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Craft Rocker

How to Make Glitter Tumblers

Difficulty· Intermediate· Medium· Resin

1 Jan

If you have wondered how to make glitter tumblers then this is the tutorial for you! I’m sharing 3 different ways from adding an image without a Cricut to how to make ombre with glitter!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Close Up Glitter Tumblers on Wood Background - Craft Rocker

Jump to What You Want

How to Set Up Your Cup Turner Small Button
Glitter Tumbler with Images Button
Personalized Glitter Tumbler Button
Ombre Glitter Tumbler Button
FAQ's + Tips for Success Small Button
How to Care for Glitter Tumblers Small Button

It’s amazing that I am such a glitter fanatic and it took me so long to make one of these. What’s more, they are so easy once you make a couple of them.

I truly enjoy making these and look forward to experimenting more and sharing the results with you. Until then, here are all the basics to get you started making your own glitter tumblers at home!

2 Glitter Tumblers on Wood Background - Craft Rocker

How to Set Up Your Cup Turner

I highly recommend this cup turner from Amazon. It’s super easy to set up, use, and understand. However, most cup turner kits that you buy will be set up similarly so these instructions will still help.

Parts for Cup Turner - Craft Rocker

Step 1

First, open your box and make sure all of the components, tools, and instructions are there.

Hand Holding Cup Turner Base with 2 Screws in the Bottom - Craft Rocker

Step 2

Then, screw the wooden piece with the motor attach to the back of your wood base.

The kit I recommend above came with the screwdriver needed, but it’s a simple Phillips-head screwdriver that can be found in any basic tool set.

Screws in Bottom of Cup Turner Base - Craft Rocker

Step 3

Next screw on the second wooden piece to your base. This piece does not have a motor attached to it and instead has a circular opening in the center of it.

Assembled Cup Turner Tool - Craft Rocker

Step 4

Lastly, attach your dowel rod by threading it through the hole in the first wood piece and onto the connector on the motorized piece. Secure it in place with a small screw so that it turns when you turn on your motor.

That’s it. Like I said, this cup turner was super simple to set up. The second dowel rod can be placed upright on the metal piece on the wood section with the motor for continuing to dry/cure your tumblers with turning.

UK Resin Tumbler - Craft Rocker

How to Make a Glitter Tumbler with Images

I made this glitter tumbler with spray adhesive for the glitter. There were pros and cons to this which you can read about in the FAQ section of this post.

It’s important to note that you do not want to brush the excess glitter off with this after it has dried because you can end up pulling a lot of the glitter off.

The same goes for sanding. I found that it didn’t sand as well as the Mod Podge and glitter. That’s why this tumbler requires 2 layers of epoxy which obviously affects the total process time.

Materials Needed

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler (I used this set)

  • Loctite Spray Adhesive

  • 2 Part Casting Resin

  • Measuring Cup for Measuring and Mixing Epoxy

  • Wood Stick (also for mixing epoxy)

  • Protective Gloves

  • 1/2 Inch to 1 Inch Wide Painters Tape

  • Glitter in Color of Choice

  • Vinyl Sticker Image (I used these)

Note:

You will need 2 each of the epoxy tools for this one because you have to coat your tumbler 2 times.

2 Stainless Steel Tumblers - Craft Rocker

Step 1

First, I recommend cleaning your tumbler with rubbing alcohol so that your glitter sticks well.

Taped Ends of Stainless Steel Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 2

Next, tape the top and bottom of your cup. You don’t need to tape more than 1/2 inch from the lip and base of the cup. See the photo for reference.

Taped Stainless Steel Tumbler in Cardboard Box - Craft Rocker

Step 3

Then place your taped cup in a cardboard box or similarly protected area and spray with a healthy coat of Loctite. Then cover it in glitter and shake off the excess.

Hand Holding Blue Glitter Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 4

Continue to spray and cover with glitter until the entire cup is covered. Then all the adhesive to dry completely before moving on.

Hand Holding Inside of Blue Glitter Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 5

After your adhesive is dry, repeat steps 3 and 4 with a second coat of glitter. Again, allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on.

Blue Glitter Tumbler on Cup Turner Dowel Rod - Craft Rocker

Step 6

Next, place the foam piece that came with your cup turner inside of your tumbler and firmly slide it onto the dowel rod of your cup turner.

Note:

Make sure the edges of the tape are easily accessible. You don’t want to have to dig them out of the cup later with epoxy all over it.

