How to sublimate a 18oz Frosted Glass Tumbler with Bamboo Lid

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to sublimate an 18oz frosted glass tumbler with a bamboo lid  — great for custom drinkware, gifts, or branded merchandise!

What You’ll Need

• 18oz frosted glass sublimation tumbler (pre-coated for sublimation)

• Bamboo lid (not for sublimation)

• Sublimation printer with sublimation ink

• Sublimation paper

• Heat-resistant tape

• Shrink wrap sleeve (for oven method) or tumbler heat press

• Convection oven or tumbler press

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Lint-free cloth or roller

• Teflon sheet or protective paper

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

1. Measure your tumbler’s printable area.

   • For an 18oz frosted glass tumbler, the print area is typically 15 x 6.5 cm).

2. In your design software (Canva, Photoshop, etc.):

   • Create a 15cm x 6.5 cm canvas at 300 dpi.

   • Add a 3–5 mm bleed around all sides for full coverage.

   • Mirror (flip horizontally) your design before printing.

3. Print on sublimation paper with sublimation ink, and let it dry for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Tumbler

1. Remove the bamboo lid and straw — they cannot go into the press or oven.

2. Wipe the tumbler with a lint-free cloth or lint roller to remove oils and dust.

3. Make sure it’s completely dry before wrapping the design.

Step 3: Apply the Transfer

1. Wrap your printed design face-down around the tumbler so the image faces the coating.

2. Align the edges carefully for a seamless join.

3. Secure with heat-resistant tape along the top, bottom, and seam.

4. Cover the tumbler with a shrink wrap sleeve (for oven method) or protective paper (for press method).

Step 4: Heat Press / Oven Settings

If using a convection oven:

• Place the tumbler upright on an oven-safe tray or stand.

• The shrink wrap will tighten around the tumbler as it heats.

If using a tumbler press:

• Adjust time slightly depending on your press and coating thickness.

Step 5: Cool & Reveal

1. Carefully remove the tumbler using heat-resistant gloves — it will be very hot!

2. Peel the sublimation paper and shrink wrap immediately while still hot for best results.

3. Let the tumbler cool naturally (don’t immerse in water).

4. Once cool, reattach the bamboo lid and straw.

You’ll have a smooth, semi-transparent frosted finish with a gorgeous soft matte look 

Extra Tips

• Avoid fading: Frosted glass absorbs less ink than stainless steel, so slightly increase press time if colours look light.

• Don’t sublimate the lid: Bamboo will scorch or crack.

• Full-wrap designs: Extend your artwork slightly beyond the join line for perfect coverage.

• Partial designs: Use a smaller transfer area and center it carefully with tape.

• Always test one first — glass thickness and coating can vary between brands.