Sublimation On Colored Tumblers: How To Make It Work!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE COLORED TUMBLER DESIGNS

First, download my Colored Tumbler files from my free library – look for Design #694. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find two tumbler wrap designs with positive affirmations: one with solid dots around the background shapes, and another with graffiti-style designs around the background shapes.

I’ll show you how to use these files to print a sublimation image to wrap around your glitter tumbler. I’ll also share a few tips for choosing a tumbler color that works with your design.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload PNG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND PRINT YOUR COLORED TUMBLER DESIGN

MEASURE YOUR COLORED TUMBLER’S DESIGN AREA

1. Use the looped measuring tape to find the tumbler’s circumference to get the wrap’s width. Record your measurement on a piece of scrap paper.
   NOTE: The tumbler in my list is 8.9” around.
2. Then measure the tumbler’s height to see how tall the wrap should be. If your tumbler is indented at the top and bottom like the one in my list, only measure the straight edge. Record this measurement, as well.
   NOTE: The sublimation area for my tumbler is 6.25” high.

PRINT THE DESIGN FOR YOUR COLORED TUMBLER

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’ll also have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
   
3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.”
4. Select the bubble next to “Landscape” to better fit the wrap’s orientation.
5. Change your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
6. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
   
   
7. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
8. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
9. If you’re on a Mac computer, go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
   NOTE: If you’re on a Windows computer, skip to Step 12.
10. Select the sublimation design you want to use. I’ll demonstrate with the “graffiti” design.
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
    
    
11. Click “Open.”
12. If you’re on a Windows computer, go to the Insert menu, then select “Drawing” and “New.”
    NOTE: If you’re on a Mac computer, you can skip to Step 17.
13. In the “Drawing” pop up window, click the “Image” icon.
14. Click “Browse” and select your sublimation design.
    NOTE: I’ll select the “graffiti” design.
15. Click “Actions” to pick “Rotate” and “Flip Horizontally.”
16. Once the image looks mirrored, click “Save and close” to place the mirrored image into Google Docs.
17. To resize the design, click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
    
18. Select “Size & Rotation.”
19. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
20. Change the “Width” field to match the circumference you recorded earlier.
    NOTE: Since my blank is 8.9” in circumference, I’ll make my design’s width the same.
    
    
21. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
22. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    
    
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
23. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
24. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
25. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
26. Click the arrow beside “More Settings,” and then click “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
    
27. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the sublimation printer is selected, that you “mirror” the print if you haven't already, and select the highest quality matte paper setting.
    NOTE: The “Mirror” option is sometimes labeled as “Flip Horizontally.” If you’re having trouble finding these options, they are sometimes found under a “Layout” section or tab.
    
    
28. Load sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
29. Click “Print.”
30. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear.
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
    
    
31. Your print is ready to press!
    

STEP 3: WRAP AND SUBLIMATE YOUR COLORED TUMBLER

1. Once the print is dry, use a paper trimmer to cut away excess white paper on all four sides of the design.
   NOTE: Don’t get your fingers near the blade!
2. For the best transfer, use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove debris or skin oils from the tumbler and let it dry.
   
   
3. Wrap the design around the tumbler with the ink facing in and with the elements oriented correctly.
   TIP: Try not to touch your clean tumbler or the areas of the print with ink to avoid smudging or transferring ink.
4. Align the trimmed top and bottom edges so the design is straight.
   
   
5. Lay the tumbler on its side and place a piece of heat-resistant tape securely on one seam edge near the middle. Don't let the tape touch the other edge of the print or the tumbler yet.
   
   
6. Use one hand to hold the other edge tight against the tumbler.
7. Pull the loose section of the tape to wrap the print as tight as possible, then press the tape in place across the seam.
   NOTE: Taping the wrap down tightly and avoiding wrinkles or air pockets will help prevent inconsistencies during sublimation.
   
   
8. Use short strips of heat-resistant tape on the top and bottom edges of the print to pull the paper tightly around the tumbler and secure it.
   
   
9. Apply a long piece of heat-resistant tape along the seam from top lip to bottom lip.
   TIP: Use your Scraper to press the tape down tightly from the center outward to seal the seam.
   
   
10. Add tape horizontally around the top and bottom edges of the wrap to finish securing the design.
    
    
11. Use heat-resistant tape around the top and bottom lips of the tumbler to prevent the shrink wrap sleeve from sticking to the surface during heating.
    
    IMPORTANT: Before sublimating, open a window and turn on a fan to improve your ventilation.
12. Place a silicone baking mat onto the sublimation convection oven’s wire tray.
    TIP: This will keep the tumbler from rolling later.
13. Place an oven thermometer in the center to make sure the temperature is correct.
14. Preheat your convection oven to 360°F (182°C).
    TIP: I’ll use the settings that I’ve found work the best for this type of project, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out my Sublimation Cookbook to get time and temperature settings for tons of sublimation projects!
    NOTE: If your tumbler is a different brand from the one in my list, check the manufacturer’s heating instructions to find the best temperature setting for your tumbler.
15. Grab a shrink wrap tube that is the right size for your tumbler.
    NOTE: Some sublimation tumblers come with shrink wrap tubes, but not all do. If you order the tubes separately, make sure they’re the right size for your tumbler.
16. Open the shrink wrap tube and pull it over your tumbler.
    
    
17. Put on your heat-resistant gloves.
18. Turn your heat gun to a low setting and slowly heat the wrap until it conforms to the tumbler.
    NOTE: Try not to focus the heat on one area for a long period of time to avoid starting the sublimation process prematurely.
    
    
19. Smooth out the majority of the wrinkles, but don’t make the wrap too tight or it will pull apart in the oven.
    
    
20. Allow the tumbler to cool before putting it in the oven.
21. Once the tumbler is cool and the oven is at the correct temperature, lay the prepared tumbler horizontally on the silicone baking mat.
    TIP: Keep your gloves on, the oven is hot!
    
    
22. Bake the tumbler for six minutes, rotating once halfway through with your gloves on.
    NOTE: This helps even out the heat on the tumbler.
23. After six minutes, the tumbler will be VERY hot. With your gloves on, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for one to two minutes until it’s safer to handle.
    
    
24. While the tumbler is still warm, carefully peel away the shrink-wrap, tape, and sublimation paper to reveal your design!
    
    

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a fun design sublimated on a colored tumbler! Even though I used the same design, every tumbler turned out different. The lighter tumblers stayed closer to the true colors, but the darker tumblers led to some surprising color changes.