Are you planning to upgrade your old grey tumbler? Well, you can use epoxy resin to convert your ordinary tumbler into an attractive, extraordinary tumbler. It will give your tumbler a unique sparkle and instill a new life.
Plus, you can customize the epoxy tumbler using different colors, glitter, and various other materials. Resin art is something that has always been popular among artists.
Epoxy resin can add a touch of magic to a lot of things, such as art pieces, wooden cabinets or tables, tumblers, or other items. Basically, it is highly versatile and can be used to manufacture different types of art and craft-related projects.
Epoxy resin is a mixture of two healing products that together produce a type of liquid plastic that can be molded into a specific shape and be used to cast countless things. It is durable, transparent, and easy to care for.
There is a variety of epoxy resin available in the market for use on tumblers. This makes it all the more difficult to make the right choice. Here, we are there to guide and help you make the right choice.
We have listed below some of the best epoxy resins for tumblers and a few factors you need to consider before choosing.
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Must-Have Things when working with Epoxy Resin –
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Table of Contents
4. ProMarine Supplies Art Resin –16 Oz. Kit –
After realizing how good it is, I initially tried their small 16 oz bottle and quickly turned to their 1 Gallon Kit. You can even try their 2 Gallon kit if you need more. It’s made from premium quality, non-toxic ingredients that are safe to use indoors and outdoors.
You get two 8 oz bottles, a Resin, and Hardener that needs 1:1 mixing. It’s thinner, but I can still get a good flood coat when required. Since it’s thin, it levels itself pretty well.
It has a very low smell that’s not overwhelming but still noticeable. I have used it on tumblers and never had any issues with bubbles or fish eyes, which is impressive. It gives up bubbles easily, mixes well, and cures to a crystal clear and glossy surface.
Like every epoxy, this also has added UV inhibitors that resist yellowing due to the sun. But again, you must not keep it outside, or it’ll yellow quickly. Once poured, it’s touchable in 6-8 hours and fully cures in around 48 hours.
Pros
- Non-toxic ingredients that are safe to use
- It’s self-leveling and has a low odor.
- I never had any issue with bubbles or fisheye.
- It mixes well and is easy to use
- The added UV inhibitors resist yellowing due to the sun.
- Available in three size options
Cons
- The odor is noticeable
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- Safe: Crafted with high-quality, non-toxic ingredients, this art resin epoxy clear is 100% safe for indoor and...
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3. ArtResin Epoxy Resin – Clear & Non-Toxic –
Made for art, this resin from ArtResin has worked pretty well on tumblers. You get two half-gallons, a resin, and a hardener that needs 1:1 mixing. Since it has thinner viscosity, you can quickly mix and use it. Make sure to mix slowly and efficiently, and pour cautiously to avoid bubbles.
Also, keep a small torch(or heat gun) ready to go; it’ll help you get rid of bubbles. If you can’t afford one, use a lighter, but you need to work quickly to bring any air to the surface and remove bubbles.
You have to mix it until it’s cloudy, which takes like 20 seconds, unlike others where it takes minutes. The thin consistency makes it level itself pretty well. It’s like working with water compared to the other stuff; I can work with it for 45 minutes, and it will still dry, smooth, and flat.
Once poured, it hard cures in about 24 hours, so you can touch it without creating finger marks, but you must wait for 72 hours until it fully cures. It is non-toxic, has zero VOCs, zero BPA, is FDA compliant, and is non-flammable; it seems pretty safe, right? Not really!
On their site, ArtResin has clearly stated that “Overexposure to this material can cause chemical burns to the skin and eyes and inhalation of vapors can cause severe respiratory irritation.” So even though they claim to be super safe, you should always wear gloves and a respirator.
This thing is UV and HALS stabilized, resisting yellowing from the sun. However, don’t keep your tumblers out permanently, or it’ll boost the yellowing process. One thing to note is that it has a shelf life – 1 year unopened / 6 months opened (approx.)
Pros
- Since it’s thin, it’s easy to mix and use
- It mixes in seconds, unlike others that take minutes.
- Non-toxic, no VOCs, no BPA, FDA compliant, and non-flammable.
- UV and HALS stabilized, so it resits yellowing from the sun.
- It’s self-leveling and has a low odor.
