How To Make Glitter Tumblers With Epoxy For Beginners?
In this tutorial, I will show you how to make glitter tumblers with epoxy beginners. We will use epoxy, a glitter mix, and glassware to create these pretty tumblers.
What is an Epoxy Tumbler?
The term “epoxy tumbler” refers to a tumbler decorated using epoxy. The most common use of this term refers to the specific process of applying glitter or mica powder over the surface of a tumbler or similar object, which then receives a clear coating of epoxy resin.
In other words, you put your object into an epoxy mixture and then let it cure until it hardens—this way, you can get creative with how you decorate your bottle!
Epoxy is a glue that hardens quickly when it comes in contact with air. It can be designed to be flexible or rigid when dry and has many uses in art projects like making jewelry and creating decorative items like these glitter tumblers!
What’s the difference between a regular tumbler and an epoxy tumbler? An epoxy tumbler has been decorated using epoxy instead of clear or colored glass.
Why do we need to make glitter tumblers with epoxy?
Why do you need to make glitter tumblers with epoxy?
- Glitter tumblers are fun to make! You can create your designs and use them in many ways. They can be used as gifts, and you can decorate your home by putting them on shelves or windowsills.
- You can create your unique designs with the help of epoxy.
- They make beautiful gifts, especially for children.
- They make incredible decorations for your home, adding a bit of sparkle wherever they’re placed! It’s’ also easy to make them yourself with suitable materials and tools!
What do you need to make glitter tumblers?
You can make glitter tumblers and drinkware with the following supplies.
- A stainless steel tumbler (you can also use glass)
- Glitter – as much as you want! We used about 3 cups, but it will depend on how full your cup is and how thickly you apply the epoxy resin
- Epoxy resin – we used a small bottle that costs less than $5 at our local hardware store. You can find it in the paint department or near adhesives and glues.
- Spray paint – Many different colors available at the craft store—and how easy it was to get them all painted without getting any on the table (or yourself). So if you want something other than black or blue, choose which would be fun too!
- Sandpaper (optional) – If your tumbler has sharp edges where it joins, you may want to take some extra time sanding it down before applying any epoxy resin. This will help prevent rough spots where lids might catch during opening/closing.
- Mod Podge (optional) – Mod Podge is an adhesive glue that can adhere items together and helps protect against scratches. If you want to make your glitter tumblers more durable and waterproof, add a mod podge layer over the epoxy’s top once it has dried.
- Vinyl – You can use any material that will work with your vinyl cutter or cutting machine if you have one! We chose vinyl because it was inexpensive and easy to cut out.
- A cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette – I used my Cricut Explore Air 2 to cut out my designs, but you can also use vinyl if you don’t have a cutting machine. =
- Tape for your design (if applicable) – If you want better results, I recommend using adhesive-backed transfer tape from Amazon or Michael’s that will stick better than masking tape and won’t tear up your project as much when removed from your surface later.
- A turner (optional) – This is useful if one of your designs has multiple layers and details so that all sides are adequately adhered to without any bubbles or wrinkles in between them.
What kind of epoxy do I need for glitter tumblers?
There are a few different types of epoxy available on the market, and you’ll want to choose one that is clear and has a low viscosity. It will be easy to spread but not so thin that it drips off your glitter tumblers and leaves you with a mess.
Be sure you’re getting 100% pure epoxy resin—not some other mixture that includes other ingredients like paint thinner, which may not work as well for our project!
You’ll need a clear top coat to seal the finished tumblers. I recommend using nail polish or acrylic sealer. Nail polishes are typically thinner and easier to apply, while acrylics require more structural strength but more time and patience.
When you’re ready to seal your tumblers, take them outside and spray them with the sealer. You want to cover every glass inch so no moisture can get in or out. If you don’t have a sprayer and live where it often rains (or if your climate is generally humid), consider using a brush instead of a rag or paper towel.
Glitter glue can also be used instead of epoxy if you need something quick-drying. However, it will leave some residue on your tumblers, which could cause problems when you seal them later (especially if they have intricate details).
What type of glitter should I use for my tumbler?
You can use any glitter you wish, but generally, the more sparkly you want your tumbler to be, the larger the pieces of glitter should be.
You will also want to consider whether or not you want iridescent glitter in your resin. If so, make sure it is an excellent type of iridescent glitter.
Iridescent glitters have been known to cause problems with curing because they float on top and don’t get entirely coated by epoxy resin. An excellent example would be using gold leaf flecks instead of flake pieces (which would sink).
Chunky glitters are best used with clear or white resin because they will help reflect light into the piece after curing and give off a glow from within appearance where finer particles won’t show as much detail or sparkle, as well as larger ones do.
