Tumblers are a fantastic way to showcase beautiful artwork using sublimation. However, the curved surface, and getting the colors to transfer flawlessly can be a bit challenging.
But, don’t worry, I have tested three different techniques, and I will tell you each. Then, you can decide which one you want to try and which will work best for you.
I would say that sublimation, particularly on three-dimensional items such as tumblers, is more of an art so there is no one fit all.
There are several factors at work, including ink quality, print quality, pressure, designing a flat image to fit a round surface, overlapping areas, time, heat variability, and more. Thus, do not expect to get gift-quality results on your first attempt.
Learning any new skill requires some experimentation and making mistakes.
Tumbler Press Method:
Depending on the method you use, you will need the following tools.
Sublimation printer and ink
Sublimation paper
Sublimation tumblers with a special coating
Lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol
Heat-resistant tape
Tumbler press
White butcher paper
Heat-resistant gloves
Method:
Prepare the sublimation design and print it onto sublimation paper.
Clean the tumbler surface with rubbing alcohol.
Trim the sublimation print to fit the tumbler.
Wrap the trimmed print around the tumbler and secure it with heat-resistant tape.
Set up the tumbler press by adjusting tension and temperature according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Place the tumbler in the press, ensuring proper alignment and orientation.
Press the tumbler for the specified time.
Remove the tumbler from the press and allow it to cool.
Shrink Wrap Method in Convection Oven:
Tools:
Sublimation printer and ink
Sublimation paper
Sublimation tumblers with a special coating
A lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol
Heat-resistant tape
Convection oven
Heat-resistant gloves
Heat gun
Shrink-wrap tubes: Used to tightly wrap around the tumbler to keep the sublimation print in place.
Method:
Prepare the sublimation design
Clean the tumbler surface
Trim and wrap the sublimation print
Apply the shrink-wrap tube: Pull the shrink-wrap tube over the tumbler and use a heat gun to shrink it tightly around the tumbler.
Heat in the oven: Place the wrapped tumbler in the preheated convection oven and heat for the specified time.
Remove and cool: Once heated, remove the tumbler from the oven and allow it to cool before handling.
Silicone Bands Method in Convection Oven:
Tools:
Sublimation printer and ink
Sublimation paper
Sublimation tumblers with a special coating
Lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol
Heat-resistant tape
Convection oven
Heat-resistant gloves
Silicone bands: Bands used to hold the sublimation print tightly against the tumbler during the heating process.
Method:
Prepare the sublimation design
Clean the tumbler surface
Trim and wrap the sublimation print
Apply the silicone bands: Place silicone bands around the tumbler to hold the sublimation print in place.
Heat in the oven: Place the banded tumbler in the preheated convection oven and heat for the specified time.
Remove and cool: Once heated, remove the tumbler from the oven and allow it to cool before handling.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, three ways to print on tumblers: the Tumbler Press Method, the Shrink Wrap Method in a Convection Oven, and the Silicone Bands Method in a Convection Oven.
Each technique requires specific tools and steps for successful results. The Tumbler Press Method applies heat and pressure using a special machine to transfer the sublimation print precisely.
The Shrink Wrap Method uses shrink-wrap tubes to wrap the tumbler tightly before heating it in a convection oven. The Silicone Bands Method uses silicone bands to hold the sublimation print in place during the heating process.
These methods offer crafters flexibility in choosing the most suitable technique for their sublimation projects.
