7 Must-Have Sublimation Tumbler Blanks for Your DIY Project

Sublimation tumbler blanks are specially coated cups designed for heat transfer printing. Made from durable stainless steel or plastic, they let you add vibrant, long-lasting designs with a heat press or oven.

Perfect for small businesses and DIY makers, these blanks make custom drinkware easy, affordable, and professional-looking every time.

The Rising Trend of Sublimation Tumbler Blanks

Understanding Sublimation

Sublimation is a printing process where ink is transformed into a gas and then embedded into the material’s surface. This results in vibrant, long-lasting, scratch-resistant prints that don’t peel, crack, or fade over time.

The Appeal of Tumbler Blanks

Tumbler blanks, typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, provide an ideal canvas for sublimation. Their smooth surfaces and cylindrical shape allow for seamless, eye-catching designs that wrap around the entire tumbler.

If you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, here are 7 of the best sublimation tumbler blanks to elevate your crafting game.

1. Stainless Steel Elegance: The Classic Choice

Regarding sublimation tumbler blanks, stainless steel is a timeless, durable material with and sleek aesthetic. These tumblers are perfect for showcasing vibrant designs, family photos, or company logos. The reflective surface enhances the colors and details of your artwork, making every sip a visual delight.

2. Enamel Charm: Vintage Meets Modern

For those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia, enamel sublimation tumbler blanks are a fantastic choice. Their vintage-inspired look pairs well with retro designs and quirky patterns. Enamel tumblers bring a sense of whimsy to your creations, making them perfect for gifts or adding a playful element to your daily routine.

3. Glassy Elegance: Sophistication Redefined

If you aim for a more refined and delicate touch, glass sublimation tumbler blanks are the answer. These tumblers exude sophistication and allow for intricate designs that shimmer in the light. From intricate florals to elegant calligraphy, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

4. Travel-Ready Plastic: On-the-Go Creativity

When practicality meets creativity, plastic sublimation tumbler blanks shine. These lightweight, travel-friendly options make them perfect for those who are always on the move. If customizing tumblers for a sports team or creating personalized gifts for a road trip, plastic tumblers offer convenience without compromising your design vision.

5. Matte Magic: Subdued Sophistication

Matte sublimation tumbler blanks are a rising trend in the crafting world. Their smooth, non-reflective surface offers a modern and sophisticated vibe. Matte tumblers are perfect for designs that play with texture and contrast, allowing your artwork to stand out subtly yet impactfully.

6. Color-Pop Coating: Vibrancy Unleashed

If bold and vibrant is your style, then sublimation tumbler blanks with colorful coatings are a match made in heaven. These tumblers come in a range of eye-catching hues, providing a stunning backdrop for your designs. Let your creativity run wild with contrasting colors and lively graphics that truly pop.

7. Sparkling Glitter: Glamour and Glitz

For those who want to add a touch of glamour to their creations, glitter sublimation tumbler blanks are the way to go. These tumblers are infused with sparkling particles that catch the light and dazzle your designs. From monograms to motivational quotes, glitter tumblers bring more magic to your crafting endeavors.

Craft with Confidence: Why Subli Genius Print Stands Out

Bold Fact: As a pioneer in the sublimation industry, we prioritize quality and innovation.

As you embark on your sublimation journey, trust in Subli Genius Print to be your guiding light. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity, this brand has earned its stripes in the crafting community.

How to Use the Sublimation Batch Tracker

Tracking your sublimation batches has never been easier. This free web app helps you stay organized, save your best settings, and avoid costly reprints.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Open the Tracker
   Scroll up to the app and click “New Batch.” You can run it right inside your browser, no downloads needed.
2. Fill in the Details
   Add your client name, tumbler size, brand, coating type, press model, temperature, and time.
   You can even log the pressure level, rotation, and notes about print quality.
3. Save or Duplicate
   Once saved, your batch data stays in your browser’s storage (it works offline too).
   To repeat similar jobs, hit “Duplicate” and update only what’s changed.
4. Use Templates
   Save your best settings as Templates, perfect for common items like 20oz stainless tumblers or ceramic mugs.
   Next time, just click “Use” to auto-fill all fields instantly.
5. Export or Print
   When you’re done, click Export CSV to download your logs or hit Print to create a clean PDF job sheet for your records.
6. Review Reports
   Switch to the Reports tab anytime to see your average outcomes, top brands, and best temperature/time combinations.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep one “test batch” log for every new tumbler brand or supplier. It’ll help you find your ideal press settings faster and save on wasted blanks.

20 oz Sublimation Tumbler Blanks Wholesale

If you’re serious about selling or gifting custom tumblers, 20 oz sublimation blanks are your go-to size. They’re the most popular pick for both small business owners and DIY crafters, big enough for daily use, yet easy to handle and print.

Here’s why they’re a favorite (and where to get the best deals when buying wholesale):

Why 20 oz Tumblers Are So Popular

• Versatile size – Works for coffee, water, or iced drinks, perfect for everyday use.
• Easy to sublimate – Fits most mug presses and ovens without extra adapters.
• High resale value – 20 oz is the most requested size for custom orders and gifts.
• Endless styles – Available in straight, tapered, glitter, ombré, frosted, and even glow-in-the-dark finishes.