When working with colored resins such as blue or red, it may be better for finer particles like diamond dust which will help create nice smooth lines throughout each layer without leaving unsightly bumps along those areas where there was no colorant added during the initial mixing process before pouring into containers for curing purposes.
If you still have problems with your resin curing correctly, add more catalyst or activator to the mixture and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. This will help boost the cure speed and how well it adheres to surfaces.
How to make glitter tumblers with epoxy?
Step 1: Tape off the top and bottom
Tape off the top and bottom of your tumbler with painter’s tape. This will prevent any excess epoxy from leaking out of your tumbler, which makes cleanup much more accessible! But this is optional.
Step 2: Spray paint your tumbler
Spray your tumbler with a light coat of white or metallic silver spray paint before applying your glitter, then let it dry completely before moving on to step 3 (or if not using white, spray paint as usual).
If you add glitter later, use something non-glittery as a base coat (otherwise, it can look like glitter soup).
You can also use acrylic paints if you don’t have any spray paint available, but it’s best to use metallic finishes if possible because they look more like real silverware (and less like plastic).
Step 3: Mix and add epoxy resin
Mix and add epoxy resin according to package instructions and fill up your tumbler about ¾ complete with polish before adding glitter (this will cause overflow when mixing in!).
Keep stirring until everything has been thoroughly dispersed throughout the liquid mixture, ensuring no air bubbles.
You can do this by hand or with a drill mixer attached to a stand or electric hand mixer (don’t use a food processor). Once mixed well, add the glitter to the mixture while constantly stirring until you achieve desired color saturation.
Then add any other decorative elements, such as vinyl decals or extra glitter, before coating with another layer of clear epoxy resin for durability.
Step 4: Apply glitter
Apply glitter generously to the tumbler and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before using or giving it as a gift. You can leave the tumbler plain, but if you want some extra pizzazz, apply a vinyl decal of your choice over everything else!
Step 5: Apply the final coat of epoxy
The final coat of epoxy is applied to your project’s inside and outside. Make sure you use a generous amount to form a thick layer covering all parts of the tumbler.
Place the tumbler on a level surface and apply a thin coat of epoxy to the inside of the glass with a foam brush. Be sure to cover all areas, including the bottom and rim.
You will want to be careful not to get any epoxy on your hands, as it will take days to wear off (if at all), so wear protective gloves if possible.
After brushing on one layer of epoxy, allow it to dry for about 10 minutes before adding another coat; this helps prevent bubbles from forming between layers. Repeat this process until you have applied an additional three coats total (including Step 7), allowing each layer to dry before moving on to another one.
It’s best not to do anything else during this step because vibrating or bumping might create bubbles!
Step 6: Clean the tumbler and remove the tape
Once both sides have been thoroughly covered in epoxy and allowed to cure completely (30 minutes should be sufficient), it’s’ time to clean off any excess glue with tack cloths or old rags. Then remove all those sticky blue painter’s tape pieces and enjoy your beautiful new glitter tumbler!
Once finished with Step 8, clean away any streaks or residue left behind by your fingers or brushes using rubbing alcohol, soap, and water!
You can check this video to learn more about how to make glitter tumblers with epoxy:
What to avoid when making glitter tumblers with epoxy?
When you are making glitter tumblers with epoxy, here are something you have to avoid:
- Avoiding glitter that isn’t food-safe means keeping your drinks free of harmful contaminants. The last thing you want to do is drink a cocktail and feel sick afterward because you have ingested something poisonous.
- Avoiding glitter not approved by the FDA means avoiding anything that might hurt your health or, worse yet, poison you.
- Avoiding toxic products helps prevent any adverse effects on humans and animals. Identifying if something is harmful may be challenging, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes down to it!
- Avoid glitter that is not lead-free. It’s essential to use a material that won’t impart lead into your food or drink, so make sure the glitter you choose is labeled as “lead safe.”
- Avoid using non-eco-friendly glitter. When shopping for eco-friendly materials, look for a label that says “recyclable” or “biodegradable” on the packaging.
How do you get the line straight at the top?
Using a ruler or straight edge is the easiest way to ensure your line is straight and even. Place the ruler at the top of your glass, just above where you want to draw your line, then trace along it with your pen of choice.
- Take a ruler, and hold your thumb on the side of the glass to keep it steady. Then draw a straight line from one side of the rim to another.
- Use your hand as a guide for your pencil or sharpie to ensure you get a nice straight line at the top of your tumbler.
- If you want something more decorative, try using stencils instead! You could try using different designs in different colors or even draw them with permanent markers if you’re lazy (but don’t forget about cleaning off those stains!).
