Sublimation has taken the crafting world by storm, and if you’re anything like me, you love pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Today, I’m going to walk you through a unique and eye-catching sublimation technique that combines a full-wrap sublimation tumbler design with layered prints and sublimation pattern paper. This method is perfect for creating custom tumblers that are as stylish as they are functional. You won’t believe how easy it is to get professional-looking results right at home. Let’s get started!
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How to Create a Stunning Full-Wrap Sublimation Tumbler: Step-by-Step Tutorial
In this tutorial, we’ll be using a 40 oz Tumbler by PYD Life, and I’ll be showing you every step of the process, from preparing your tumbler to adding those final touches that really make it pop.
Materials You’ll Need:
- 40 oz Tumbler (PYD Life)
- Sublimation Printer (Epson F170)
- Sublimation Pattern Paper (PYD Life)
- Cricut Machine
- Heat Gun
- Sublimation Oven
- Sublimation Shrink Wrap
- Heat-Resistant Gloves
- Heat-Resistant Mat
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Water and Paper Towels
- Heat Tape
- Stainless Steel Straw with Sublimation Coating
- Acrylic Charm
- Straw Topper
- Mini Heat Press
Step 1: Preparing the Tumbler
Start by removing the lid of your 40 oz tumbler and placing the tumbler in a cradle. This will help stabilize it as you work. Next, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the handle by unscrewing the two screws that secure it. This will allow you to apply your designs without any obstructions and sublimate the tumbler in the sublimation oven.
Step 2: Printing and Cutting Your Designs
Now it’s time to print out your designs. I used my Epson F170 sublimation printer for this project. Upload your images in Cricut Design Space. Use the Print then Cut feature and don’t forget to mirror before you print. Once the designs are printed, use your Cricut machine to cut them out. This will give you clean, precise edges, making the application process much easier.
Step 3: Applying the Sublimation Prints
To apply the sublimation prints to the tumbler, lightly moisten the back of the print with water. Be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause the ink to bleed and ruin your design. Once the back of the print is damp, place it on the tumbler and use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. This is crucial for ensuring that your design transfers cleanly. Use a paper towel to blot out any excess water and repeat this process for all the designs you plan to use.
Step 4: Wrapping the Tumbler with Sublimation Pattern Paper
Next, cut a piece of sublimation pattern paper to fit around your tumbler. This paper is designed to work with water, so you’ll want to apply a thin layer of water over your designs before wrapping the pattern paper around the tumbler. Again, be cautious with the amount of water you use. Wrap the paper tightly around the tumbler, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles. Don’t worry too much about minor wrinkles, especially around the bottom where the tumbler curves; the full-wrap sublimation tumbler design will hide these imperfections.
Step 5: Preparing for Sublimation
Once your design is securely in place, it’s time to prepare the tumbler for the sublimation oven. Slip the tumbler into a sublimation shrink wrap sleeve, making sure to cut tiny slits where the handle brackets were. These slits will allow the brackets to poke through the wrap. Use a heat gun to shrink the wrap as tightly as possible. The shrink wrap creates the pressure needed for the sublimation process to work effectively.
For the bottom of the tumbler, which the shrink wrap might not fully cover, use heat tape to ensure that the pattern paper is held tightly against the tumbler.
Step 6: Sublimating the Tumbler and Straw
Now that your tumbler is prepped, it’s time to sublimate! Place the wrapped tumbler into the sublimation oven. Set the temperature to 355°F and bake for 6 minutes. While the tumbler is baking, you can also sublimate the stainless steel straw. Wrap a scrap piece of sublimation pattern paper around the straw, secure it with heat tape, and place it in a shrink wrap sleeve. Use the heat gun to shrink the wrap and bake the straw at the same temperature and time as the tumbler.
Step 7: Creating Custom Accessories
While your tumbler and straw are baking, take this time to create some fun accessories. I used scrap pieces of sublimation prints to make a charm and a straw topper. For the charm, I used an acrylic piece and my handheld mini press. Set the mini press to high and apply pressure for 60 seconds. For the straw topper, I used a small aluminum piece with a sublimation coating. Again, apply high pressure for 60 seconds using the mini press.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once the sublimation process is complete, carefully remove the tumbler and straw from the oven. Use heat-resistant gloves and a heat-resistant mat to avoid burns. It’s important to remove the shrink wrap as soon as possible, as it can become difficult to remove once it cools and hardens. After removing the shrink wrap and sublimation paper, reattach the handle using the screws and screwdriver.
Finally, add your custom accessories. Attach the charm to the handle using the included chain, and place the straw topper on the straw. The result is a beautifully customized tumbler that’s ready to use or gift.
A Unique and Stylish Full-Wrap Sublimation Tumbler
This full-wrap sublimation technique is a game-changer for creating one-of-a-kind tumblers. By layering sublimation prints with pattern paper and adding custom accessories, you can create a tumbler that’s truly unique. This method is versatile and can be adapted to any design or theme, making it perfect for crafters who love to experiment and create.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Whether you’re new to sublimation or a seasoned pro, this technique is sure to add a new dimension to your crafting projects. If you give this method a try, I’d love to see your creations! Feel free to share them with me on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials and crafting tips.
Need more Sublimation Info? Check these out…
The Ultimate Guide to the PYD Life 40L Sublimation Oven
How to Wrap a Sublimation Tumbler
How to Make Glass Can Wraps with Sublimation Stickers
Happy crafting!
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