Cons
- Not as safe as claimed
- Has a short shelf life of 6 months(opened) & a year(unopened)
- Non-toxic when used as directed. (1 gal kit = 0.5 gal resin + 0.5 gal hardener)
- No VOCs. No BPA. No fumes. Non-flammable. Food safe.
- UV and HALS stabilized for unparalleled yellowing protection
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2. Art ‘N Glow Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin –
This epoxy from Art ’N Glow is fantastic. I have been using this for quite some time, and my tumblers are always even. It cures clear and rock-hard within 24 hours, depending on the temperature.
You can mix mica powder, glitter, or even glow-in-the-dark pigment, and it works out excellent. This epoxy holds the color well and doesn’t dull the shine or glow whatsoever, but you must mix it properly. So, before you start, read the instructions carefully.
You get two bottles, a 16 oz Resin, and a 16 oz hardener that needs 1:1 mixing. You must mix it slowly to avoid bubbles and get a flawless finish. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have that awful resin smell, so take the time and mix it gently.
You can still get it wrong and get many bubbles, so have a heat gun or torch ready to go. Once mixed, you have 40 minutes of work time to coat the tumblers. It has added UV inhibitors that resist yellowing from sun exposure.
However, you must never keep it out permanently, or it will fasten the yellowing process. If you want more quantity, check their 1 Gallon Kit.
Pros
- Cures clear and rock-hard within 24 hours
- Works excellent with mica, glitter, glow pigment, and more
- The epoxy doesn’t dull the glow or shine.
- It doesn’t have the awful resin smell.
- Added UV Inhibitors that resist yellowing due to sun
Cons
- You can get a lot of bubbles if not mixed properly
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1. Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin –
This is hands down the best epoxy resin for tumblers, made for artists and professionals. It has a thicker consistency that gets better coverage, self-levels easily, and allows an even, practically bubble-free layer.
I have made a lot of tumblers and never saw any lumps/bumps or pooling. You get two half-gallons containing Resin and Hardener that need 1:1 mixing. If this is too much epoxy, you can try other size options.
I love that the smell here is not too overpowering, and it’s VOC-free. It’s very easy to mix and use and produce a glass-like finish every time without using a torch most times. It also works great with glitter.
I tried chunky glitter, and it laid flat right away with little to no sanding ever required between the coats. It’s perfect, but I suggest you consider the instructions seriously. You have around 30-45 minutes of work time from mix to pour.
Once poured, it takes around 6-8 hours to cure to touch and about 72 hours to cure fully. To your surprise, the hard layer it cures to is UV, scratch, and heat resistant(up to 500 degrees), which is perfect.
One little thing I love here is the color difference between caps that help me quickly differentiate between the two.
Pros
- The thicker consistency gets better coverage and self-levels easily.
- I never saw any lumps/bumps or pooling.
- It produces a glossy, bubble-free, mirror-like layer.
- It doesn’t smell bad and is VOC-free.
- UV, scratch, and heat resistant
- The color difference between caps helps quickly differentiate.
Cons
- Nothing
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How To Make Your Epoxy Resin Tumbler –
Now that you know the best epoxy resin for tumblers, it’s time to know How to put Epoxy Resin on a Tumbler. Let’s begin
Material required – Tumbler, best-stainless steel, painter’s tape, spray paint, silicone brushes, glitter, gloves, missing cup, epoxy, stirring stick, adhesive vinyl, old newspaper, sandpaper, and mod podge.
1. Preparation Is The Key –
The first step is to prepare the workspace where you will work. Cover the table with a plastic sheet; it will help catch the drips and save you some time cleaning. Keep all the materials within an easy-to-reach distance.
Take your rotisserie machine-cup turning machine and place it safely on the table. Next, tape off the tumbler sections where you don’t want epoxy resin- basically the base and lip area.
Further, if you wish, you can spray paint the tumbler before epoxy resin to give it a more appealing look. Use foam to insert the rod from the cup turning the machine into the tumbler.
It will ensure that the tumbler remains balanced and stable while working. Connect the rod to the turning(cup) device motor and ensure that the tumbler is straight.
2. Measure And Mix The Resin –
You need to work in a well-ventilated room and wear gloves, a mask, and protective eye gear. Before mixing, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions on the product and measure and mix precisely and correctly.
It is essential to follow the instructions given on the product to get an appropriate epoxy mixture. If you fail to follow the instructions provided on the product, your mixture, time, and effort will all go in vain.
