The art of using epoxy resin to beautify tumblers has been on for years now. Epoxy tumblers are a shift from normal tumblers to more stylish and sturdy tumblers. These tumblers have now become a fashion accessory that people carry around with them everywhere they go.
If you are looking to join this new trend, here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about it. We have carefully put together all you need to know about epoxy tumblers in this article; how you can make one for yourself, epoxy tumbler inspiration, and lots more.
Let’s get into it!
What is an epoxy tumbler?
An epoxy tumbler is a tumbler coated with epoxy resin. It comes in different colors and designs. Many people prefer it to normal tumblers because of its durable finish and numerous designs to choose from.
Where can you buy an epoxy tumbler?
You can buy an epoxy tumbler in a craft store around you or on online marketplaces. There are many online stores where you can get quality and different designs of epoxy tumblers. The most popular ones are Etsy, Amazon, Wayfair, and eBay.
Epoxy tumbler samples
If you’re looking to buy an epoxy tumbler or you want to DIY, here are some samples you can replicate.
How do you epoxy a tumbler?
Now that you have an idea of what epoxy tumblers are and you’ve seen different designs of them, you might want to try making one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can epoxy a tumbler by yourself.
Before you start, you should get all the supplies you’ll need. Here are what you need to get:
- A tumbler
- Food-safe epoxy resin
- Gloves
- Glitters
- Spray paint
- Painter tape
- Tumbler turner
- Old newspapers
Now, let’s get into the making. Shall we?
Step 1: Get your workspace ready
To epoxy your tumbler without messing up your space, you need to prepare a table where you can work. Cover the table with old newspapers or any material that can prevent the epoxy from messing up your table. Also, get your turner ready to make the whole process easy.
Step 2: Prepare your tumbler
The next step is to prepare your tumbler. Add painting tape to the edge of the tumbler to prevent the epoxy from dripping into it. You can also cover some parts of the tumbler where you don’t want the epoxy resin with the tape.
Step 3: Paint the tumbler
This might not be necessary if you’re using a stainless steel tumbler. But if you’re using any other type of tumbler, you might need to spray paint it first to make the resin stick to the tumbler. Also, spray painting your tumbler will make the glitters you’re adding pop out well and give it the glittering look you want.
Spray a thin layer of paint on the tumbler and leave it to dry for some time.
If you’re using a plastic tumbler, make sure your paint is suitable for plastics before buying.
Step 4: Mix and apply your epoxy resin
Mix the resin with hardener equally and be ready to apply to the first coat of epoxy. Place your tumbler on your tumbler turner and use your hand (wearing gloves) to apply to the resin evenly. Let it cover all the surfaces you want until you’re satisfied.
Step 5: Add glitter
After adding the first layer of epoxy, you can now sprinkle some glitter. As the tumbler is rolling on the tumbler turner, sprinkle the glitter to your preferred spot to your liking. Not every epoxy tumbler requires glitter but adding it adds to its beauty.
After adding the glitter to your liking, leave it to dry for about 5 to 6 hours.
Step 6: Add epoxy
To seal in the glitter you added and give your epoxy tumbler a fine finish, you need to add another layer of epoxy just like you did in step 4 above.
Step 7: Personalize your tumbler
You can decide to stop at step 6 if you like. But you might want to add some unique finishing to your tumbler by personalizing it. You can do this by adding decals.
To do this, you need to sand the area where you want the decal to be. After sanding, you add your decal and apply epoxy to the entire tumbler once more.
Step 8: Cure and clean your tumbler
Before the epoxy dries off completely, you should first remove the painter’s tape you added to the edge. After removing it, leave the tumbler to dry for at least 24 hours.
After this, you can wash and start using your tumbler.
What type of tumblers can you epoxy?
The best type of tumbler to epoxy is a stainless steel tumbler. This is because the resin adheres very well to it. Here are the types of tumblers and their efficacy with resin.
Metal tumbler
For the best and most long-lasting epoxy tumbler, stainless steel is the best type of tumbler to use. You don’t have to spray paint it before adding the resin because the resin easily adheres to it. It is also good because if you use it for hot beverages, the heat won’t melt the resin especially if it’s a double-insulated tumbler.
Plastic tumbler
Using plastic for an epoxy tumbler will require you to spray paint it so that the resin doesn’t peel off at any time. Resin doesn’t adhere to plastic and may take a lot of time before the resin sticks to it.
Glass & Ceramic tumbler
If your tumbler will only be used for cold beverages, you might use a glass or ceramic tumbler. If used for hot beverages, the resin may soften and peel off if the temperature of the beverage is too hot.
In summary, choosing a type of tumbler may depend on the type of beverage you want to use it for. For an all-around purpose tumbler, however, stainless steel might be your best bet.
Epoxy tumbler from Amazon
Stainless steel tumbler with splash roof
This product is made from double-walled and vacuum-insulated stainless steel. The outer layer is coated with three layers of food-safe epoxy resin. It has a well-sealed roof and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
FAQs
What kind of tumblers can you epoxy?
There are different kinds of tumblers like plastic, ceramic, or glass that you can epoxy. When choosing a tumbler, however, you need to choose one that is double-wall insulated, especially if you’re using it for hot beverages. A double-wall insulation tumbler makes the epoxy resin last longer. If the content of the tumbler is too hot, for example, the temperature of the tumbler can become hot and soften the epoxy coat if it’s not a double insulation tumbler. This is why many people go for stainless steel. They are the best when it comes to epoxy tumblers. You can check out the recommended epoxy resin for tumblers here.
How many coats of epoxy do you put on a tumbler?
For an epoxy tumbler to last long and have a nice finish, an average of 2 – 3 coats should be used. After applying the first coat, you should leave it to dry before adding the second coat and then the third if you like.
How do you personalize epoxy tumblers?
To personalize an epoxy tumbler, you need to get a name label of your choice and add it to your preferred spot on the tumbler. You can also add decals or stickers of your choice to personalize your epoxy tumbler.
Do you have to sand between coats of epoxy on tumblers?
Sanding between the coats of epoxy on tumblers is not necessary. If you’re adding decals to personalize your epoxy tumbler, however, you can sand the area where you’re adding the decals and apply another layer of epoxy after placing it.
Are epoxy tumblers safe to drink from?
Epoxy tumblers are safe to drink from. The resin used to epoxy the tumblers is food-safe and cannot cause any harm. When you’re making an epoxy tumbler by yourself, make sure the resin you’re buying is FDA approved as being food-safe.
How much does it cost to epoxy a tumbler?
It will cost at least $20 to epoxy a tumbler. If you don’t already have a tumbler to work with, it might cost more. Another factor that will determine the cost is the kind of design you want. For example, if you’re adding glitters and personalizing it, it might cost more.
Can you epoxy plastic cups?
Yes, you can epoxy plastic cups. Although they’re not advisable because the resin may not last. If your cup will only be used for cold beverages, however, you won’t have a problem with the resin peeling off.
Conclusion
Epoxy tumblers are the new generation of tumblers people are embracing. They are stylish and can be personalized however you want. The good thing is you don’t need a lot of money to join the trend, you can easily turn your old tumbler into a fashionable one with the DIY guide in this article. And if you want, you can buy already-made ones on Amazon or other online marketplaces.
