Creating your own custom sublimation tumblers is easier than you might think! In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how I made this beautiful 3D teacher tumbler as a thank-you gift for my son’s teacher. Whether you’re making personalized gifts, selling custom tumblers, or just starting with sublimation, this guide will walk you through every step.
Why I Made This Tumbler
Teachers do so much throughout the school year, so I wanted to create something personal and unique. I designed this 3D teacher wrap myself and sublimated it onto a stainless steel tumbler. The result is a vibrant, professional-looking gift that won’t peel or fade because the ink becomes part of the tumbler’s coating.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Sublimation tumbler
- Sublimation printer and sublimation paper
- Heat-resistant tape (optional)
- Shrink wrap
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Dedicated craft air fryer
- Bucket of cold water
- Heat-resistant gloves
Important: Never use an air fryer for food after using it for sublimation. Keep a separate air fryer exclusively for crafting.
Step 1 – Clean the Tumbler
Before applying your design, clean the tumbler thoroughly to remove dust, fingerprints, and oils. Even tiny particles can affect the final transfer, so don’t skip this step.
A clean surface helps produce brighter colors and a sharper image.
Step 2 – Wrap the Sublimation Print
Wrap your sublimation print tightly around the tumbler.
Take your time here. The paper should fit snugly with no wrinkles or loose areas.
One of the biggest causes of ghosting is air trapped between the sublimation paper and the tumbler. A tight wrap gives you the best possible transfer.
Step 3 – Apply Shrink Wrap
Slide a piece of shrink wrap over the tumbler.
Using a heat gun or hair dryer, gently heat the shrink wrap until it shrinks tightly around the tumbler.
This presses the sublimation paper firmly against the tumbler and removes any remaining air pockets.
Step 4 – Bake the Tumbler
Place the wrapped tumbler into your dedicated craft air fryer.
Bake at:
- 180°C (356°F) for 4 minutes
- Carefully rotate the tumbler.
- Bake for another 4 minutes.
Rotating the tumbler helps ensure an even transfer around the entire surface.
Step 5 – Cool the Tumbler
Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the tumbler using heat-resistant gloves.
Immediately place it into a bucket of cold water.
Cooling the tumbler quickly stops the sublimation process and makes it safe to handle much sooner.
Step 6 – Reveal Your Finished Tumbler
Remove the shrink wrap and carefully peel away the sublimation paper.
This is always my favorite part!
You’ll reveal a permanent, vibrant design that’s infused directly into the tumbler’s coating. Unlike vinyl, sublimation won’t peel, crack, or flake over time.
Tips for the Best Results
✔ Clean your tumbler thoroughly before wrapping.
✔ Wrap the paper as tightly as possible.
✔ Use shrink wrap to eliminate air pockets.
✔ Rotate the tumbler halfway through baking.
✔ Cool the tumbler immediately after heating.
✔ Always use a dedicated craft air fryer.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Want to see the entire process from start to finish?
🎥 Watch the full tutorial on the WiccatDesigns YouTube channel, where I show every step in real time and share extra tips for getting professional sublimation results at home.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this teacher tumbler turned out. Personalized gifts like this are thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly easy to make once you know the process.
If you’re new to sublimation, don’t be afraid to give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful custom tumblers for family, friends, customers, or special occasions.
Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any air fryer for sublimation?
No. Once an air fryer has been used for sublimation, it should never be used for food again. Always keep a separate air fryer for crafting.
Why did my tumbler get ghosting?
Ghosting is usually caused by movement or air pockets between the sublimation paper and the tumbler. Wrapping the print tightly and using shrink wrap helps prevent this.
Why do you cool the tumbler in water?
Cooling the tumbler quickly stops the sublimation process and allows you to safely remove the shrink wrap and paper sooner.
Can I reuse the shrink wrap?
No. Shrink wrap is designed for one-time use and should be replaced for each tumbler.
Love sublimation and Cricut projects? Be sure to check out more tutorials, free files, and crafting inspiration here on WiccatDesigns!