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Applying vinyl to a tumbler is a super easy and fun way to personalize your cup. Find out how easy it is to apply straight and make sure to watch the video tutorial!
Yetis and Ozark Tumblers are all the rage these days! There are so many options out there, that sometimes it’s hard to know what to choose!
I personally like the Ozark Tumblers or Built from Amazon or Walmart. They are a third of the price and work just as well. They keep ice and water cold for up to 30 hours.
They are amazing, it is the only cup I use anymore, for hot and cold drinks! I have about five different decorated stainless steel cups since I never leave home without one.
So along with being amazing tumblers, they are very fun to decorate. You can do almost anything and jazz them up to suit your personality.
So today I thought I’d share how to go about applying vinyl to a tumbler. I even have a video tutorial and printable directions at the bottom of the post if that’s more helpful.
Applying Vinyl to a Tumbler Tutorial
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from Amazon and/or Walmart.com. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links.
This process will work for either Ozark Stainless Steel mugs or Yetis.
You can purchase Ozark tumblers by clicking here. Or for 20 oz click here and for 30 oz tumblers click here!
Or you can always browse my Amazon storefront with my complete DIY Tumbler supply list.
The first thing you need is a vinyl decal. I cut mine out with my favorite tool, my Cricut Explore Air™. Weed the vinyl and apply transfer paper over it. (For more detailed information on this part see my post here.)
Next, clean the mug with rubbing alcohol. I just use a cotton pad and wipe it around the whole thing to get all oils off so vinyl can seal better.
Getting Vinyl Straight on a Tumbler
Then with the paper backing still on position the decal on the tumbler where you want it.
I find it easiest to use the Hinge method. Place a strip of blue painter’s tape down the center to secure it in place.
Peel off one half of the transfer paper and cut off the backing while holding the sticky transfer paper.
Pull the transfer paper so it’s straight and lay it gently down on the mug. Rub on the decal so it adheres. Then remove the blue tape.
Now that it is secure in its position, peel off the other side of the paper backing. Pull a little bit so it’s taught, and gently lay it down while smoothing it out with your fingers.
After rubbing down the vinyl you can slowly start peeling off the transfer tape.
There you have it. Easy peasy! Let the vinyl cure on the mug for 48-72 hours to make sure it sticks really well.
I will also run an embossing heat gun back and forth hovering over the vinyl and then press down really hard with my finger to make sure it adheres really well.
Just be careful, not to touch it when it’s too hot! Also, anything with vinyl should be hand washed. No dishwashers!
Tumbler Decal Ideas
Here are a few of the other ones I have made. Easy and fun! These make great gifts, especially for those hard to buy for people!
A Cricut machine can make so many personalized presents. If you want to check out my ultimate guide for Cricut ideas (think gifts, home decor, easy projects, etc) click here!
Taking It Beyond Vinyl!
If you’d like to learn how to seal your tumblers with epoxy, check out my tutorial here!
There are even more ways to decorate stainless steel mugs! Click on each image below to check out my tutorial for painting them different ways!
Spray painting stainless steel mugs is easy to do. Click here to watch my video tutorial on how I spray paint them without any prep work, like sanding!
If you aren’t sure if you want to jump on to epoxy yet, you can still make a glittered tumbler! Click on the picture to find out how! 
You can also use chalk paint before applying vinyl to a tumbler. I love chalk paint, you can paint it on anything! It definitely has a different texture but this mug has lasted more than two years. 
If you’d like to check out my ultimate guide on personalizing stainless steel tumblers and what I like to use, click here!
Here are the printable instructions.
Learn how to apply vinyl to a tumbler or mug so that it's always straight! Make sure to read step by step instructions with photos in post and watch the video! Permanent vinyl is waterproof but it can not be washed in the dishwasher or heated too long in the microwave. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Applying Vinyl to a Tumbler So That's It's Always Straight!
Materials
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
Have a creative day!
ETHEL NYGAARD says
I made two mugs as gifts for Christmas this year. I used oracal 651 on both. The lettering on the first is so smooth, you cannot feel it but on the second mug, you can feel every letter. I seems to be sticking fine but it worries me that it might not hold up. The only difference in them is I used different colors and did not use the mat for the one that I can feel. Is this normal?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hmmm, that is weird! If they are both 651 I am not sure why you would feel it differently. Make take a hairdryer or embossing gun to the second mug to heat it up and then press it down again to see if you can get it smoother. Just don’t touch it when it’s too hot!
ERICA MCCARTY says
I received a stainless tumbler as a gift over 3 yrs ago. I use it every single day. I have coffe in it in the morning and wash it and have coke with ice at lunch. So it is washed at least twice a day and always by hand, I don’t even own a dishwasher so there has never been a time it was washed in there accidently.
I lost a few little curly q ends on my first and last letters 2 yrs in but I just took a razor knife and cut them and they didn’t continue to get worse. Now 3 yrs in it’s time to put a new decal on. This was by far the most usable gift ever! So much so I bought decals from someone on etsy for my entire family and got my tumblers in today! Since I have no idea what I am doing I needed good instructions. You definitely provided them! Thank you so much! I will be working on them this week!
