How to Make a Sublimation Tumbler: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know — equipment, file setup, pressing times, and the one step most beginners forget.
Sublimation tumblers have become one of the most popular personalised craft projects going, and once you've made your first one you'll understand why. The colours are vibrant, the print is permanent, and the results look genuinely professional. Whether you're making gifts for friends or building a small business selling custom drinkware, this guide covers everything you need to get started.
What Is Sublimation Printing, Exactly?
Sublimation is a printing process where heat and pressure convert a special sublimation ink from a solid directly into a gas, skipping the liquid phase entirely. That gas bonds permanently with the polyester coating on your tumbler, embedding the design into the surface rather than sitting on top of it.
The result is a vibrant, full-colour print that won't crack, peel, or fade the way vinyl or iron-on transfers can. It's dishwasher safe on the top rack, making it ideal for drinkware people will actually use every day.
One important thing to know right away: sublimation only works on surfaces with a polyester or polymer coating. You cannot sublimate onto a plain stainless steel tumbler that hasn't been specially coated. Always buy tumblers specifically labelled as "sublimation blanks."
What Equipment Do You Need?
- A sublimation printer. A converted Epson EcoTank (like the ET-2800 or ET-4850) using third-party sublimation ink is the most popular beginner setup. Dedicated Sawgrass printers are also popular but cost more. The key thing is that the printer must use sublimation-specific ink, not regular inkjet ink.
- Sublimation paper. Standard printer paper will not hold sublimation ink correctly. Use dedicated sublimation transfer paper. A-SUB is a popular and affordable option for beginners.
- A tumbler-compatible heat source. You need something that wraps around the curved surface — a dedicated tumbler heat press, the Cricut Mug Press (works with certain straight-sided tumblers), or a craft oven with silicone shrink wraps. A flat heat press will not work for tumblers.
- Sublimation blanks. White or light-coloured tumblers with a sublimation coating. The 20oz skinny stainless steel tumbler is the most popular beginner size. Straight-sided tumblers are easier to press than tapered ones.
- Heat-resistant tape. Essential for securing your transfer to the tumbler before pressing so it doesn't shift and cause ghosting.
- A lint roller. Use it on the tumbler before applying your design to remove any dust or fibres that could cause speckling in the final print.
- Heat-resistant gloves. Tumblers get very hot during pressing. These are non-negotiable.
What File Format Do You Need?
This is one of the most common beginner questions. For sublimation printing, you need a PNG file at 300 DPI with a transparent background. Here's why each of those specifications matters:
- PNG — supports transparent backgrounds, which means the areas outside your design won't print as white. This gives you clean placement anywhere on your tumbler.
- 300 DPI — sublimation requires high-resolution images. A low-resolution image that looks sharp on screen will print blurry and soft. Always verify the DPI before printing.
- Transparent background — gives you complete control over where your design sits without unwanted white areas transferring onto the tumbler.
All PNG clipart downloads at StudioPixelWave are 300 DPI with transparent backgrounds, designed for sublimation and print-on-demand use. Browse PNG clipart here.
Setting Up Your Design
Most crafters use Canva (free), Adobe Photoshop, or a dedicated sublimation software. The process is similar in all of them.
Start by creating a new document at the correct tumbler dimensions. For a standard 20oz skinny tumbler, a common template is 9.5 inches wide by 8.25 inches tall — this varies by brand, so always check the specs for your specific blank. Set your document resolution to 300 DPI before you place any images.
Import your PNG file. Because it has a transparent background, it drops in cleanly over your canvas. Resize and position it as needed. You can layer multiple elements, add text, or use a full-wrap background design.
When you're happy with the layout, flip the design horizontally before sending it to print. This is the step most beginners forget. Because the transfer paper goes face-down onto the tumbler, the image needs to be mirrored so it reads correctly after pressing. Text especially — if you skip this step, everything will be backwards on the finished tumbler.
Pressing Your Tumbler Step by Step
Step 1 — Clean the tumbler
Wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any oils or residue. Run a lint roller over it as well. Any dust or fibres on the surface can cause speckling in the final print.
Step 2 — Print and trim your transfer
Print your mirrored design on sublimation paper at the highest quality setting. Trim the printed design as close to the ink as possible — excess blank paper around the edges can leave a faint line on the tumbler.
Step 3 — Wrap the design around the tumbler
Place the print face-down with the ink side touching the tumbler. Make sure it sits flat against the surface and is positioned exactly where you want it. Take your time here.
Step 4 — Secure with heat-resistant tape
Tape the edges of the transfer firmly to the tumbler so nothing can shift during pressing. Keep tape to the very edges only — tape over printed areas can leave a faint mark.
Step 5 — Press
Starting temperatures for a 20oz skinny tumbler:
- Tumbler heat press: 200°C / 385°F for around 60 seconds
- Cricut Mug Press: follow Cricut's specific guidelines, typically around 4 minutes per side, spinning halfway through
- Craft oven with shrink wrap: 200°C / 385°F for approximately 90 to 120 seconds
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific equipment. Do a test press on a spare blank before committing to a gift or sale item.
Step 6 — Peel and cool
Using heat-resistant gloves, peel the transfer paper away from the tumbler while it's still warm. The design should be fully transferred. Allow the tumbler to cool completely before handling.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting to mirror the design. Your text will be backwards. Always flip horizontally before printing.
- Using a non-sublimation tumbler. If your blank doesn't have a sublimation coating, you'll get a faint or nonexistent result. Always buy blanks specifically labelled for sublimation.
- Low-resolution PNG files. Blurry prints almost always come from low-DPI source files. Check that your PNG is 300 DPI before you print.
- Paper shifting during pressing. Even a small shift causes ghosting — a blurry double image. Tape securely and handle carefully when loading into your press.
- Tape marks on the design. Keep heat-resistant tape to the edges only. Never tape over the printed area of your design.
Can You Sell Sublimation Tumblers?
Absolutely. Personalised sublimation tumblers are one of the strongest sellers at craft fairs, on Etsy, and through print-on-demand platforms. They command good prices and people love them as gifts.
If you're using digital clipart or PNG designs on products you sell, you need a commercial licence for every design you use. A personal use only licence does not cover products sold to other people, even in small quantities.
At StudioPixelWave, every PNG download comes with a full commercial licence covering sublimation and DTF printing with no sales cap. One purchase, unlimited products. Browse commercial licence PNGs here.