How to Epoxy a Tumbler Full Process | DIY Epoxy Tumbler Series Start to Finish | Episode 4

[@lillianclark8960]

Thank you for being specific about the small details like type of sandpaper, suggested measurements of epoxy and all of the little personal hacks that you have shared. It’s frustrating when some videos skip over details and leave you missing components to completing the project. Thanks again, and I can’t wait to give this a try.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re so welcome! That’s exactly what inspired Kate and I to make this series. We felt like all the videos we watched left out a lot of important details!

[@jodywinters4862]

Thank you so much. I have watched dozens of these tutorials and for whatever reason you make it look so easy.

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@maggievanhassel5222]

Thank you so much for making these tutorials. I was so intimidated to try this craft and now am so excited.

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad this could help give you confidence!

[@clarascloset3394]

This is great information I want to start making epoxy tumblers.

[@trinitybutton5653]

This is awesome! I’m making a tumbler for my sister’s boyfriend for graduation and this is super helpful and informative

[@wenonathornton2772]

I'm glad you explained the trouble you have at the bottom and top of the tumbler. I thought I was doing something wrong. Also I messed up a few tumblers but I was able to save them. I used a electric hand sander and got all the color and epoxy off and was able to start over. It took about 20 minutes to get it all off.

[@JegErBrittnee]

Alcohol also removes the epoxy really fast

[@JegErBrittnee]

Alcohol also removes the epoxy really fast

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks for sharing your tips! You are definitely not alone!

[@barbarasims2129]

I'm newly obsessed with making epoxy coated items! Love this video! I really appreciate the detailed instructions!

[@DIYAlex]

I hear you! I'm so glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@nikkioneal4166]

The heat gun trick is awesome! I've watched many tutorials and I think yours has helped me the most! Awesome!!

[@DIYAlex]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you! :)

[@christinaallen79]

Thank for this video!!!! I have seen a bunch of titourals but none as informative. I need a hobbie and wanted to try this. Y'all have given me confidence to get started and have some fun.

[@domiyanamckinney5751]

Where did you get the spinner from?

[@cynthiasaucedo899]

Thank you so much!! It was very helpful ❤.

[@Dojautlopez]

Nice video. I personally sand the first layer with 1000 grit and 1500. Perfect shine before the second layer and same process for the second one.

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks for the tip!

[@wolfofbluehelix5491]

I agree. I just feel like I’m this you can see where the sanding was done and it looks scratched

[@tiffanyanderson6891]

You make this look so easy. Thank you for the tutorials.

[@maggieworthy8103]

Thank you for a great tutorial! I want to do some glitter tumblers for gifts--after watching your tutorial yesterday, I've prepped my cup and am ready for the next step. I've been watching lots of tutorials--so many different ways to glitter a tumbler--overwhelming for sure! Thanks again!

[@DIYAlex]

Maggie Worthy You’re welcome! There are many ways to do it, that’s why we only showed you one way to do things throughout the series. Feel free to experiment, but Kate and I both believe that this is the easiest way to start 🙂.

[@maggieworthy8103]

I want to prep some of my Ozark Trails tumblers that are colored. Does that require a different grit of sand paper? Would it be advantageous to use the same color spray paint as the cup? Thanks for all your help!

[@alyciawood7352]

I’m so confused you guys didn’t show the prep you started off by saying “ we’re back you had the glitter spinning for 4 hours and then you did the knuckle method”? Little lost im sorry

[@DIYAlex]

This is a series with 5 episodes. The first 5 videos of this playlist is the series: kzbin.info/aero/PLdqAY6wTCkWCeMGXrRhEhYsorONi7RDQc

[@KodiCoyote]

The prep was in the first video, this is a 5 video series

[@karencamille7910]

Very interesting and pretty

[@Integrity-Speaks]

Thanks for sharing, do we sand the tumbler at the beginning before we apply the glitter?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes you do! It’s a good practice.