When mixing the tint, make sure it is not more than 6 percent of the mixture. Also, remember after mixing the resin with a hardener, immediately use the mix and do not wait for some time as the mixture will be hardened. After turning hard, it won’t be able to be used.
3. Apply The Resin –
Now turn the rotisserie on, and as the cup or tumbler start to move, slowly pour over the resin mixture. You can make use of a stick or finger to spread the mixture on the tumbler.
Keep on repeating this process until all the area you want is covered with resin. You can also add a drizzle of white to get a marbled kind of effect. At this time, if you wish, you can also add glitter to create a sparkly tumbler.
4. Curing Time –
Let the rotisserie on till the tumbler becomes hardened and dry. This can take up to 18 to 24 hours. Then, remove the tumbler from the rotisserie, remove the tape, and let it dry for 72 hours. Lastly, use sandpaper or a knife to smoothen the surface of the tumbler.
You need to rub the paper or use the knife gently to ensure that your resin does not come off while you are smoothing the surface of the tumbler. After everything is done, wash the tumbler carefully before use.
How To Add Glitter To Your Tumbler –
There are two specific ways to add glitter to your tumbler-
1. Make Use Of Acrylic Glitter Paint –
Use a brush, spread the paint into the tumbler, and let it dry for a few hours.
2. Loose Glitter –
First, to apply loose glitter spread some adhesive on the tumbler surface and shower some glitter over the whole tumbler. Both these things need to be done before using epoxy resin in your tumbler.
Which Type Of Tumbler Is Best To Use With Epoxy Resin?
The best tumbler which you should use with an epoxy resin is an insulated or double-walled tumbler. This is because any cured resin can withstand a maximum temperature of 120 degrees F.
The tumbler for coffee or tea will probably exceed this temperature, leading to the cured resin turning slushy. Thus, if you plan to use the tumbler for hot drinks, an insulated or double-walled is a perfect choice as it keeps the exterior cool.
1. Metal Tumbler –
If planning to use a metal tumbler, it is best to use stainless steel. The epoxy resin attaches better to a stainless steel tumbler and also does not require a coat of paint. However, if you want, you can apply a coat of paint as per your choice.
2. Plastic Tumbler –
You should definitely avoid using a plastic tumbler for your resin project as the epoxy does not adhere to it and, after some time, will come off.
If you, however, use a tumbler with a small plastic spot, make sure to cover it with paint that suits plastic. This will simply allow the epoxy resin to stick to the tumbler.
3. Ceramic Or Glass Tumbler –
If you plan to use epoxy resin on these kinds of tumblers, remember you will only be able to use the tumbler for cold drinks.
This is because they will absorb the heat from the hot beverages, and the resin will turn soft easily. These types of tumblers are only suitable if they have the exterior of stainless steel with the interior of the glass.
Things To Consider –
All art or craft enthusiasts wonder about the type of epoxy resin to use in the best possible manner. And what precisely to use on tumblers.
While searching for the best kind of resin for tumblers, always check the following features before purchasing.
1. Materials And Durability –
Epoxy resin is simply a mixture of two healing substances that create a durable liquid plastic together.
But remember, not all liquid plastics are durable.
Before making a purchase, you need to see the following features to understand its endurance.
2. Heat Resistance –
Typically, the tumblers use an epoxy resin that is heat resistant, so that is what you should check for.
3. Odor –
An epoxy resin that produces a foul smell can be challenging to work with as it will not let you concentrate properly. Choose the one with less or no odor that is simple to work with.
4. Resistance To UV Rays –
Very little epoxy resin demonstrates resistance to UV rays, which ultimately reduces the chances of yellowing. Such resins count as the best for tumblers.
5. Water-Proof –
You will use this type of resin in your tumbler, which is basically a beverage container made from plastic, stainless steel, or glass.
Therefore, you should look for a water-resistant resin as you would not want your tumbler to get damaged by water or other drinks.
6. Gloss –
Another thing you should consider prior to purchasing epoxy resin for tumblers is the glow and size. Gloss is actually the main reason behind buying resin.
The epoxy resin offers three types of gloss: crystal clear, high gloss, and mirror-like. If you want to give your tumblers a glowing look, it is best to invest in a high-glossy epoxy resin.
