How to Make Tumblers With Epoxy & Glitter

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silver glitter tumbler with a "more self love" decal sitting in the grass with dandelions showing how to make tumblers

Creating a personalized epoxy glitter tumbler is a super fun craft; and it will wow practically everyone when done right. Plus, it's actually functional so that's a huge plus. This guide will take you through each step of the tumbler process, from preparation to the final touches. Whether you're making one for yourself, as a gift, or even to sell, mastering how to make tumblers with epoxy and glitter will open up a whole new world of resin possibilities. 

Tools & Supplies


Before we dive into the steps, let's ensure you have everything you need. The right tools and supplies are crucial for achieving a professional and durable finish. 

Tools:

Supplies

Step 1: Tumbler Prep

How to Make Tumblers: Starting Off Right


The first step is all about preparation. A well-prepped tumbler ensures each subsequent layer adheres properly, creating a long-lasting finish. Sand the entire surface of your stainless steel tumbler to create a better surface for the epoxy and glitter to adhere to. After sanding, wash and dry your tumbler thoroughly. Apply an even coat of spray paint and allow it to dry completely. This base coat will not only enhance the glitter but also provide a uniform background color. 

Step 2: Arrange Your Workspace

Organizing Your Space for Success


A well-organized workspace will significantly impact the efficiency and outcome of your project. Cover your work surface with parchment paper to catch spills and drips. If you don't know already, you'll find out soon - epoxy can be messy! 

When working with any kind of epoxy be sure to work in an extremely well-ventilated area with a constant temperature between 70°F-75°F. If you are not in a well ventilated area ALWAYS wear a respirator designed for vapors. Epoxy is a great tool, but it's also a chemical, so safety first. Don't forget to wear protective gloves and safety glasses as well before handling resin. 

Step 3: Measure & Mix

How to Make Tumblers: Your Epoxy Matters


Getting the epoxy mix just right is crucial for a smooth, bubble-free finish. Promise UV Art Resin is designed for tumbler projects and should be mixed in a 1:1 ratio by volume as outlined on the label. If you are using a 20oz tumbler I would mix around 30mL in total for each coat you plan to apply. Adjust your measurements for the size of your tumbler. Mix slowly to avoid introducing too many air bubbles into your mixture. 

Watch our video tutorial on how to mix, measure, and pour UV Art Resin here.

Pro Tip: If you're in a cooler environment and can't crank up the heat, warm your bottles before mixing by placing them in a warm water bath. 

Step 4: Apply Epoxy to Your Prepped Cup


With gloves on, apply a thin, even layer of epoxy over the entire tumbler. It's better to start with a thin layer to avoid drips of uneven spots. You can always add more, but it's a lot messier to remove epoxy once applied. Ensure even coverage by turning the tumbler as you apply your resin on the cup turner. 

Different cup turners may have different settings, so experiment and find the one that works best for you!

Step 5: Applying Glitter

How to Make Tumblers Sparkle


Sprinkle your Glitter Zoo glitter over the tumbler, turning it to ensure even coverage. You're aiming for a complete coat without any wet spots showing through. Let the glitter layer cure for 24 hours before proceeding. 

Step 6: Sealing Your Glitter


A clear sealant applied in 1-2 coats will lock the glitter in place, creating a smooth surface for the next epoxy layer. The pro's over at Glitter Zoo use a clear acrylic spray over the entire tumbler. This will create a smooth, sealed surface that's ready for your next epoxy application. Allow it to dry completely before your next step. 

Pro Tip: Sealing your glitter is CRITICAL before applying epoxy! This process is similar to covering your glitter with a shield to keep it in place and prevent it from pulling away in certain places while the next layer of epoxy is being applied.

Step 7: Mix Another Batch of Epoxy


Mix another 30mL of epoxy for the first layer over your glitter. Refer to Step 3 for measuring and mixing instructions. 

Step 8: Applying More Layers of Epoxy

How to Make Tumblers: Why The Number of Layers Matter


Using your finger, gently apply a thin, even layer of epoxy over the entire glittery surface. Your tumbler must be continuously spinning on your cup turner to avoid drips. This guarantees a smooth professional surface as it cures. 

Pro Tip: Use a heat gun to smooth out the surface even more and burst any surface bubbles you notice after applying each layer of epoxy. Keep the heat gun 6-8 inches away from your tumblers surface. 

We recommend adding 2 layers of epoxy on top of the glitter, but technically you only need one. However, adding a second layer will make your epoxy tumbler more durable and professional looking after the full cure. If you are planning to sand your tumbler, apply at least 2 coats of clear epoxy on top of your glitter. 

Step 9: Sanding Your Tumbler (Optional Step for Our How to Make Tumblers Guide)


After 2 layers of clear epoxy have cured on your tumblers surface, lightly sand the surface until it's extra smooth. Pay attention to any rough spots or imperfections, particularly at the top and bottom of the rims. These are the hardest places to get uniform coverage and take a bit of extra care. 

Please Note: After sanding, your tumbler will appear dull, but one last layer of epoxy will restore the shine! 

Step 10: Adding Vinyl/Decals (Optional)


This is your chance to add vinyl or decals to your tumbler. If you plan on adding decals you'll most definitely want to sand your tumbler prior to application. This will give the decals a better surface to adhere to. Any bumps, ridges, or grooves will also be visible through the vinyl or decal. 

Step 11: How to Make Tumblers - One Final Layer (Optional)


For those who have added vinyl or decals you'll want to cover and protect them with one last coat of epoxy. Mix up another 30mL batch of Promise UV Art Resin and apply the exact same way you have all the previous layers. Allow your epoxy tumbler to fully cure for 72 hours before using it. 

Promise UV Art Resin is FDA compliant when fully cured, and has added UV inhibitors in its formula to help protect your tumbler against those pesky UV rays, making it the perfect epoxy for making tumblers with glitter. 

 

Learning how to make tumblers with epoxy and glitter is a rewarding skill and definitely one you want to have in your tool belt as a resin artist. By following these steps, you'll be able to create stunning, durable tumblers that stand out. Whether you're crafting for fun, as gifts, or for a small business, the satisfaction of pulling off a beautiful, handmade tumbler is unparalleled. Step aside Starbucks! There's a new model in town. 

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