[@petercluff4892]

Hello Kate and Alex - where do you get one of those slow turning tumbler rotisseries? Thanks.

[@DIYAlex]

You can get them on Amazon!

[@mdcow101]

This was super helpful! For a 1st timer lol thank yall!💚💎💚💎

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!!

[@KodiCoyote]

I learned that chunky glitter is for advanced tumbler makers and how to ombré glitter the right way

[@DIYAlex]

There’s more than one way to do things.

[@christinamaldonado8973]

Could you use this method with rhinestones

[@DIYAlex]

I’ve never tried it, but I’m pretty sure it would work fine!

[@SunShine-em4hb]

Hello! I'm new to epoxing and I wanted to know do I have to keep applying epoxy to the bottom of the tumbler everytime I apply it? I'm asking because some not all of my tumblers are coming out a little thick on the bottom and round. It's taking me a lot of sanding to get it flat again and some times I have to reapply glitter because of how much sanding I'm doing and it's never ending and I do not want to keep wasting product. Please help! 😊

[@DIYAlex]

You should coat the entire tumbler evenly, unless you decide to tape off the bottom and not put any epoxy on if at all. But it sounds like you’re putting too much epoxy on the bottom, all you need to do is swipe a little on the bottom. I think less epoxy will help that issue!

[@SunShine-em4hb]

@@DIYAlex ok, ill pay more attention to that. Thank you for responding. Have a nice day! 😊

[@jenniferlittlechild7600]

I have always wanted to do tumbler but so scared to do one but not sure but how you explain it help tons I saved the video just incase

[@DIYAlex]

I hope it’s helpful ☺️ the worst thing that will happen is you’ll mess it up and throw the tumbler away. That’s no big deal!

[@raileymartin3561]

I love how detailed your videos are!! What is your favorite brand of Epoxy?

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I am currently loving FX Premium, but there are so many good ones!

[@trendibeautique]

This video has helped me tremendously. Very thorough and I love the step by step process. My cup is curing as we speak.

[@DIYAlex]

That's so exciting! I'm so glad they were helpful. Best of luck on your tumbler!

[@gprewett9036]

Great tutorial! Thanks for the step-by-step all in one video; and love all the tips to help us do a better tumbler even on our first try.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! I had a hard time finding the whole process in one video that was a gold explanation but not too long, so I hope that’s how you saw this video!

[@gprewett9036]

@@DIYAlex Your video was just right. It covered all the important steps, details, and tips without being too long! Great job!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you so much 😊

[@fatimaarcaro8979]

Hi. Thank you ...i am a beginner and I don't understand decal I tried that site but there wasn't and cute pictures or words to choose from I don't have a cutter I won't be getting one I have a small one bed room home no room haha So can you help me on where I can get some like the word love, fun, happy days so on and pretty flower pictures also I love in Australia so I'll have to order anyway?. Thank for your time. ❤❤

[@DIYAlex]

You can try ordering custom decals on Etsy.com

[@fatimaarcaro8979]

@@DIYAlex thank you

[@calliebrunett-tarver1394]

Could you use alcohol pads to cleans vs. Liquid alcohol

[@DIYAlex]

Yes you could

[@joshuaworkman3549]

What are you using to spin the cup. What machine does that?

[@DIYAlex]

It is called a cup turner, or some will refer to it as a cup spinner.

[@hillarygrossman1273]

I have two tumblers that I’ve applied Cricut design to! What’s the process of adding epoxy to it?

[@DIYAlex]

The process is shown in this video.

[@devondecenzo2658]

Hello, what is a good turnner?

[@DIYAlex]

I am currently looking for a new one to recommend since the ones I have used are no longer for sale!

[@sofiajones8709]

Hello, what decal place you use in Shelbyville?

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t, I buy my vinyl from 143vinyl in Louisville.

[@carriepage3486]

Where do you get your labels from for the tumblers

[@DIYAlex]

I cut them on my Cricut machine.

