Sublimation Help - A Tumbler Tutorial
- Brenda Lambert
- Jan 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Today, I'm going to go through how to sublimate on a tumbler. You're going to need some supplies to follow along. First, you'll need the equipment that we talked about in the last post. Just click here if you need a refresher, or if you happened to completely miss it. (There's a lot of good info in the post!)
In short, you'll need
a design to work with (Here's a couple of freebies!)
software to print from
a printer with sublimation ink and paper
tape
a blank to press on
and a heat source.
You'll also need a way to trim the design. You can use scissors, but I personally like to use an Exacto knife and a straight edge for clean edges that will line up nicely. You're going to need heat resistant gloves or oven mitts to handle the hot tumbler, as well. Remember - the sublimation process requires high heat! Everything that comes off the press or out of the oven will be extremely hot! Use Caution!!
I'll be using Silhouette Studio to print from. Their basic program is free to use, and works well. If you're interested in using Silhouette Studio, you can download that here. I'm a licensed Silhouette instructor, but I am not an affiliate for their software.
Once you have all of the things gathered, you're going to want to remove the tumbler lid, take your measurements. Most 20 oz skinny tumblers are 9.3 width and 8.2 height.
Then clean the outside of the tumbler with rubbing alcohol, and set it aside.
Now that we have everything set up, we want to open the file in our design software. In most programs, you want to start in the file tab, the click on Merge, Open, or Import.
Once the design is brought into the software, you need to adjust the media settings in your print program.
If you are using Silhouette Studio, click on the page setup tab (top icon on the right hand side of the screen). Then choose Letter for your media size and Landscape for the orientation.
In sublimation, you always want to make sure that your image is mirrored before you print. This can be done by flipping horizontally in the software. If you are using Silhouette Studio, just right click on the image and that will pull up a drop down menu. Click on Flip Horizontally.
You will likely find the Print function in the file tab.
When you click on Print, a Print Preview screen should pop up. This is your chance to make sure that the image is mirrored. Also check that the entire image will be printed. If the image was placed on the page outside of the border, it will cut off part of the design. This will also let you know if your page settings are incorrect. If everything looks right, go ahead and hit Print.
Select your printer and click Print again.
The colors may look a bit off on the paper. Sublimation ink often looks different once it is pressed. Trim the excess white border off of the top, bottom, and 1 side. Leave the other side. It will make taping easier.
Make sure that the top of the image is at the top of the cup, then place the paper around the cup so that the printed side touches the tumbler. Line up the top of the paper with the top lip of the tumbler. Pull the paper as tight as you can get it and secure with 3 pieces of heat tape, as shown. Run your nail along the seam to crease the paper and prevent trapped air. If you are using a tumbler press, wrap the tumbler with a layer of butcher paper, and it should be good to go.
Let me take a minute and emphasize that there are many variables in play here. The times and temps listed are a starting point. This is what works for the majority. You may need to adjust times and temps as you go to find the perfect settings for you and your equipment.
Set your tumbler press temperature to 365, and set the timer for 50 seconds.
Once the press is preheated, place the tumbler in the press.
After 50 seconds, rotate the tumbler 180* and press for another 50 seconds.
Next, you're going to place one of the ends in the tumbler for 20 seconds. You just want the sleeve of the press to cover about the top inch. Then repeat with the other end. This puts extra pressure on the ends, and should eliminate any ghosting issues.
If you are using an oven, I suggest creating a bit more pressure before you bake the tumbler. This can be done with shrink wrap, silicone bands, or painter's tape. I have the best results with painter's tape.
I start just before the overlap and wrap tightly around the cup. You want to make sure that you're going in the right direction to push out any air bubbles. Continue winding the tape around in a spiral until the entire thing is wrapped tightly. Smooth the tape over the bottom edge, pressing out any air and/or creases as you go.
Preheat your oven to 395. If your oven is tall enough to stand the tumbler up, set the timer to 6 minutes and you should be good to go. If you have to lay the tumbler on it's side, set the timer to 3 minutes. You will want to flip the tumbler and bake for another 3 minutes.
Once the tumbler has been pressed, remove the paper and tape. If there is any residue on the tumbler, just clean it off with cool water and a dishrag. Do not use anything abrasive!
Ta-Da!! You did it!
Your next step is to stay in the loop and watch for upcoming tutorials!
There are a ton of tumbler designs listed on my Etsy shop. They are high quality images, sized to fit 20 oz skinny tumblers, and can be used commercially. Head on over and check them out!
If you're interested in more in depth instruction on the Silhouette Studio software, follow me on FB to get updates on new tutorial releases.
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