So, you’ve probably noticed that glitter tumblers have made a popular introduction. Especially since the pandemic has forced many people to stay home and get crafty, you may see videos occasionally on TikTok or maybe shopping around on Etsy. Well, today I will show you how those pretty glitter tumblers are made and how you can easily make them yourself to keep, gift, or even sell!
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Table of Contents
Materials Needed
- Tumbler (plastic or stainless steel)
- Glitter
- Dishwasher Safe Water Seal Mod Podge
- Amazing Clear Cast Resin
- Optional: Krylon Paint+Primer Colormaster Stainless Steel Spray Paint
- Vinyl Decals (Made with Cricut or other cutting machine)
Steps
Prepare the Tumbler
- Ensure the tumbler is thoroughly cleaned. Wipe it down with an alcohol wipe and let it dry completely.
Choose Your Decoration Method
- Decide whether you will spray paint, add glitter, apply vinyl decals, or use a combination of these techniques on your tumbler.
For Spray Painting
- Prepare the Workspace:
- Take the tumbler outside to a well-ventilated area.
- Wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from fumes.
- Remove the lid of the tumbler before spray painting.
- Secure the Tumbler:
- Place the tumbler on a sturdy surface, such as a flat wooden board.
- Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you do not want to be painted.
- Consider flipping the tumbler upside down or taping over the mouth to avoid getting paint on unwanted areas.
- Apply the Paint:
- Shake the spray paint can vigorously for about a minute.
- Hold the can approximately 6-8 inches away from the surface of the tumbler.
- Apply thin, even coats of paint, moving the can in a sweeping motion to cover the entire surface.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
- Optional: Apply Additional Coats:
- Depending on the desired coverage, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint.
- Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one.
For Glitter or Vinyl Decals
- Prepare the Tumbler:
- If applying glitter, prepare the tumbler by either applying a layer of Mod Podge or resin to act as an adhesive.
- If applying vinyl decals, ensure the tumbler surface is clean and dry.
- Apply Glitter or Vinyl Decals:
- Sprinkle glitter onto the wet Mod Podge or resin, ensuring even coverage.
- If using vinyl decals, carefully apply them to the desired areas of the tumbler, pressing down firmly to ensure adhesion.
- Seal with Resin:
- Once the glitter or vinyl decals are in place, apply a layer of clear resin over the entire surface of the tumbler to seal and protect the decorations.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the resin.
- Allow the resin to cure completely before handling or using the tumbler.
Here is an in-depth tutorial video on how to spray paint a tumbler with a stencil.
Apply Glitter (if desired) and Mod Podge
- Prepare for Glitter Application:
- Apply water-seal Mod Podge to the areas where you want your glitter to adhere. If you didn’t spray paint the tumbler, apply Mod Podge evenly over the entire surface.
- Apply Glitter:
- Use a cup turner or foam cup holder to rotate the tumbler.
- Spoon glitter onto the wet Mod Podge, ensuring even coverage.
- Place something under the tumbler to catch excess glitter.
- If multiple coats are desired, wait for the Mod Podge to dry before repeating the process.
Apply Resin Coating
- Prepare for Resin Application:
- Place the glitter tumbler on a rotating cup turner.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the resin.
- Apply Resin:
- Pour and spread an even coat of resin over the entire tumbler surface using a popsicle stick or resin brush.
- Allow the cup turner to rotate until the resin is completely dry.
- Allow the resin to cure for a few days to a week before use.
Adding Vinyl (Optional)
- Prepare Vinyl Decal:
- Apply Vinyl:
- Once the resin-coated glitter tumbler is complete, apply the vinyl decal to the desired area.
- Press down firmly to ensure proper adhesion.
- Seal with Resin:
- Apply a second thin layer of resin over the entire tumbler surface, including the vinyl decal.
- Allow the cup turner to rotate until the resin is completely dry, ensuring the vinyl decal is sealed and protected.
You Now Have A Beautiful Custom Glitter Tumbler
Yay! Now you can keep, gift, or start selling your wonderful custom tumblers to friends and family. Maybe you’ll even consider running your own Etsy shop? I’ve seen custom tumblers go for high prices depending on the design. Keep in mind this is just the basic technique of making these kinds of tumblers, there are many other ways to get creative with them.
Consider mixing color+glitter directly to your resin for a more distinct look. You can even combine colors for a rainbow effect. It’s truly up to you!
Handwash Only
To eliminate the risk of ruining your tumbler, causing it to yellow, or damaging with heat, I recommend only handwashing it. Harsh chemicals and high heat settings in dish washers can have unpredictable effects on these types of tumblers so I don’t recommend using them. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Submit Your Creations
As always, feel free to submit your crafty creations to my email to be featured in a future blog post! You can submit it right here to [email protected]!