Tumbler fans know that there's something truly magical about the process of creating personalized vinyl-wrapped tumblers. It's a craft that combines artistry, creativity, and a touch of DIY magic to produce stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Today, Kaelee Ruppel of Mountain Laurel Designs is showing us how to make a vinyl wrapped tumbler, the easy way! Kaelee walks us through how to get our printed vinyl on a tumbler perfectly each time.
The joy of crafting these marvels lies not just in the finished product but in the journey of exploration, experimentation, and self-expression that unfolds with every tumbler created.
And Kaelee is teaching us how to make it happen without any headaches or hiccups!
How to Make a Vinyl Wrapped Tumbler
What makes vinyl-wrapped tumblers so special is their ability to embody individuality. Whether it's a gift for a loved one, a personalized piece for yourself, or a unique creation to mark a special occasion, each tumbler tells a story.
And the first step is to choose your vinyl!
Selecting your Vinyl
As tumbler makers, we have had a blast trying out all sorts of tumbler making techniques and designs. Some of them intricate, some of them simple.
The thing we love about making vinyl wrapped tumblers is that there are sooo many vinyl designs to choose from! So no matter what you have in mind for your cup, chances are you'll find something that will work perfectly!
We have such a great time designing our printed vinyl. And several of our resin artists have produced some amazing designs of their own for us. We can't wait for you to see all the printed vinyl options we have ready for you!
When choosing your vinyl, keep in mind the season you are creating for or the interests of the person you are crafting for.
If you sell your tumblers, you can choose vinyl that you love and will fit well with your brand. Or offer a mix of designs and see what people love.
Applying your Vinyl
If you have worked with vinyl before, you may have run into problems getting it on just right. It can be tricky to get the seams straight and to ensure there are no bubbles underneath. But, thanks to Kaelee, we don't have those problems anymore!
In the video below, Kaelee shows us the tricks we need to make applying vinyl a cinch! Hint: you only need some scissors and a ruler!
Sealing the Magic
Once your vinyl design is flawlessly applied, it's time to seal the beauty with resin—a transformative step that adds depth, gloss, and durability to the tumbler.
The resin not only protects the vinyl but also elevates the visual appeal, creating a professional finish that captivates the eye and invites touch.
Plus, watching the resin cure and witnessing the glossy sheen emerge is a moment of pure satisfaction, a testament to the craftsmanship and care poured into the creation.
Ways to Customize your Vinyl Wrapped Tumbler
A lot of the customization from these tumblers comes from the vinyl itself. But there are other ways to add fun and pizzaz to these cups too.
Personalized Decals
Adding a personalized decal is always a big hit. Whether it's a name or a design that coordinates with your vinyl, decals are a great way to personalize your tumblers.
Glitter!
We know that many of you agree when we say, "glitter is gold". Nothing takes a tumbler to the next level like a little bit of sparkle! You can add a light glitter to your first resin layer to make the whole cup shimmer.
Or you can add strips of glitter at the top and bottom of your cups. However you use it, it's hard to go wrong with glitter on a tumbler!
Use Multiple Vinyls
It can be so hard to choose just one vinyl design for your tumblers. So why limit yourself to just one?
We can do a split cup by butting two vinyls up to each other to create a half and half design.
Or we can use several vinyl designs to make a striped cup. These can be great for seasonal designs or to make a cup extra colorful. They are also a fantastic way to use up leftover vinyl strips.
As Kaelee says, never throw out the vinyl you have left from cutting. It can always be used on pens, keychains, or striped tumblers!
Vinyl Wrapped Tumbler Supply List
- Printed Vinyl
- Tumbler (you'll want a straight one for this project)
- Protective gloves
- Filter mask
- Measuring cups
- Mixing Sticks
- Silicone mat
- Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin
- Quick Coat
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Slide cutter or scissors
Vinyl Wrapped Tumbler Instructions
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Start by lightly sanding your cup with sandpaper to scuff it up a bit. Then wash and dry it to remove any debris.
- Measure your tumbler to figure out what size you will need to cut your vinyl to.
- Cut the vinyl to the dimensions you calculated in the last step. A slide cutter works great for this since it helps keep your cuts nice and straight.
- Now it's time to apply the vinyl. To do this, peel back some of the backing (about an inch or two). Then cut a thin strip from the edge of the backing.
- Next, wrap the vinyl around the tumbler and adjust until you have it where you need it. This is easy to do since we haven't removed all of the backing. It may take you a few tries to get it just right though.
- Once you have the vinyl in the right spot, smooth the exposed strip into place. Then we can continue with the hinge method.
- To do this method, flip the vinyl back on itself using the attached part as the hinge. Then use a ruler (or squeegee, your fingers, or another flat edged tool) to smooth the vinyl in place as the backing slides off.
Seal and Epoxy your Vinyl Wrapped Tumbler
- When your vinyl is applied to the tumbler, give it a layer of Quick Coat. This will seal the vinyl in and your epoxy will adhere to it smoothly and without fisheyes.
- Once the Quick Coat has dried, it's time for your first layer of epoxy.
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Mix up a batch of Artist Resin according to the package instructions. Measure equal amounts of Parts A and B. Then pour part B into part A and mix well for 3-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of your cup as you go, as well as your mixing stick. This ensures that all of your epoxy will be well incorporated.
Pro Tip: Pour your epoxy into another cup, scraping it all out. Then mix for a few more minutes.
- Use a gloved finger to apply the combined resin to your tumbler. Allow the resin to cure.
- When the first layer of epoxy is cured, mix up a second batch and then apply your final layer to the tumbler. Let it cure and your cup is ready to use!
The Finishing Touches
A big thanks to Kaelee for sharing her experience and know-how with us! She has taken the guess work out of this process for us and we are so grateful. If you loved learning from Kaelee, you can see what else she has going on by checking out her Facebook Page and her website!
In the realm of crafting, where imagination knows no bounds, vinyl-wrapped tumblers stand as shining examples of creativity and the sheer delight of handmade treasures.
So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and embark on a crafting adventure that promises not just beautiful tumblers but also a journey filled with joy, wonder, and endless artistic possibilities.
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