Leap of Faith Crafting says
You are so welcome! Yes, the permanent vinyl can last a long time but sometimes those tiny intricate decals can peel up. I hope your new tumblers came out amazing!
Cathy says
Have you trie the htv on the tumblers? If so what temperature would you set the heat press?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Cathy! Yes, I have tried HTV on tumblers, but not with a heat press. I use my iron for it. I don’t have a mug attachment for my heat press.
All Rise says
Hi Cathy: New to this. What kind of heat press should I purchase. I went to Michaels to buy an Air Explorer and was talked into buying a Silhouette Cameo 4. Now, all I do is stare at it in the box. Every class I’ve attempted to sign up with don’t do Silhouettes. I’m devastated & confused. Can you give me some pointers? Better yet, where can I reasonably purchase N. O. Saints permanent vinyl decals to put on tumblers. I don’t have internet on my laptop only on my phone. Thank you for any guidance.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Oh no!! There are a lot Silhouette bloggers out there. A girl and a glue gun and Sugar Bee Crafts both use Silhouettes and hopefully, you can find guidance there. I’ve never used one, so I’m not of any help. I’m sure you can find some vinyl decals on Etsy though!
Kimberley says
Hi all!
I just recently placed an order with a friend who does custom designs with vinyl, and got her to put scripture on my stainless steel water bottle, so there is a lot of delicate lettering.
I’ve had the vinyl on for about 2 months now and it’s starting to peel ????
Has anyone encountered this issue, and does anyone have any solutions?
Also if it needs to be redone what type of vinyl should we use?
p.s. I only hand wash my water bottle.
Kimberley.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Small intricate lettering is tough to keep on sometimes. You can apply heat to it with a hair dryer or embossing heat gun and push it back down. I always go over the small vinyl with a heat gun and push down right after I put it on. Make sure you’re using oracal 651. Cricut vinyl isn’t always that great. Hope that helps!
Dianne says
Your site is awesome I loved your tutorials. Thank you so much for Sharing. I just got a cameo for Xmas from my girls & trying to learn about it.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Dianne!! Thanks so much!! I’m sure you will have so much fun once you figure out how much it can do!! Have fun!
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Definitely Oracal 651 (it’s an indoor/outdoor permanent vinyl). Even though it is permanent it can still come off with heat. I always make a little note and stick inside that says “Handmade with love, hand wash with care” or something like that. I also run an embossing heat gun or hair dryer over the vinyl after I attach it and press down so it really sticks (don’t press when it’s too hot though!). Great gift idea!! They will love them! Thanks for stopping by!
Valerie says
I enjoyed your blog. I am creating a gift for the staff at my daughters school this year and want to gift the staff purple RTIC cups with a black paw print and their name on the bottom. What is the best vinyl to use for this?
Valerie Hofmann says
Im trying to see how you did this did you not reverse the cross before cutting?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Valerie, no, no need to reverse the cut. You apply the transfer tape right on top and that literally picks the cut image up as it looks. Then apply it to the cup. If the hinge method is confusing you can just take the transfer tape off the backing before you apply it and center it best you can before you place it down. Then just push the whole thing down and peel off the transfer tape. Hope that makes sense!
Debbie Owens says
This helps so much. I did my fist vinyl/foil project. The last layer want stay down in spots. Will the heat gun do the trick? Wasn’t sure bc of foul under it. Thanks
Joy says
Made some quite large glass mugs with vinyl decals on them for our wedding. They’d be great for beer mugs frosty from the freezer. Do you thing putting them in the freezer will harm the vinyl?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Joy! That is a good question! I actually don’t know that answer. It’s usually heat that is problem but I’m not sure if it would freeze …hmmm…let me know if you find out!!
Johanna says
Brilliant! So glad I found your blog! You have a new subscriber!
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful to you!! Vinyl is so fun to apply to almost anything!
Shelia says
What type of vinyl do you use on the tumblers. I have tried outdoors vinyl but it doesnt give me a smooth feel.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Shelia, I used Oracal 651. There is both glossy and matte. I hope that helps!
Crystal says
Thank you for this!!! Also, you’re so right about the Ozark trails! My boyfriend did a side-by-side comparison with Yeti, RTIC, and Ozark in an ice water challenge and the Ozark held ice just as long as the yeti!
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Crystal! Your welcome and thank you for stopping by! Glad to know the Ozark holds up in a challenge against both the Yeti and RTIC! I love mine!!
Lynda Woerner says
I wash my 30 oz steel mug (bought at Costco for $10) and decorated with Oracal 651 in the top rack of my dishwasher all the time with no problem. And it has a skinny font on it too. I figured I can always redo the decal if I have to, so why not give it a shot. I have been using it for months now with no issues.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Wow! Good to know, I scared to try!
Tera says
Did you curve your text? I cannot figure out how to get text on without it curving up or down.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Tera, no I’ve never curved my text. Smaller text is easier to get straight. Sometimes it’s necessary to cut little slits in the transfer tape to get it to lay straight on curved surfaces. Good luck!