What to Look for When Buying Wholesale

Before ordering in bulk, make sure your supplier offers:

• True sublimation coating (for crisp color transfers)
• Double-wall stainless steel for insulation and durability
• Slide or straw lids depending on your customer’s preference
• Consistent shape and size (so they fit perfectly in your press or wraps)

Best Wholesale Sources

If you’re shopping wholesale, look for trusted suppliers that cater to sublimation businesses:

• Subli Genius Print – Reliable U.S. supplier with premium coating and bulk discounts.
• JPPlus – Known for fast shipping and consistent tumbler quality.
• Heat Transfer Warehouse – Great for starter packs and variety bundles.
• Amazon Wholesale – Convenient for mixed-size packs and urgent restocks.

Pro Tip

When ordering wholesale, always test one tumbler first before committing to a full batch. Even small coating or size differences can affect your final print.
If you’re using a heat press or convection oven, the sweet spot for 20 oz tumblers is usually 375–400°F for 6–8 minutes with medium pressure, rotate halfway for even results.

Pro Tips from Sublimation Experts

Want your tumbler prints to look crisp and vibrant every single time? These expert-tested tips come straight from the team at Subli Genius Print, who’ve pressed thousands of blanks across all shapes and coatings.

💡 “Always pre-press your tumbler for 5 seconds to remove moisture, it’s the secret to sharper prints and fewer ghosting issues.”
— Subli Genius Print Team

🎯 “Keep your tumbler snug inside the wrap. Even a slight air gap can dull the colors or blur your design edges.”
— Naseer, Production Lead at Subli Genius Print

🔥 “Rotate your tumbler halfway through the heat cycle if you’re using a convection oven. It evens out the temperature and prevents faded spots.”
— Sagher Ahmad, Founder of Subli Genius Print

Why It Matters

These might sound like small tweaks, but they’re what separate good prints from pro-level results.
Even minor adjustments in pressure, preheating, and rotation can change how your inks bond with the coating, meaning smoother colors, cleaner lines, and fewer wasted blanks.

Quick Check: Are Your Tumblers Truly Sublimation-Ready?

Avoid ghosting, banding, and faded spots with this fast pre-check. Run through it before every batch.

Checklist

• ✅ The surface is polyester or clearly labeled “sublimation-coated.”
• ✅ The tumbler wall is straight, not curved, and fits your wrap or press.
• ✅ Design is taped edge-to-edge with heat-resistant tape, no gaps or lifted corners.
• ✅ You preheated the tumbler for 2–3 seconds to flash off moisture.
• ✅ Sublimation paper is true-side-down, fully covered with protective paper.
• ✅ Wrap fits snug, no air pockets, seams aligned.
• ✅ Lid, rubber gaskets, and stickers are removed.
• ✅ Press or oven is fully preheated, thermometer verified.
• ✅ You planned a 180° rotation at halfway if using a convection oven.
• ✅ A test strip or scrap print was run to confirm colors and timing.

Why this matters
Tiny prep steps control moisture, pressure, and contact, which decide how cleanly ink bonds to the coating. Better contact equals sharper edges and richer color.

Real-World Test: Cheap vs. Premium Blanks (Color Comparison)

Not all sublimation tumbler blanks are created equal. We ran a quick side-by-side test comparing a budget pack from Amazon with a premium Subli Genius Print blank, using the same design, paper, and heat settings, to see how coating quality and print performance really stack up.

🎨 Visual Findings

(This is where you’d include a photo block, one tumbler from each test side by side under the same lighting. A subtle text overlay like “$2.50 Budget” vs “$3.20 Premium” works perfectly.)

📊 Comparison Results

Blank Type	Cost (USD)	Print Sharpness	Durability (After Wash Tests)	Coating Quality
Budget Amazon Pack	$2.50	⭐⭐	Fades after 3 washes	Uneven, blotchy finish
Premium Subli Genius Blank	$3.20	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Still vibrant after 10 washes	Smooth, consistent surface

🧠 Expert Take

“You can actually see the difference after one press, cheap blanks often have thin coatings that cause color drop-off and ghost lines. Paying even 70¢ more per tumbler can save hours of wasted prints and re-dos.”
Subli Genius Print Team

💡 Why This Matters

If you’re printing for customers, brand reputation depends on consistency. A premium blank delivers richer color, longer lifespan, and fewer misprints, saving you time, ink, and frustration in the long run.

Conclusion: What's Your Next Sublimation Masterpiece?

As we wrap up this exploration into the world of sublimation tumbler blanks, ask yourself: What masterpiece will you create next? With us by your side, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Craft on, complete, and let the vibrant world of sublimation be your artistic playground.

Remember, your sublimation journey is not just a creative endeavor but a testament to the endless possibilities we unfold for artisans and creators worldwide. What will you sublimate next? The answer is in your hands.