[@hollybezembinder5443]

This is great- thank you! I wonder if little gauze pads would leave less residue than the cotton :)

[@robynsbabygirl]

What’s your best advice for a circuit machine? Wanting to start doing the vinyl but want the best machine

[@DIYAlex]

If you’re interested in mostly vinyl I would go with an Explore Air 2! It’s a great machine and it cuts vinyl just as well as the Cricut Maker.

[@juca1302]

Thank you for this very detailed step by step tutorial. Explaining the why behind some of your steps is great to help understand the method for this newbie ❤️

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad it helped! You’re welcome!

[@brandyamen3269]

Thank you for these video’s it has helped me learn about epoxy/tumblers with vinyl

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome!-Lindsay

[@trinitybutton5653]

Also, if I’m using a blow dryer, how long should you heat up the epoxy or on the top coat?

[@DIYAlex]

Just use it to get rid of some bubbles. There’s not a specific time/ temperature for heating it.

[@alanadewees4457]

Hi, I’m knew to all this and wondering when you mix part A and B what is it besides epoxy?

[@DIYAlex]

You mix it before you apply it to the cup. A and B are two parts of the epoxy. They are essential to react together so epoxy will harden.

[@grandmom201361]

Thank you for making this video. I appreciate u doing a step by step.

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@ashlynn2366]

I'm kinda new to hopping on this but, can you explain to me what you first put on to hold the glitter..? I've tried mod podge and all sorts of things and it peels off.. what am I doing wrong?😩 All help would be appreciated.

[@DIYAlex]

Here’s a tutorial on how to glitter tumblers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIDWq4efnbOCfZo

[@datMNboi]

When I make epoxy glitter tumblers. The glitter seems really patchy. Is it normal to do more than one coat? Would it be better for me to use modge podge or epoxy to adhere the glitter?

[@DIYAlex]

If the glitter is patchy, then you should change the method you’re using to apply it. More than one coat of glitter is fine if you think it needs it.

[@raequeriawelch4549]

Thank you for this amazing video!! I’m a beginner and it has helped me a whole lot.

[@athenaknight4674]

What did you use to get the glitter to stick?

[@DIYAlex]

Epoxy

[@annamariedisinger8789]

Can you use the waterslide paper as you decal and then epoxy again?

[@DIYAlex]

You sure can! Here's a tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKrWaWOjmdyVpJI

[@denisefoster3949]

I'm very new at this, my question is where do you get the decals for the cups?

[@DIYAlex]

I cut the decals on my Cricut machine.

[@nrrdgrrl4life365]

thank you so much for this tutorial! i wanna make epoxy tumblers for family members & friends, etc. but i had no idea where to begin. now i know so much! again, thank you [: also, where can i find blank tumblers?

[@DIYAlex]

The ones I like are linked in the video description.

[@2danniegrl]

Also- is the heat gun better than the spritz with alcohol?

[@DIYAlex]

It’s just a preference thing ☺️ I haven’t tried the alcohol personally.

[@lisie69]

Very detailed video. Great learning experience. Thank you ladies

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@michellewilliams5587]

Awesome video. I applied vinyl and vinyl became bumper. Don't know what I did wrong.

[@DIYAlex]

The vinyl probably wasn't well stuck to your cup and epoxy got underneath it.

[@ednat1777]

Love this I can’t wait Till I start

[@sarahaguiar8251]

How many coats of epoxy do you put on total?

[@DIYAlex]

It depends on the tumbler, but usually 3.

[@wolfofbluehelix5491]

With the heat gun does it take out all those bubbles that are in your tumbler (one in this video) bc it looks like the sanding job is being seen and idk the finished look seems bubbling and scratchy 😩

[@DIYAlex]

The sanding is supposed to make it look scratched. When you add epoxy over top of that once the alcohol wipes away the residue it makes it look smooth again! The heat gun definitely helps.

[@erikaoxoxo936]

This is so helpful I am a newbie. Did my first cup tonight but one of the glitters had a more clumpy texture and what should I do to even those bigger specks out of the cup before expoxy I don't want to mess the cup up?