Step 7

Now mix 1 ounce each of your casting resin parts A and B in your measuring cup. Then cover your entire tumbler with a thin coat of resin.

You will have to turn your cup periodically as you go (and it will be messy so make sure that you do it on a protected surface).

Note:

Be sure to wear gloves any time you are working with epoxy.

Step 8

After your tumbler is coated in resin, turn on your cup turner and set a timer for 40 minutes.

Resin Covered Blue Glitter Tumbler on Cup Turner Dowel Rod - Craft Rocker

Step 9

When 40 minutes is up, remove the tape around the top and bottom. Continue leaving turner running for at least 8 hours.

Step 10

After 8 hours you can move the tumbler to the upright dowel rod on your cup turner to continue curing for another 15 hours.

Painters Tape on Ends of Blue Glitter Resin Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 11

Once the tumbler is finished curing, again tape the top and bottom but this time leave a small gap between the tape edge and the glitter edge.

UK Sticker on Blue Glitter Resin Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 12

Next, add your vinyl sticker (or stickers) to the mug. I recommend using a brayer or similar tool to smooth out any air bubbles in the images before moving on.

UK Blue Glitter Resin Tumbler on Cup Turner - Craft Rocker

Step 13

Again, place your tumbler on the cup turner but do not turn it on yet.

Coat of Resin on UK Blue Glitter Resin Tumbler on Cup Turner - Craft Rocker

Step 14

Mix up a second batch of resin as you did in step 7 and cover your tumbler in a second coat of epoxy.

Step 15

Then set another timer for 40 minutes.

Step 16

When your timer goes off, carefully remove the tape from the top and bottom of your tumbler and allow it to continue turning.

Close Up of UK Resin Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 17

You can leave your tumbler on the turner for 23 hours or you can take it off after 8 and allow it to finish curing on the upright, second dowel rod.

Close Up of Personalized Shell Glitter Tumbler - Craft Rocker

How to Make a Personalized Glitter Tumbler

You can also make personalized glitter tumblers using vinyl and your Cricut cutting machine.

You want to be sure to use permanent vinyl and because you have to sand this one, I also recommend using Mod Podge to adhere your glitter to the cup instead of spray adhesive.

Materials Needed

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Mod Podge Adhesive (I used glossy)

  • Small Flat Paint Brush

  • 2 Part Casting Resin

  • Measuring Cup for Measuring and Mixing Epoxy

  • Wood Stick (also for mixing epoxy)

  • Protective Gloves

  • 1/2 Inch to 1 Inch Wide Painters Tape

  • Glitter in Color of Choice

  • SVG or Cut File of Choice

  • Cricut Cutting Machine

  • Permanent Vinyl

  • Cricut Cutting Mat

  • Weeding Tool

  • Transfer Tape

  • Glitter Tray

  • Fine Grit Sand Paper (400 or above)

Close Up of Hand Holding Stainless Steel Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 1

First, clean your tumbler with rubbing alcohol so that your glitter sticks well.

Close Up of Stainless Steel Tumbler with Tape on the Ends - Craft Rocker

Step 2

Next, tape the top and bottom of your cup. Again, you don’t need to tape more than 1/2 inch from the lip and base of the cup.

Stainless Steel Tumbler with Tape on the Ends Covered in Mod Podge - Craft Rocker

Step 3

Once your tumbler is taped, use your paint brush to cover it in Mod Podge.

Teal Glitter on Stainless Steel Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 4

Then hold your tumbler over your glitter tray and cover the entire thing with glitter, shaking off the excess as you go.

Step 5

After your tumbler is covered in glitter, set it aside to dry. Return the excess glitter in your tray to the container.

Step 6

When your Mod Podge is dry, add a second coat of it to your tumbler and again cover it in glitter.

Step 7

Allow the Mod Podge to dry a second time.

Step 8

While your tumbler dries, pull out your Cricut machine and open up Design Space.

Step 9

Add your vinyl face up to your cutting mat and load it into the machine.

Shell Monogram on Cricut Design Space Canvas - Craft Rocker

Step 10

Then upload or open your cut file in a new project. Resize it to fit on your tumbler on the canvas and hit the “Make It” button.

Be sure to select the correct material on the cut screen or on the dial of your Cricut depending on which machine you use. Then cut out your design.

Hand Holding Cut Piece of Vinyl - Craft Rocker
Hand Holding Weeded Vinyl Design next to Weeding Tool - Craft Rocker

Step 11

After your design is cut, unload your cutting mat from the machine and weed your design.

