How to Paint a Yeti Cup or Ozark Tumbler Easily!
Want to learn how to paint a yeti cup or stainless steel tumbler easily?? I've tried all different kinds of paint and in this tutorial I show you how to paint one with chalk paint!
Hi Friends! My last post was about applying vinyl decals to an Ozark Tumbler or Yeti but you can also paint them!
There are a lot of different options on how to paint a yeti cup or Ozark tumbler and I have tried many.
I've read a lot about having to sand the cup because the paint won't stick and that is true with a lot of paints. The stainless steel is too slippery and the paint just runs off.
Yes, I've had it happen, ugh! *** (Update, I have found that spray paint works great now! Scroll down to check out tumblers I'm spray painted.)
However, I have found that using chalk paint works! It isn't quite as smooth as using spray paint because if you get up close you can see some vertical paint lines but I kind of like the look. It gives it some fun texture. I used a paintbrush and a foam brush and they both came out the same.
How to Paint a Yeti Cup or Stainless Steel Ozark Mugs
You can buy Yeti mugs or Ozark Mugs by clicking here for 20 oz or here for 30 oz!
These are really easy to do. Start by taping off the part you want to stay gray. I do a line on the top and one on the bottom so that the person's mouth is not on the paint.
I just line up the tape with the edge of the cup and wrap around. If you'd like to check out a video tutorial on how I tape off my tumbler click here.
Next clean off the cup with rubbing alcohol. I just use a cotton round and wipe it all over.
I like using FolkArt Chalk Paint
Apply all the way around. Wait a little bit and apply another coat. I do 2-3 coats depending on what it looks like.
I let the paint dry for just a few minutes and then remove the tape. I don't let it dry fully because sometimes when I pull off the tape it will pull some paint with it...eek!
I let that fully dry and then add my decals. You can check out my video tutorial post here on how to apply vinyl decals to the cup.
On this cup, I applied Triple Thick gloss to it but I didn't like the glossy finish.
After it dried, I ended up putting a coat of Matte Mod Podge over it so it reduced the shine. I added it over the paint so it doesn't chip off and the bottom.
On the top rim, I didn't add the sealant because I didn't want mouths to be on the glue.
A little leaked over, but I took out my favorite cleaner that gets everything off, Tea Tree Oil, and used a q-tip dipped in it and rubbed the glue off. You can read my post here on the magic of Tea Tree Oil!
Here's the finished product. I love how it came out! Please share if you have tricks on painting mugs.
Update, I have found a way to spray paint a stainless steel mug that works perfectly! Check out my post here on how to paint a Yeti cup or Ozark Tumbler with spray paint like these ones:
If you want to add some sparkle to your mug, check out my post here on how to spray paint a stainless steel mug with glitter!
If you want to learn how to make the ultimate glitter tumbler with epoxy click here and make sure to browse through my roundup of all my personalized tumbler ideas.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great day!
HI Aimee, I would paint your child's hand first with a good amount of paint and then press it on the mug and push his hand down well. If you are using chalk paint, it dries pretty quickly so an hour or so is usually enough time. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for your tutorial! Question, I want to do my child’s handprint on a mug. Do you think I could just coat his hand in paint then apply to the mug, or should I paint an area of the mug first then have him apply his handprint? Thank you!!
Also, what’s the dry time between coats? I apologize if you mentioned that and I over looked it. Thanks!
I think that's a great idea! He could also do thumbprint flowers or butterflies. I used triple thick for the top layer to seal it or you could use a couple of layers of regular mod podge. Mod Podge has recently come out with a really thick sealer so that would work also. Have fun!
Hi there! I want the kid I nanny to make a mother’s day gift for his mom. I figured she lovesssss her tea so a tumbler would work best! Any suggestions on how he (a 3yr old) can decorate it? My idea is to do a base layer of chalk paint, then have him paint his own design with acrylic paints (mixed with some modge podge) on top of that layer, and finally finish off by sealing with the modge podge. What do you think? Btw, how many layers of modge podge did you use to seal it in the end? I think I missed reading that part in your article. Thanks in advance!
Hi Angela, I use the Alumilite brand. I've never had a problem with yellowing and I've made quite a few white tumblers. All of the products I use are listed in this tutorial: https://www.leapoffaithcrafting.com/glitter-tumbler-diy/
Hi Angela, I use the alumilite brand
What brand of epoxy do you use or prefer? I've heard that some yellow or can show yellowing on lighter colored cups over a period of time.
Thank you.
HI Jennifer, thanks so much! They don't have to be. I've done some stemless ones that are not, but you can still feel the cold from cold liquid in them so that's why I prefer the double insulated. Thanks for stopping by!
LOVE your tumblers! Would any stainless steel tumbler work or does it need to be double insulated? I didn't know if you used double insulated for safety reasons or just a preference?
Thanks
Hi Carr, no, I haven't had problems with yellowing. I've made cups a few years ago that still look the same as when I made them. Not sure where they would be exposed to that high of heat though. We live where it's hot but I don't ever leave anything out in direct sunlight for too long. I think my mouth would burn from hot stainless!
I do prefer to use epoxy on my cups now, but every so often will still do one with mod podge. If your worried about the yellowing, then I would definitely try the epoxy! Thanks for stopping by!
I read that Mod Podge will melt in high heat (sun) and is not up protected and will yellow with time. Have you found that to be true.
Hi Roxanne! Thank you! I haven't tried acrylic. I am not sure how well it would stick. You can also spray paint them like I did in my other tutorial. Those are the two paints I've found that work the best. If acrylic works for you, I'd love to hear it!
Awesome! Gotta try this....i want to do a two tone one and this could be the way it works....i wanted to ask does it have to be that chalk paint or acrylic paint would work too?
Thanks so much Mary Ann! I personally never have but I have seen others do it and they like the outcome. Let me know if you try!
BEAUTIFUL WORK, CAN YOU PUT VINYL LOGOS AFTER YOU GLITTER?
Hand Wash Only!!
HI Thelma, Yes, you can still wash it since there is Mod Podge over it protecting the paint. Just make sure it never goes in dishwasher, hand wash only! Thanks for the question!
Thanks so much Wendi! Yes, it makes it easy to know which cup is mine now!
What a fun way to personalize a mug! This would be perfect for a family vacation so no one mixes up which mug belongs to each other. Cute decal too!
I loved the idea, but I have a question? can I wash my Stainless Steel Ozark Mugs after paint it?