[@DIYAlex]

It sounds like you may have had to much glitter on your cup when you went to epoxy it. Next time brush off the excess before your flood coat of epoxy.

[@AmandaHenrikson-c6p]

What is the tool you are using to help spin the tumbler?

[@DIYAlex]

It’s called a cup turner or cup spinner. You can get them on Etsy, Amazon, etc.

[@strikegoldshave]

What grit sandpaper after the flood pour?

[@DIYAlex]

Very fine, like 220 grit and higher.

[@winxtwins]

So i tried making my own vinyl on a cup resin cup and well some spots especially wjere the vinyl is i can like rub my nail on it and it chips off. Why? Would it be ok to second dome it or would it be too bulky? Help?

[@DIYAlex]

Definitely try a second coat and see what happens!

[@debrayfreemanmcdowell7987]

If you don't have a Garage and not enough space can you do it out side

[@DIYAlex]

Yes but you need to prevent bugs and dirt from getting on your cup during curing. Only while the weather stays above 70 degrees F.

[@Tjcr2003]

Do U have a video that lists what is needed for a beginner to do this?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes I do! Here’s the list of supplies: diyalex.com/2020/05/04/epoxy-supply-list/

[@crisgodinez5876]

if the cup already has a design..like if it is already tie dyed..do I follow the same instructions?

[@DIYAlex]

You shouldn’t need to epoxy it if it already has a design on it.

[@kountrykraftsbyDeb]

when I do polygel nails, I use gauze pads with alcohol to remove the sticky coat. Have you ever tried gauze instead of cotton for your alcohol wipe down? I think it would work better for you.

[@DIYAlex]

That's a great idea! I'll have to try that. Thanks!

[@thesavgekids8593]

What tumbler kit do you recommend for starters?

[@DIYAlex]

I’m not aware of a specific kit, but I have an epoxy tumbler list of materials on my blog on www.diyalex.com

[@Laydeeworeblak]

Do you sand the glitter until smooth?

[@DIYAlex]

Never sand directly on glitter. Only on a coat of epoxy.

[@flashovr24]

Denatured alcohol in a spray bottle using light misting, then waiting about 3-5 mins, will also get rid of all bubbles and/or surface tension bubbles as well. This might be a better option with plastic decals? Great detailed video though ladies. Thank you.

[@DIYAlex]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@peppermae1]

If I missed it, I apologize. How long do you let the epoxy set before you apply the second coat? Do you let it completely cure for a day or two before the next application?

[@DIYAlex]

Let it set until it’s dry and ideally not tacky anymore. The time will vary based on epoxy brand and weather.

[@elenasanchez9080]

what epoxy do you use? does a certain glove matter? thank you good job

[@DIYAlex]

I recommend Alumilite epoxy for beginners. Use nitrile or latex gloves. ☺️

[@mrs.gardner222]

Where do u purchase the thing that make the tumbler turn?

[@Mro183]

If you google cuptisserie or tumbler turner you can find ready made ones or instructions on how you can make one yourself with some wood and a small rotisserie motor

[@DIYAlex]

You can buy them on Amazon now at a really good price compared to what I paid for mine! You can find all my favorite supplies on Amazon in my Amazon Store: www.Amazon.com/shop/diyalex

[@Kat-jy2ff]

And how do you seal the top of the cup where the glitter is where you put the lid

[@DIYAlex]

You don’t worry about it until you clean it up at the end. I show you how in the last video of the series!

[@KGwideangle]

you gave a link to everything but, the device that is spinning the tumbler. what is it, how much is it, where did u biuy it?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes, I removed the turner link because they no longer make this one. You can find hundreds of options on Amazon or Etsy.

[@kiaraflores4908]

Hi, I’m trying to make one. The first coat of epoxy was good but after I can’t make it again if I mix more than a minute it starts to get hard in seconds 😱

[@kiaraflores4908]

What am I doing wrong??

