s time to sublimate

Helpful Hint: When printing for sublimation. Your design must always be mirrored.

STEP 4: CONVERT YOUR PRINTER & PRINT YOUR DESIGN

If you don’t have a sublimation printer, you can convert your regular printer & printer ink to sublimation paper and sublimation ink. (If converting a regular printer for sublimation it is recommended to flush all old ink from the printer according to manufacturer settings).

Printing to Sublimate:
1. Mirror your design.
2. Print image.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes to ensure ink is dried before application to the tumbler.
4. Use paper trimmer or scissors to cut off excess around your image.

STEP 5: APPLY YOUR IMAGE TO YOUR TUMBLER WITH HEAT TAPE

Place the tumbler down flat and wrap the sublimated image around it. You should not be able to see the image, it should be image side in. Make sure there is no air or movement. Start at the side that is overlapping, to make the paper extremely tight.

Take special care to align the bottom seam line at the base of the cup as perfectly as you can. Hold the design in place by putting a few strips of tape along the center seam line.

Next, wrap the top and bottom at the edge of the design without going over, all the way around the tumbler with heat tape. Tape vertically down the line where the image overlaps, as well as around the circumference of the top and bottom half on the image, half on the cup so it is fully sealed and no air can sneak into your image.


If you will be using a tumbler press the method is similar but you will use less tape. Make sure to line up your image at the base of the cup and apply some strips of tape along the seam line. You can also wrap the sublimation tape around the top and bottom of the cup. The press will hold your image in place, however, an oven will not.






OPTIONAL STEP IF USING SHRINK WRAP (CONVECTION METHOD ONLY)

Apply a shrink wrap sleeve to your tumbler ensuring that the flat surface of the sleeve goes over the seam. The shrink wrap sleeve will help hide the seam and also applies pressure to the sublimation paper helping your image adhere tightly to the cup.

When using a shrink wrap sleeve, you must use a heat gun over the tumbler for a minute or two giving the entire tumbler a once over to activate the shrinking of the wrap before placing it in the convection oven.

Once you can see the shrink wrap sleeve visually cling to the tumbler, it’s time to place it in the oven.




Once your image is securely applied to your tumbler with heat tape, It’s time to sublimate!

For the convection oven method go to STEP 6A; for the tumbler press method skip to STEP 6B

STEP 6A: SUBLIMATE CONVECTION OVEN METHOD

If your tumbler can stand in the oven, we would recommend standing it up. This will allow a consistent bake and evenly distributed image. If you need to lay the tumbler down, lay it on its center seam line, that way half way through you can flip it and know exactly how much 180 degrees is.





Temperatures & Heat Times

For tumblers

For pens barrels, it is 400F for 4 minutes

Remove from oven and cool

Remove from the oven, allow to cool and then remove tape. When removing from the oven, place the tumbler on a heat pad or pot holder. Optional: submerge the tumbler in an ice bath after you've taken it out of the oven to speed up the cool down process.

STEP 6B: TUMBLER PRESS METHOD

When using a tumbler press, you cannot use shrink wrap for sublimating your tumbler. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions of your press for both setting the temperature and timer for sublimating using a press.


Temperatures & Press Times

As a starting point to find the best temperature and time for your tumbler press, we recommend setting the tumbler press to 365F. Press for 40 seconds, then rotate 180 degrees and press again for another 40 seconds. Remove from the press, allow to cool and then remove tape.

When removing from the press, place the tumbler on a heat pad or pot holder









After you've created your sublimated tumbler remember the following!







TUMBLER CARE

Hand Wash Only.
Gentle handling and care should be given to your crafted tumbler throughout its life to maintain its 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.





SOCIAL SHARING

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)
• 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 your designs. Be sure to take both so you can share everywhere.




SHARE IT WITH YOUR MAKERFLO FAM

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 some extra Flo Rewards.