Transfer Tape Over Weeded Vinyl Design - Craft Rocker

Step 12

Then cover your clean design with transfer tape and set it aside for now.

Tape Removed from Teal Glitter Stainless Steel Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 13

After your Mod Podge is dry, remove your painters tape. If it is pulling up your glitter and Mod Podge, go over the seam with an XActo knife as you pull so that you have a clean edge.

Hand Holding Sanded Teal Glitter Stainless Steel Tumbler next to Sand Paper - Craft Rocker

Step 14

Next, sand your tumbler with a fine grit sand paper. Then gently wipe away any excess dust or glitter from your tumbler.

Hand Holding Vinyl Design on Transfer Tape - Craft Rocker
Hand Holding Glitter Tumbler with Vinyl Design on It - Craft Rocker

Step 15

Once your tumbler is sanded and wiped, grab your vinyl design and attach it to the tumbler. Make sure it is firmly pressed onto the glitter surface.

Hand Holding Taped Glitter Tumbler with Vinyl Design on It - Craft Rocker

Step 16

Then, re-tape your tumbler with the a small gap between the tape’s edge and the glitter edge. Then place the foam cylinder inside of your tumbler and place your tumbler on your cup turner.

Note:

Again, make sure the edges of the tape are easily accessible. You don’t want to have to dig them out of the cup later with epoxy all over it.

Step 17

Now mix 1 ounce each of your casting resin parts A and B in your measuring cup. Then cover your entire tumbler with a coat of resin.

You will have to turn your cup periodically as you go and it will be messy. Make sure that you do it on a protected surface, preferably a non-stick mat of some sort.

Note:

It’s important to wear gloves any time you are working with epoxy.

Step 18

After your tumbler is coated in resin, turn on your cup turner and set a timer for 40 minutes.

Step 19

When your timer goes off, very carefully remove the tape from your tumbler. Continue turning your tumbler for at least 8 hours before removing from your cup turner.

Monogramed Shell Glitter Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 20

Allow your tumbler to completely cure (at least 24 hours total) before washing and using.

Ombre Glitter Tumbler on Wood Background - Craft Rocker

How to Make an Ombre Glitter Tumbler

Once you know the basics of how to make glitter tumblers, it’s fun to start experimenting. Find out how to make an ombre glitter tumbler easily with these step-by-step instructions!

Materials Needed

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Mod Podge Adhesive (I used glossy)

  • Small Flat Paint Brush

  • 2 Part Casting Resin

  • Measuring Cup for Measuring and Mixing Epoxy

  • Wood Stick (also for mixing epoxy)

  • Protective Gloves

  • 1/2 Inch to 1 Inch Wide Painters Tape

  • 3 Different Shades of Glitter in the Same Color (I used White, Light Pink, and Dark Pink)

  • Chunky Glitter in the Darkest Shade of Your Above Colors

  • Glitter Tray

  • Fine Grit Sand Paper (400 or above)

Step 1

Start by cleaning your tumbler with rubbing alcohol so that your glitter sticks well.

Hand Holding Taped Tumbler over Glitter Tray - Craft Rocker

Step 2

Then, tape the top and bottom of your cup with painters tape. You only need to tape about 1/2 inch from the lip and base of the cup. See the photo for reference.

Step 3

After your tumbler is taped, use your paint brush to cover it in a coat Mod Podge.

Hand Holding Taped Ombre Glitter Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 4

Then hold your tumbler over your glitter tray and cover the top 1/3 of your tumbler with the lightest shade of glitter (for me, white).

Shake off the excess glitter into the glitter tray as you go. After it is covered, return the excess glitter in your tray to the container.

Step 5

Next cover the middle 1/3 of the cup in the second lightest shade of glitter (mine was light pink). Again, shake off the excess glitter as your go and return it to the container when you’re done.

Step 6

Lastly, cover the bottom 1/3 of your tumbler in the darkest shade of glitter (dark pink for me) and shake off the excess glitter. Return the excess glitter in the tray to your container when you finish.

Step 7

After your tumbler is covered in glitter, set it aside to dry completely.

Step 8

When your Mod Podge is dry, add a second coat of it to your tumbler and again cover it in glitter as you did in step 4 through 7.

Step 9

Allow the Mod Podge to dry a second time.

Close Up of Second Coat of Mod Podge on Top Third of Tumbler - Craft Rocker

Step 10

Next, add a 3rd layer of Mod Podge just to the top 1/3 of your tumbler. Then sprinkle on some chunky, holographic glitter.