[@DIYAlex]

So that is called flash curing. It could happen because the epoxy is too hot before they start mixing. Are you using the heat gun or torch on them before mixing?

[@kiaraflores4908]

@@DIYAlex No no heat gun or torch, I was only mixing that two liquids together

[@kellyusher8351]

So it’s 10 ml total for the glitter layer, 10 ml for the flood layer and then 20 ml for the top coat?

[@DIYAlex]

No it would be more like 10mL for glitter, 20mL for the food coat, and 10-20mL for the top coat, but you’ll have to adjust based on how much your glitter absorbs the epoxy.

[@sylviadyerra]

Why were there so many lumps? Do they dissolve once the epoxy harden?

[@DIYAlex]

Where do you see lumps?

[@jenniferkeller3583]

Stupid question here but…. How do you keep the epoxy from going inside the cup?

[@DIYAlex]

You don’t, you just clean it out when you’re done. ☺️

[@emilyl151]

Thank you for the video! question - is it removable or permanent vinyl? Also what epoxy do you prefer or recommend? As well as a heat gun? Is it recommended or do you need it?

[@DIYAlex]

Either type of vinyl would work. Alumilite epoxy is best. Yes I recommend a heat gun. Mine is from Harbor Freight.

[@linzmiller24]

So I just got a Cricut and will be getting supplies soon to make my first cup. The video jumped ahead , after you both were talking, to the cup already being covered in glitter. How did you do that?

[@DIYAlex]

This is a 5 video series that shows you a different step in each video. You can find the series in the first 5 videos of this playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdqAY6wTCkWCeMGXrRhEhYsorONi7RDQc

[@madalynnhayes81]

Have you used the ozark tumblers since they added the rubber bottom? If so, How do you work around it

[@DIYAlex]

No I haven’t! I always use stainless steel only so I would order something else. I love to buy from stainlesssteeldepot.com

[@johnfarris5325]

Messed-up tumblers can be sanded down, primed, and done over. Try a steel wire brush on an electric drill

[@amigatete224]

How do you epoxy the opening of the cup? With out having product on the inside of the cup

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t do anything to prevent the epoxy going in and I clean it out at the end

[@shannonvincent3710]

I was wondering how long it takes for the epoxy to completely dry and do you turn it the entire time?

[@DIYAlex]

You need to keep it turning the whole time it is curing. It takes different amounts of time based on brand, weather, and how thick the epoxy is.

[@promisewilliams3053]

So what's the jel stuff in the cup

[@DIYAlex]

Can you be more specific? I'm not sure what you're referring to.

[@jessicae7229]

Can u use this epoxy method on a plastic water bottle?

[@DIYAlex]

Some people do but I don't recommend it so it doesn't cause cracks in the epoxy.

[@morganrogers2471]

I don’t have a heat gun, would a hair dryer work?

[@DIYAlex]

A hair dryer is better than nothing, but a heat gun gets much hotter and works a lot better. You can get them for around $15 ☺️

[@erikaorange7547]

How long do you let the glitter try and epoxy cure before you added the flood coat?

[@DIYAlex]

The dry time depends on several different factors. I would say to be safe you may need to wait up to 8 hours. Put on a glove and see if the glitter moves and when it doesn’t move anymore, the glitter is dry.

[@erikaorange7547]

@@DIYAlex thanks so much for replying!

[@LovinglfDesigns]

Thanks for mentioning safety tips. A lot of videos skip this critical step. The heat gun trick is good to know.

[@DIYAlex]

Of course! Yes it’s super helpful!

[@taytay2x1]

How long before you waited to apply the 2nd layer of epoxy from the 1st layer?

[@DIYAlex]

I waited until it wasn't tacky anymore. That depends on a lot of different factors, so I can't give you an exact time estimate. Just put on a glove and lightly tap the bottom of the cup to determine if it's still tacky or not.

[@sharonkeder9019]

Have you done this with a business card..love your tumble

[@DIYAlex]

I'm not sure what you mean by business card. Thank you!

