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How to Create Glitter Tumblers: A DIY Guide | The Craft Safe

Examples of DIY glitter tumblers made with different glitter colors and techniques

Hey there, glitter gang! Welcome back to The Craft Safe blog, where we love to make everyday items extraordinary with a touch of sparkle. Today, we're diving into the exciting world of DIY glitter tumblers! These personalized creations are not only fun to make but also a fabulous way to show off your unique style and keep your drinks looking fabulous.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to create your own dazzling glitter tumblers. Get ready to turn ordinary drinkware into sparkling masterpieces! And, as always, you can find all the supplies you need, including our amazing glitter selection, in my Etsy shop, The Craft Safe.

Why You'll Love Making Glitter Tumblers:

  • Express Your Style: Design tumblers that perfectly reflect your personality.
  • Unique Creations: No two glitter tumblers are exactly alike!
  • Great for Gifts: Personalized glitter tumblers make fantastic gifts for friends and family.
  • Hydrate in Style: Carry your drinks in a tumbler that's as unique as you are.

What You'll Need:

Supplies needed for creating DIY glitter tumblers, including tumbler, resin, glitter, and tools.

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler: Double-walled, vacuum-insulated tumblers work best.
  • Epoxy Resin: Use a clear, UV-resistant, food-safe resin designed for tumblers, such as Pro Marine. 
  • Hardener: (Usually comes with the resin)
  • Glitter: The star of the show! Explore our wide variety of fine, chunky, holographic, and iridescent glitters at The Craft Safe.
  • Mixing Cups: Disposable plastic cups.
  • Stir Sticks: Popsicle sticks or plastic stirrers.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from the resin.
  • Painter's Tape: For taping off areas you don't want glitter.
  • Turning Machine or Cup Turner: Essential for even resin application.
  • Sandpaper (various grits)
  • Optional: Spray paint (for a base color), vinyl decals, alcohol inks, other embellishments.

Let's Get Tumbling: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Tumbler

  • Clean the Tumbler: Wash and thoroughly dry your tumbler. Any dust or debris can affect the finished product.
  • Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the surface of the tumbler with fine-grit sandpaper. This helps the glitter and resin adhere better. Be sure to wipe away any dust after sanding.
  • Tape Off: If you want to leave any areas of the tumbler glitter-free (like the top rim or a specific design), use painter's tape to mask them off.
  • (Optional) Paint the Tumbler: If you want a solid color base under your glitter, spray paint the tumbler with your chosen color and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Prepping a stainless steel tumbler for glitter application by sanding and taping.

Step 2: Mix Your Resin (First Layer)

  • Safety First: Put on your gloves!
  • Measure: Carefully measure equal parts of resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. The ratio is usually 1:1, but always double-check the instructions for your specific resin.
  • Mix: Pour the resin and hardener into a mixing cup and stir slowly and consistently for 2-3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the cup to ensure thorough mixing. Avoid whipping or stirring too fast, which can introduce air bubbles. Proper mixing is key to a successful resin project!

Step 3: Apply Resin (First Layer)

  • Place your tumbler on the cup turner.
  • Turn on the cup turner.
  • Pour a small amount of the mixed resin onto the rotating tumbler.
  • Use a gloved finger or a silicone brush to spread the resin evenly over the surface.
  • Tip: Apply a thin layer of resin for this first coat. This will act as an adhesive for your glitter.

Step 4: Add Your Glitter!

  • While the tumbler is still turning, generously sprinkle your chosen glitter over the wet resin.
  • Tip: Work in sections and use different glitter colors or types to create unique designs. For inspiration on different glitter types and their uses, check out my blog post, "The Ultimate Glitter Guide: Types, Uses & More | The Craft Safe"! 
Applying glitter to a resin-coated tumbler on a turning machine.

Step 5: Cure the First Layer

  • Turn off your turner.
  • Inspect the tumbler for any missed spots and add more glitter if needed.
  • Use a toothpick to remove any stray glitter pieces that may have landed on areas you taped off.
  • Allow the first layer of resin and glitter to cure according to the resin manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes several hours, but it's essential to let it cure fully before applying the next coat.

Step 6: Mix and Apply Resin (Second Layer)

  • Once the first layer is cured, mix a new batch of resin and hardener, following the same instructions as in Step 2.
  • Turn on your turner.
  • Apply a second, slightly thicker layer of resin over the glitter layer, ensuring it's evenly distributed. This will seal in the glitter and create a smooth surface.

Step 7: Remove Air Bubbles

  • Use a heat gun or a small torch to gently heat the surface of the resin. This will help any trapped air bubbles rise to the surface and pop.
  • Safety Note: Be very careful when using a heat gun or torch. Keep it moving and don't hold it too close to the resin.

Step 8: Cure and Finish

  • Allow the second layer of resin to cure completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24-72 hours).
  • Once fully cured, carefully remove the tape.
  • If needed, sand any uneven edges with fine-grit sandpaper. You can also apply a final top coat of resin for extra protection and shine.
A finished DIY glitter tumbler with a smooth and glossy resin finish.

Step 9: Admire Your Sparkling Creation!

You've now created a beautiful, one-of-a-kind glitter tumbler! Enjoy your dazzling new drinkware.

Tips and Variations:

  • Vinyl Decals: Add vinyl decals to your tumbler before applying the final resin layer for a personalized touch.
  • Ombre Effect: Create a gradient effect by blending different shades of glitter.
  • Stripes and Patterns: Use painter's tape to create stripes or other geometric patterns with your glitter.
  • Alcohol Inks: Add a few drops of alcohol ink to your resin for colorful swirls and unique effects.
Various finished glitter tumblers showcasing different design possibilities.

Share Your Masterpieces!

I'd love to see your finished glitter tumblers! Share your photos on social media and tag us using #TheCraftSafe. You might even be featured on our page!

Shop The Craft Safe:

Ready to get started? Head over to my Etsy shop, The Craft Safe, for all your glitter tumbler supplies! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Have questions about making glitter tumblers or using resin? Check out our FAQ page for answers to common queries.

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