Mamabee

Tips to make your Best Epoxy Tumbler

Epoxy tumblers seem to be all the rage and everyone seems to be having at least one in their homes and offices. The reason for the popularity of these tumblers is their catchy and fun appearance. An Epoxy tumbler is quite easy to make, and most people are using DIY practices to create their own unique designs to sip their favorite drinks from. However, one must use high-quality epoxy resin to achieve a long-lasting result.

How to make an Epoxy Tumbler?

This epoxy tumbler-making guide is especially dedicated to those who are eager to learn this fun and rewarding process. So, follow the tips to become a pro at this craft.

  1. Materials needed

Before you get started, make sure you have each of these items at your disposal. 

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler
  • Spray Paint
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Mod Podge
  • Silicone Brushes
  • Fine Glitter
  • Clear Coat Spray
  • Epoxy (Both A and B parts)
  • Disposable Rubber Gloves
  • Mixing Cup
  • Popsicle stick or stirrer
  • Adhesive Vinyl
  • Cup Turner
  • 180-220 grit sandpaper
  • Paper plate or tray to catch drips
  1. Set up your epoxy tumbler

One of the most challenging parts of making an Epoxy tumbler is actually using epoxy resin. However, one does get used to it with a little practice.

Start the process by choosing an area close to a power supply. You need to use a cup turner that needs to run for at least 6 hours at a stretch. Moreover, your tumbler needs to be absolutely horizontal otherwise it can cause drips and uneven application of epoxy resin. Prevent drip mess by placing a paper plate below the cup turner.

  1. Choose a suitable tumbler

 You must choose a tumbler based on the type of beverage you plan to pour into it. It is because the fully cured epoxy resin can handle a maximum temperature of 120F/ 50C. So, choose an insulated tumbler if you plan on pouring hot beverages into it. With an insulated tumbler, the exterior will remain cool despite the hotness of your drink.

You must also choose a tumbler that has a plastic lip at the top to prevent the hot beverage from melting the epoxy resin near the brim area. You may choose metal, plastic, glass, or ceramic tumbler for making epoxy tumblers.

  1. Prepare your work area and tumbler

Cover your work area with a plastic sheet, take the cup turner, and place it on the sheet. You must cover any parts of your tumbler that you do not want to apply epoxy to. You can do so using masking tape.

Now, stick a foam football onto one end of a rod and push the rod into the bottom part of the tumbler. Insert the other end of the rod into the motor of the cup turner. Use a level indicator to ensure that the tumbler is perfectly horizontal.

  1. Mix and apply Epoxy Resin to the tumbler

 Choose a well-ventilated space and wear gloves as a starter. Use 10ml of epoxy if you are using a 20oz tumbler. Pour 5ml of resin and 5ml of hardener in individual cups. Then, pour the hardener slowly into the epoxy cup and stir gently to avoid bubble formation. Keep stirring until the epoxy solution is clear.

Turn on your cup spinner to rotate quite slowly. Now, pour the epoxy slowly onto the cup and smoothen the epoxy across the entire length of the tumbler. You can do so using your free gloved hand or a silicone brush.

 Make sure you pour out all the epoxy onto the tumbler to create a thick coat on it. Keep smoothing it along the length while pouring the solution. Let the tumbler keep rotating for another 10 minutes after you have applied the epoxy solution. You may then remove the masking tape you had used to cover certain parts of the tumbler.

Let your cup turner run for a few more hours before you take the tumbler off of it. Remove it after 6 or 7 hours and allow the tumbler to air dry for several hours before you begin using it.

  1. Add glitter to your tumbler

It is easiest to apply glitter to your tumbler when it is on the turner. Start by covering the base and the brim of the tumbler and apply the glitter solution horizontally. You can add a sparkle to your tumbler by using either glitter paint or loose glitter. If you choose to use loose glitter, then spray the tumbler surface with an adhesive spray and quickly sprinkle the glitter on the surface.

If you choose to use glitter paint, simply use a silicone brush to apply the paint on the surface of the tumbler and let it dry.

Note: Choose a glitter color similar to the color of the base paint you used to coat the tumbler.

Finally, finish with another coating of epoxy resin but use only a very little amount this time since too much epoxy will make the glitter clutter in certain spots and create blotches. Allow the epoxy coating to cure for 72 hours after which it must be fully dry.

So, there you have it. Follow these guidelines and turn your regular tumbler into a fancy Epoxy tumbler in no time!