[@sharonkeder9019]

By putting a business card on the cup

[@lkg.3786]

Where do you get your tumblers to make diy tumblers

[@DIYAlex]

I like thestainlessdepotcompany.com/

[@fatimahuerta7525]

Great video, thank you. I have tried a wood grain tumbler twice without success because of the micro bubbles. I have torched to take off bubbles without success. What kind of epoxy are you using? But...thank you for the tip on torching top and bottom of cup right after stirring both components. Will try that now. Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@DIYAlex]

In this video we are using Pro Marine, but Kate loves Artworks! Maybe you could try heating your epoxy more gradually. I know some people who buy tart warmers (like for candle wax) and put their medicine cup in that to slowly allow the bubbles to rise to the top.

[@gachamoongods3081]

Were do I by the trumbler cup what the best place to buy them from I what do is am 16

[@DIYAlex]

I like to buy them from Walmart (Ozark Trail brand) or stainlesssteeldepot.com ☺️

[@emilylloyd8687]

Do you have to sand between layers of epoxy?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes. Sand away any rough spots and sand all over lightly to give the epoxy something to grip the cup. Don't sand on the glitter without epoxy being over top of it though.

[@emilylloyd8687]

@@DIYAlex Awesome I just started making tumblers and have made a few cups but have not been sanding between layers of epoxy... :) thank you for replying!!

[@beccaf3982]

If you use a heat gun after the epoxy the second time do you still need to sand?

[@DIYAlex]

If there are rough spots then yes. Sanding also gives the epoxy a good surface to stick to.

[@ingredmejia7811]

Love your videos.

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@reginawilliams9545]

I have a question. I don't think I put enough epoxy on my first coat to sand it I'm afraid if I do sand it, it will mess up the cup. I didn't do the glitter, do I still need to sand before I add my second coat? I don't feel any roughness. Also if it don't feel rough do I still need to sand before applying decal?

[@DIYAlex]

Don't sand directly on the glitter. If you don't think it feels rough, then you can just add another coat of epoxy over top without sanding. You still need to sand before adding glitter and epoxy regardless. :)

[@jenniferstorey2193]

How do you ensure the epoxy does not get inside the tumbler?

[@DIYAlex]

You do get some epoxy inside the tumbler, but I show you how to clean it out in the last step.

[@bethanyesanchez6154]

what can occur when leaving the heat on the epoxy too long?

[@DIYAlex]

In my experience it gets super thin and starts to drip off the tumbler.

[@jenniferkrawczynski5825]

Hi! I prepped a cup and spray painted it. No glitter will be applied to this cup. After the paint dries, would I epoxy it, sand it then apply the decal- as you did for this cup in the video? Or is it a different procedure?

[@DIYAlex]

If you have it spray painted you can apply the decal straight to the paint before epoxy if you want.

[@hustlehardermommy9675]

So is the tumbler finished? Are there any more steps?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes there are more steps. The videos in the series after this show you the rest of the steps.

[@unpr3dict2ble]

How would you do a black tumbler, without glitter, with vinyl only? Btw, the tumbler was already black when purchased

[@DIYAlex]

Clean the tumbler and add vinyl. Seal the cup with clear acrylic spray and then epoxy. Just know that plain colored tumblers show every single bubble and flaw in the epoxy.

[@unpr3dict2ble]

@@DIYAlex thank you so much, and I definitely can see what you mean cause I'm seeing little indentions in the epoxy from the tumbler's exterior

[@doggogaming4344]

Where do you'll get your cups?

[@DIYAlex]

We used to get them at thestainlessdepot.com but now 143VINYL (formerly 651vinyl) carries them and that's where I get my tumblers!

[@doggogaming4344]

@@DIYAlex Thank you so much we are new beginners and Walmart's cups are really expensive. Thank you so much!!!

[@tammybeyer5348]

what grit sandpaper do you use for sanding the epoxy?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes, 220 grit sandpaper.