Again, allow your tumbler to dry completely before moving on.

Close Up of Ombre Glitter Tumbler With Chunky Glitter on Top Third - Craft Rocker

Step 11

After your Mod Podge is dry, carefully remove your painters tape.

Tip:

If the tape is pulling up your glitter and Mod Podge, go over the seam with an XActo knife as you pull so that you have a clean edge.

Step 14

Then sand your tumbler with a fine grit sand paper paying close attention to the chunky glitter area. Afterward, gently wipe away any excess dust or glitter from your tumbler.

Ombre Glitter Tumbler on Cup Turner next to Hand Holding Cup of Resin - Craft Rocker

Step 15

Next, re-tape your tumbler with painters tape. Be sure to leave a small gap between the tape’s edge and the glitter edge on both ends.

Then place the foam cylinder inside of your tumbler and put your tumbler on your cup turner.

Note:

As always, make sure the edges of the tape are easily accessible so you don’t have to dig them out of the cup later with epoxy all over it.

Resin on Ombre Glitter Tumbler on Cup Turner - Craft Rocker

Step 17

Now mix 1 ounce each of your casting resin parts A and B in your measuring cup. Then cover your entire tumbler with resin.

Turn your cup periodically as needed to make sure it is completely covered. This step is messy so do it on a protected surface, preferably a non-stick mat of some sort.

Note:

Remember to wear protective gloves any time you are working with epoxy.

Step 18

After your tumbler is coated in resin, turn on your cup turner and set a timer for 40 minutes.

Step 19

When the 40 minute timer goes off, carefully remove the tape from your tumbler. Continue turning it for at least 8 hours before removing from your cup turner.

Close Up of Ombre Glitter Tumbler on Wood Background - Craft Rocker

Step 20

Allow your tumbler to completely cure (at least 24 hours total) before washing and using.

Glitter Tumblers Next to Each Other on Wood Background - Craft Rocker

FAQ’s and Tips for Success

How many layers of glitter does a tumbler need?

There is no hard and fast rule for how many layers of glitter a tumbler needs. I found that the adhesive you use will also alter the number of layers needed.

For example, the tumblers with Mod Podge only (no resin) needed 4 coats of glitter. The tumbler I made with spray adhesive only needed 2.

White Spray Painted Tumbler - Craft Rocker
Paint and Glitter Peeled Off Tumbler - Craft Rocker

How do you prep a tumbler for glitter?

The first thing you need to do to prepare a tumbler for glitter is clean it. After it’s dry, tape off the top and bottom of the tumbler. Then you can add your first layer of adhesive and glitter.

Some tutorials will tell you to spray paint the tumbler first but I found no real value in this. In fact, even with spray paint specifically for use on metal, the paint came off after applying the Mod Podge and glitter.

What is the best adhesive for glitter tumblers?

The best adhesive for glitter tumblers depends on what you are planning to make. Spray adhesives, like Loctite, make it so that you need less coats of glitter. However, you can’t really sand them without the glitter coming off.

If you want to apply an image, I recommend using Mod Podge to adhere your glitter. You might need more coats of glitter, but it holds up to sanding better.

How do you mix and apply epoxy to glitter tumblers?

You mix your epoxy just as you would for any other project. Follow your package directions but in most cases, it is a 1:1 ratio of each solution (part A and part B).

Once your epoxy is mixed, apply it to your tumbler using a wood craft stick being sure to spread it evenly.

What if I accidentally get epoxy inside the cup?

If you accidentally get any of your resin inside of the cup, go over it with a fine grit sand paper after it has cured. When you’re done sanding, be sure to thoroughly wash the cup.

How do I make sure my epoxy is even?

Once I got a base coat on the tumbler, I found it easiest to turn on the cup turner and get my head down to eye level as it turned. This made it easy to spot gaps and bubbles in the resin.

Glitter Tumblers with text overlay - How to Make Glitter Tumblers - Craft Rocker

How to Care for Your Tumbler

Although the resin seals your glitter, I still recommend hand washing your tumblers. I have found that they last longer and retain their shine better this way.

It’s so easy to learn how to make glitter tumblers. All you need are the right tools and these step-by-step instructions to make it happen.

These make awesome gifts for so many of your friends and family for every occasion. Give them as bridal party gifts, for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any other combination!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Glitter Tumblers on Wood Background with text overlay - How to Make Glitter Tumblers - Craft Rocker

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