Krystle says
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, but my Oracle 651 keeps peeling off of my tumbler. I’m cleaning it first and letting it sit. Please help
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Oh no! Is your design really thin? The only time I had a part come up was when it was a long thin loop. Or is it exposed to heat or sitting in water??
Shumaila Merchant says
What transfer paper are you using to transfer the vinyl. I am having problems transferring mine to the cup
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Shumaila, Thanks for checking out my post! I have tried quite a few transfer paper and the ones I like the best are Angel Crafts vinyl transfer paper tape or Expressions Vinyl tape. Some people use contact paper but that’s hit or miss for me even though it’s much cheaper. Hope that helps! Good luck!
Kimberly West says
Hmmmm…. I clearly don’t have my blade settings correct or something b/c I have a hard time getting my vinyl to the transfer paper when it is NOT on a cup 🙁 I have an Expressions 2… using Oracle 631. I have my blade on 5 and pressure and speed both on medium. THANKS!!!
Kimberly West says
Oracle 651** sorry for the typo
crazywoman2 says
I have the Expression (not 2). What is Oracle 651? Thank You
crazywoman2 says
Sorry, I found my answer below, after i posted my question.
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Kimberly, oh no! Finding correct settings is sometimes trial and error…ugh…. The explore has preset blade settings (it’s amazing!!) so I’m trying to remember what I did with my expression. You don’t want the blade to cut through the back piece of paper. I’d try the blade depth on 2 or 3 and see if that helps. Good luck!!
Erin says
Hmmm I have a Silhouette cutting machine and I mostly use it for making stencils. I am always worried about the longevity of a vinyl decal on something that’s going to be washed on a regular basis. I worry about dish cloths catching corners etc. Do you ever have an issue with that?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Erin, yes that was always my concern too. Luckily I have not had too many issues. There are different kinds of vinyl and I always use Oracal 651 for permanent use. The only times I’m had a few ends curl up are if they are really thin like on some of the long curly-ques of a letter. I have learned to try and use a thick font. Make sure to let it cure for 72 hours and I also use a heat gun over it and press it down again to adhere it better. When I have had to remove them I really have to scrape it off hard so it is stuck pretty good!
Norma says
Where do I buy Oracle 651, and is it permanent, can I wash the Tumbers?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Norma, Oracal 651 is an outdoor/waterproof/permanent vinyl. That being said you can always remove it if you scrape it hard enough. Oracal 631 is branded as removable vinyl and is better used on walls or places you’ll want to remove it at some point. You can definitely wash 651 by hand, but not machine wash. The high heat will melt the vinyl. You can buy oracal 651 from Expressions Vinyl, Amazon, and Ebay. Hope that helps!! Thanks!
Bibb Ingram says
I never have had trouble with mine. Don’t wash in dish washer and I also let mine sit without using for a while to make sure it sticks. My husband’s initials started peeling after 2years of rough use and being in the sun. I just peeled them off. (I think he was glad)?
lisa says
what does a 30oz tumbler normally would sell for with it ombre and decale?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
HI Lisa, I don’t sell them but from what I’ve seen, $25-30. Hope that helps!
Terri says
Thanks for the tutorial. I love the cross! Where did you get the file?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Terri, your welcome! I bought it from a Facebook group but I don’t believe she has a shop anymore. I’ve seen a few kind of close at lovesvg.com. Thanks for checking out my tutorial!
Casey Adams says
This tutorial helped me so much. Thanks for sharing!!
Donna says
I just received a mug like this with my name, it has very thin designs and looks as if it’s starting to peel already…,,anything I can do to seal the design?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi! Yes, thin designs sometimes don’t stick real well. Depending on the design, you can cut the very thin part off or I use a heat gun (one for embossing) or you can use a hair dryer and put heat on the vinyl and then push it down real hard. The heat will reactivate the adhesive and stick it back down if it hasn’t gotten to wet yet. I usually pass a heat gun over all my mugs and let sit for 72 hours before I use them. Hope that helps!
Niki says
Thank you for this!
Christy says
What kind of vinyl do you use for your cups?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Christy! I use Oracal 651. Let it sit for 48-72 hours before it gets out so it cures. It’s an outdoor permanent vinyl.
Lisa Dannels says
Do you cleary coat your cups to prevent the vinyl from ever peeling?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
Hi Lisa, Thanks so much for checking out my post!! No, I don’t clear coat the vinyl. I hear conflicting ideas on that. Most people say the vinyl needs room to breathe so it’s not good to coat it. Usually you have to scrape pretty hard to get the vinyl off unless it’s a really thin piece. Sometimes I’ll run a hot gun or hair dryer over it as the heat makes the vinyl stick a bit better. As long as you hand wash, I don’t usually have a problem!
Sandy Stephens says
Love your decals! Question: How do I use a decal with a double handle on my 30oz Yeti?
Leap of Faith Crafting says
I guess I don’t know what a double handle on a yeti is?? Do you have a pic?