Mug printing, Sublimation Oven For Tumblers

How to Print Custom Tumblers with a Sublimation Oven

Posted by

mecolour

2025-12-03

On 2025-12-05

Printing custom tumblers has become one of the most profitable and popular ways to create personalized drinkware for businesses, online shops, and DIY creators. Among all methods, sublimation printing with a sublimation oven stands out for its stunning full-wrap designs, consistent quality, and ability to print multiple tumblers at once. Whether you run a tumbler business or want to add sublimation to your customization lineup, mastering this technique will elevate your production quality and efficiency.
A sublimation oven ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for bulk production or full 360° prints.

Why Use a Sublimation Oven for Custom Tumbler Printing?

While mug presses can print tumblers, a sublimation oven offers several advantages:
1. Full-Wrap Designs
The oven heats evenly, allowing seamless 360-degree prints without gaps or faded areas.
2. Higher Production Capacity
Print multiple tumblers simultaneously—perfect for growing businesses.
3. Universal Compatibility
Great for:

20 oz skinny tumblers
30 oz tumblers
Kids cups
Glass tumblers
Ceramic mugs
Stainless steel bottles

4. More Consistent Results
No pressure adjustment needed; heat wraps secure the design tightly.
5. Safer for Irregular Shapes
Unlike presses, ovens have no mechanical pressure points.

Materials Needed for Sublimation Tumbler Printing

To begin printing custom tumblers, prepare the following:

Sublimation oven
Sublimation printer (using sublimation ink)
Sublimation paper
Polymer-coated sublimation tumbler
Heat-resistant tape
Silicone tumbler wraps / shrink sleeves
Heat-resistant gloves
Teflon sheet or protective pad
Scissors or cutting knife
Design software (Photoshop, Canva, Illustrator, etc.)

How to Print Custom Tumblers with a Sublimation Oven

Follow these precise steps to ensure perfect prints every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

Create your tumbler artwork in your preferred software.
Tips for success:

Use high-resolution images (300 DPI)
Ensure your artwork matches the exact tumbler template size
Bleed edges slightly to avoid white gaps
Mirror the design before printing

Step 2: Print on Sublimation Paper

Use a sublimation printer loaded with sublimation ink.
Print settings:

Print type: High Quality / Photo
Paper: Sublimation Paper
Ink: Sublimation Ink
Color management: ICC profile (optional but recommended)

Allow the ink to dry for a few seconds before handling.

Step 3: Wrap the Design Around the Tumbler

Align the print perfectly around the tumbler.

Technique:

Wrap the sublimation paper tightly
Secure seams with heat-resistant tape
Tape thoroughly from top to bottom
Make sure no air pockets remain

This ensures accurate pressure during the oven process.

Step 4: Apply Shrink Wrap or Silicone Wrap

Place a shrink sleeve around the tumbler, or use a silicone wrap designed for sublimation.
Using shrink sleeves:

Shrink with a heat gun until snug
This creates even pressure for full-wrap sublimation

Using silicone wraps:

Lock the wrap around the tumbler securely

This step is crucial for sharp, seamless prints.

Step 5: Set the Sublimation Oven Temperature and Time

While times vary by oven and tumbler, the general guideline is:

Temperature: 160–180°C (320–356°F)
Time: 5–7 minutes

Rotate tumblers halfway through for evenly distributed heat if your oven does not rotate automatically.
Always refer to your oven and tumbler manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.

Step 6: Bake the Tumbler in the Sublimation Oven

Place the wrapped tumbler inside the oven.
Important:

Keep tumblers spaced apart for proper airflow
Use heat-resistant gloves when handling
Do not touch the paper until completely removed

After the timer ends, carefully remove the tumbler using gloves.

Step 7: Remove Wraps and Reveal the Print

Peel off the shrink wrap or silicone band while warm (but safe to touch with gloves).
You’ll instantly see your vibrant, full-wrap custom print appear.

Common Tumbler Sublimation Problems & How to Fix Them

1. Faded Prints

Oven not hot enough
Insufficient time
Poor pressure from wrap

2. Ghosting (double images)

Paper shifted before sublimation
Not enough tape securing the design

3. Uneven Colors

Wrinkled shrink sleeve
Overcrowded oven
Incorrect heat distribution

4. White Gaps

Design not wide enough
Paper not wrapped tightly

Tips for Professional-Quality Custom Tumblers

Use high-quality sublimation tumblers with consistent polymer coating
Double-tape the seam for strong pressure
Preheat the oven for reliable temperature control
Use a tumbler template to avoid sizing mistakes
Store tumblers in dust-free environments
Keep prints dry before wrapping
Work in a clean space to prevent lint or fibers from transferring

Why Businesses Use Sublimation Ovens for Tumbler Printing

Businesses prefer sublimation ovens because they offer:

Fast production for bulk orders
Lower labor cost compared to manual presses
Superior design flexibility
High-quality results without fading or peeling
Full-color, full-wrap artwork

For Etsy stores, print shops, promotional gifting companies, and tumbler brands, an oven is the most scalable and efficient solution.

Sublimation Oven for Mugs

Learning how to print custom tumblers with a sublimation oven empowers you to produce high-quality, vibrant, and durable drinkware with professional results every time. With the right materials, proper setup, and careful technique, sublimation ovens allow for consistent full-wrap prints, making them ideal for personalized gifts, small business production, or large-scale commercial orders.