However, the crystal clear epoxy resin shines and gleams better. The mirror-like epoxy resin gives your tumbler a clearer and more beautiful look. Most of the artists go for glass-type crystal clear resin.
It will give your tumbler a lovely gleam and make it easier to maintain. Using a wet cloth, you have to just wipe the tumbler for cleaning purposes. Nowadays, the epoxy resin available in the market cove up to 25 square feet with 1.5 ounces.
7. Processing Time And Curing Time –
When working with an epoxy resin, the processing time and curing time are essential. Processing time describes the span of time within which a resin can be used after mixing the resin and hardener together.
In contrast, the curing time refers to the period after which a state of firmness is achieved after blending the components. Typically, the curing time depends upon the time taken for processing- if a resin has a short time for processing, then resin is completely cured after a short time period.
After some time, a resin becomes thicker and viscous, after which it can’t be processed any further. Certain benefits can be achieved with both short and long processing times.
Before purchasing an epoxy resin, enquire about the cure time. You need to purchase one that can dry quickly. For instance, those that dry in 30 minutes are suitable for small work.
You also need to look for resins that come with a hardener, which is a formula that ensures faster drying. So, investing in an epoxy resin that features a hardener is an excellent choice to save your time.
8. Usage –
Before purchasing any product, you need to figure out the use of the product. You need to know how you will use the epoxy resin on the tumbler.
Make a rough idea or plan in your mind, and according to that, purchase the resin. This will help you decide how much resin you require and what colors or type.
If possible, you can also search online on how to use epoxy resin on tumbler if you are a beginner. This will give you a clear idea of the use of epoxy resin on the tumbler.
Plus, you can also go through the online reviews and feedback on the resin for tumblers to make the right choice. This will give you an idea of how the resin will look on the tumbler.
9. Viscosity –
Viscosity is defined as the measurement of the fluid’s resistance to flow. When buying epoxy resin for a tumbler, you need to check the viscosity of this fluid. There are two types of viscosity –
1. Low Viscosity Epoxy Resin –
When we talk about the low viscosity of the resin, this means a liquid is undoubtedly thin and very flowable. So, if you need a resin that flows very easily, the low viscosity one can be your pick.
It is typically used to cast molds or to produce river tables. However, this type of epoxy resin is not preferred for use in the tumbler as they are very thin and flow easily.
You won’t be able to work with them to cast the design on your tumbler. Plus, they cure very slowly and require more processing time. It only hardens and becomes durable after at least 12-24 hours.
2. High- Viscosity Resin Epoxy Resin –
Many epoxy resins have a higher viscosity, which means they are thicker and durable. The high-viscosity resin is usually used in laminating or for coating surfaces. However, it can also be used to take projects in the field of epoxy art and geodes.
This type of resin is more suitable for use on tumblers. Lastly, when buying epoxy resin for tumblers, you can check the manufacturer’s description to see whether it is ideal according to your use or not.
FAQs –
Are Epoxy Resins Dangerous Or Harmful?
Though epoxy resin is considered safe for use, the liquid resin and the hardener include elements that should never be allowed to touch the skin directly. Direct skin contact with these substances can cause irritation and severe allergic reactions.
Therefore, it is best to use this project with epoxy resin in a well-ventilated surrounding. Additionally, cover your eyes with protective gear and wear a breathing mask. Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you use the resin.
How To Get The Epoxy Resin Bubble-Free?
First, avoid shaking the contents of the container before mixing. Second, try to maintain a steady hand while mixing the components, preventing the air bubbles from cropping up.
Third, it is helpful to pre-warm the epoxy resin and hardener in a container. In some difficult circumstances, you can remove the air bubbler with the help of a vacuum pump.
What Colors Are Considered Ideal For Coloring The Epoxy Resin?
The following types of colors are considered ideal for coloring resin- alcohol inks, powder color pigments, airbrush colors, and color concentrates in liquid form.
Further, avoid using water colors, as the water can stop the epoxy resin from curing completely or possibly hamper your resin design.
Conclusion –
An epoxy resin is a mixture of two healing components that allow you to craft amazing designs on different things. It helps you to channel your inner artist and create something beautiful.
Resin has gained quite a lot of popularity among artists. Using it on your tumbler will help you elevate its design and style. It will add a touch of magical appeal to your tumbler.