If you don’t have stencils, try stickers or decals instead. I used these adorable little flowers from the dollar store, which worked perfectly! Make sure that whatever design you use will stick to the glass without leaving residue after removing it.
Do you sand glitter tumblers before epoxy?
If you have ever worked with epoxy, you know it’s a tricky substance. It can be messy and difficult to work with, depending on the materials involved. However, there are ways around this if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort.
One of these methods is sanding down your glitter tumblers before applying the epoxy.
Usually, when people think of sanding something, they feel about smoothing out rough edges or surfaces so they’re smooth enough for painting or gluing. Sanding also helps fill in gaps between pieces and create an even surface.
How many coats of epoxy do you put on a glitter tumbler?
The answer depends on the size of your tumbler and the type of epoxy you have. Generally, one coat is enough if you use a small tumbler (3-5 ounces). However, you may need two or even three coats if you’re using a large or heavy tumbler!
If you are trying to determine how many coats are ideal for your project, experiment with different amounts until you achieve your desired results.
It’s better to use more than needed than too little; if there is too much epoxy left over after applying it all over your project, scrape off some excess with an old paintbrush and dispose of it properly by throwing it in an industrial waste bin outside.
FAQs About How To Make Glitter Tumblers With Epoxy
How long do you let the glitter dry before epoxy?
Once you have added the glitter and epoxy, you want to give it at least 12 hours to dry completely. The longer you leave it, the better. You can also do this in a warm place if you like; this will speed up the drying process.
If you are looking for speedier results, there are ways of using a hair dryer on a low setting to get your tumblers ready as soon as possible!
Are glitter tumblers dishwasher safe?
Glitter tumblers are dishwasher-safe. Just make sure that you place the tumbler on the top shelf of the dishwasher, away from the heating element. This will ensure that the epoxy is not damaged during a wash cycle, and your glitter tumbler will last longer!
Can you glitter acrylic tumblers?
Yes, you can glitter acrylic tumblers. The best way to do it is to use epoxy, that’s made of plastic. This will prevent the epoxy from melting or cracking your tumbler.
But you will need to use a different epoxy than the one you would use for glass. You can get acrylic tumblers for a lot less than glass ones too. So that’s a bonus!
Can you make glitter tumblers without epoxy?
You can make glitter tumblers without epoxy. You can use glue instead of epoxy or acrylic paint instead of epoxy. You can use a plastic tumbler instead of a glass tumbler.
The most important thing to know is that you won’t get the same results as you would with epoxy, and your project may not look like what others have created with this technique–but if that’s okay for you, then go for it!
How many layers of glitter should I apply to my tumbler?
The number of layers you apply depends on the type of glitter and size of your tumbler. It’s’ okay to go wild with this step—you can always start over if it doesn’t turn out how you want it to!
For smaller tumblers, I would recommend applying two layers. For larger ones, try three or more. The more layers you add, the thicker your glitter will be because each layer fills in any spaces between pieces and adds bulk.
Is it safe to drink from a tumbler covered in epoxy or resin?
You can drink from the tumbler and use it for food storage. However, it would help if you didn’t use your tumbler for food storage for a few reasons:
- The epoxy or resin may leach into the liquid over time, potentially making your food taste weird.
- You don’t want to risk getting an illness from using a moldy container to store your food (although this is unlikely).
If you want to use your food-grade tumbler for food storage, rinse it thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use. Use vinegar or an alcohol-based sanitizing solution to clean the inside of the tumbler (this will kill any bacteria that may have grown on it).
Why use casting resin for tumblers as opposed to epoxy resin?
Casting resin is thicker and more durable than epoxy, which is ideal for making tumblers. Casting resin requires less preparation time, is easier to use and clean up after, and will not create fumes or cause irritation if it gets on your skin.
Because it’s so easy to use, casting resin is the best material for beginners. You can find it in various colors and finishes and even get premixed bottles from some manufacturers.
What liquid do you put in a glitter tumbler?
While it’s true that you can put any liquid you want in a glitter tumbler, there are some things to keep in mind.
- First, as we mentioned above, alcohol isn’t recommended—the action of the epoxy may cause it to become cloudy or even discolored. (If you’re using an anti-fog solution for your glasses and tumblers, this shouldn’t be a problem.)
- Second, you have to decide whether or not you want your drink hot or cold.
- If you choose cold drinks like juice or water: You’ll need to shake up your mixture before pouring it into the tumbler because it will separate after sitting for any length of time.
- If choosing warm beverages such as hot chocolate, ensure everything is mixed well before adding it to each one by shaking vigorously first, then taking care not to spill any when filling each glass with hot liquid afterward!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped show you how to make glitter tumblers with epoxy for beginners. I would love to hear about your experience with glitter tumblers and if you have any other tips or tricks.
