Hi friend! I’ve been sharing many sublimation ideas over the past year, but I just realized I haven’t shared how to sublimate a tumbler in a sublimation oven yet! What was I thinking? Better late then never, so let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
How to Sublimate a Tumbler in a Sublimation Oven
There are a couple of ways you can sublimate a Tumbler, some of which I have shared with you already (Tumbler Press, Heat Gun and Cricut Mug Press). But my hands down favorite way to sublimate a tumbler is with a sublimation oven. Now, if you’ve been following my sublimation posts you will know that I absolutely love my sublimation oven. I have tumbler presses but the oven is my go-to, Even though it may take a few minutes longer, the results are consistent! You can sublimate full wrap designs in the oven and even add extras like designs on the bottom or on the handle. Want to read more about why I prefer the oven, check out my post HERE.
To effectively use the sublimation oven you will need a few things, but first, let’s go over the oven itself.
Sublimation Oven
Let’s get into the Sublimation Oven features, per the PYD website:
Features:
- 360°unique air heat circulation
- Four heating tubes in up and bottom, fast and evenly heating
- Light bulb inside for lighting
- Ceramic Enamel Interior
- Highly efficient cooling system
- Large display with easily operated control pole
- Beep when time reaches the target one, beep when finished
- Door fully opens to prevent the heat from directly hitting the face, safe and anti-scalding
- Lightweight and available in a fashionable color
The sublimation oven works like a traditional kitchen tabletop convection oven. But is designed for the sole purpose of sublimation.
What can you sublimate with a sublimation oven? Everything from small items like ornaments and coasters to larger tumblers and dog bowls. You can sublimate multiple tumblers and mugs simultaneously with no rotation or flipping needed. The 360-degree heat circulation provides an even bake. You will need additional supplies such as shrink wrap and a heat gun to apply the needed pressure on the sublimation print, but I personally find that the results are worth the extra costs. As with all sublimation, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated space!
What you will need to sublimate a tumbler in a sublimation oven
Now that you have an overview of the oven specs, let’s go over the materials needed for consistent results, I’m including the links to the items I use and recommend:
For the purposes of this tutorial, I’m linking the items used for a 40-ounce tumbler, other sizes are available at the shops linked and the technique is the same.
Sublimation Printer with Sublimation Ink
40 oz Sublimation Ready Stainless Steel Tumblers
Graphics of your choice (I often make my own in Canva using graphics from Creative Fabrica or Etsy)
Heat Resistant Gloves (included with oven)
Phillips Screwdriver
Lint R0ller
I created a video showing you the process, check it out below:
Let’s go over the steps:
Step 1:
Create your design or purchase a premade design on Creative Fabrica or Etsy. If you are designing your own, PYD Life has templates for all of their tumblers, so be sure to download the template to create your design. Print your design on sublimation paper from your sublimation printer. Trim as needed to fit around your tumbler.
Step 2:
Prep the tumbler by removing the handle with a screwdriver and using a lint roller to remove the lint and dust. Wrap your design around the tumbler and secure it with heat tape. For this tumbler, I added a design to the top and the bottom. Be sure to wrap the paper tightly to avoid ghosting. I like to add tape all around the edges.
Step 3:
Insert the tumbler into the shrink wrap and apply heat with the heat gun until all the wrinkles are removed. Be careful not to apply too much heat in one spot, it will melt the shrink wrap.
Step 4:
Set your oven to 356 degrees and the timer to 6 mins. (PYD Life also lists the time and temp on most of their packaging and also has it listed on each item description on their website.)
Step 5:
Once the oven is at the correct temperature it will beep, then with a heat-resistant glove place the tumbler into the oven and close the door. The timer will start immediately, so be quick in putting the tumbler in the oven. You can always reset the timer if needed.
Step 6:
When the timer beeps again, using the heat-resistant gloves remove the tumbler from the oven. Some people say to let it cool, but I find it best to remove the shrink wrap immediately otherwise the sublimation process will continue. Carefully with the gloves, remove the paper and tape to reveal the design. Let cool and re-attach the handle.
And that’s it! It really is that simple. The hardest part is deciding what amazing designs you are going to put on your tumbler!
I hope you find this tutorial on how to sublimate a tumbler in a sublimation oven useful! Be sure to follow me on social media where I share lots of projects that don’t ever make it here on the blog. You can find me at @michellespartyplanit.
Happy Crafting!
PIN FOR LATER!
- Unlocking Sublimation: A Guide to Sublimation
- Sublimation Oven or Cricut Mug Press – Which is Best?
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Product Review
- Cricut Maker VS Cricut Maker 3 – Which Cricut Machine is Right for you?
- Cricut Glue Gun Product Review
- How to Sublimate Frosted Glass Can Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate on Wood With or Without a Sublimation Printer