How to Fix a Messed Up Sublimation Tumbler

This video is about how to correct sublimation mistakes by un-sublimating and then re-sublimating a tumbler. If you've been sublimating tumblers, you've probably made a few mistakes. The good news is that you don't have to throw out messed up sublimation tumblers. You can bake off the sublimation graphic and then re-sublimate the tumbler using a darker image. We show you the method we use to remove sublimation mistakes in a convection oven and then test how well the tumblers re-sublimate.
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20 oz Skinny Tumbler: link.justmight...
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🎬 Videos for Reference
Convection Oven Sublimation: 10 Tips: • 10 Tips: How to Sublim...
Convert an EcoTank 15000 into a Sublimation Printer: • How to Convert an Epso...
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Use this information at your own risk. None of the authors or anyone connected with Just Might DIY, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible or held liable for any injuries or damages resulting from your use of the information contained in or linked from the Just Might DIY videos or blog. It is your responsibility to use all tools and materials safely and take all steps necessary to ascertain that information you receive here is correct.

[@JustMightDIY]

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[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

This is absolutely awesome. It would have never dawned on me that you could correct a error. This was very much like a tattoo cover up! Wonderful wonderful wonderful job!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you!! It’s SO nice to be able to re-use tumblers as you’re learning… 😄

[@brianduggan691]

I would check with the manufacturer to see if baking the tumblers that long will ruin the "hot/cold" insulation of the tumbler. If you are selling these, that could be an issue.

[@joyartanddesignus]

You are a genius. Thank you. I messed up four of my tumblers. I applied your instructions and now I have four new beautiful tumblers. 😁

[@JustMightDIY]

Oh this makes our hearts happy! We’re so glad you were able to re-use your old tumblers. Cheers and happy subbing!

[@86dcrafa]

Does this work in a mug press or only an oven?

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Awesome thanks for the tip! 😊Just Subscribed To Your Channel!!!😊

[@JustMightDIY]

Yay!

[@maddiek7583]

You just saved me so much money with this!

[@JustMightDIY]

Fantastic! Glad you found us!

[@michaelr2488]

Much appreciated! Great video with great descriptions. Thanks

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you for watching and leaving a great comment!

[@johinerman4729]

Thank you this is great! Going to try it today.

[@JustMightDIY]

Fantastic! Happy crafting!

[@laverngordon]

I am most definately going to try this now because my design last night messed up for the 1st time

[@sherlenaandersonward4952]

Thank you because lord ive messed up a good bit of tumblers

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re glad this is helpful!

[@bjmoore1712]

I should have searched how to unsublimate and watched this after I messed up my first tumbler. I just prepped it as if a non-sublimated tumbler, used 3 coats of shellac and then proceeded. I had a beautiful crackle tumbler...until I started sealing it with brite tone.....then colors from the sublimation bled through and I had to coat the whole tumbler with dark and glitters to be able to save. Now I know better :)

[@JustMightDIY]

Ha! It’s all a learning process for sure. We’re glad this was helpful and can save future tumblers, if needed!

[@johnniebarnes6956]

Ooooh! Game Changerrrr! Thank you!

[@JustMightDIY]

Of course! Thanks for watching!

[@najahsharkir4404]

Thank you both

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@labdogs42]

OMG this is KICK ASS! I had NOT IDEA I could do this!!!

[@JustMightDIY]

Haha - awesome! We’re glad it’s helpful! 😄

[@cindyboyer4484]

Loved your un-sub and re-sub lesson! I didn't have a clue this process could be done. I just started. I do have a question... My very first 16oz glass sub came out with the "sleeve" not coming off cleanly. I started to scrape but am removing the frosted glass covering. Do you have any suggestions?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We’re glad this was helpful! If you’re talking about the shrink wrap sleeve, that happened to us once early on, too. We just had to scrap the blank, as we couldn’t get it off. For the future, make sure your blowout paper fully covers what the sleeve touches.

[@tiffanygautreaux1128]

I did this to some tumblers today for the first time. It worked well except the bottom of my tumblers turned brown. How can I prevent this?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! It’s all going to depend on the design. Some will be easier to lift than others.

[@hannahwarden5313]

i used dark image on one of my tumblers. it messed up, can i still use another dark image to redesign the tumbler? another question, how many times can you resub a tumbler?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Thanks for your question. Whether you can sub over something really depends on each image (the original and new one). We haven't tried re-subbing more than once on a tumbler, but do let us know if you try multiple times!

[@kelseytull3929]

Can i use my kitchens regular oven if i dont have another option???

[@JustMightDIY]

It's possible, but the ink that gets unsublimated vaporizes onto other surfaces. This could mean that eventually, it's on your food and countertop, etc. Our rule of thumb is if it gets used for sublimation, then it shouldn't deal with food being heated. Hope this helps

[@evelynsomoza]

Thank you!

[@JustMightDIY]

We’re glad it’s helpful!

[@PYDLife]

you are genius! why we need lids on the tumblers when unsublimate them?

[@JustMightDIY]

While unsublimating the ink can go everywhere. Since we don't care to risk consumption of sub ink we try to keep it off surfaces that could lead us to consuming. There's no data we can find to say it's unhealthy but. . . Thanks for watching!

[@JenLapent]

So I have a few tumblers I am trying this with. I have put them in for literally 2 hours and they aren't white they are just more faded. My temp is 400. should i turn it up more?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Thanks for watching and for your question. Some designs lift better than others. Do you have an extra thermometer in the oven to ensure that the temp is correct? We’d check that first. As well as ensuring that your oven is on Convect (which keeps the air moving).

[@yolandacaldeira8708]

Have you tried this with a Glow-in-the-dark tumbler?? I messed up a glow cup but I want to make sure it will still glow if I do this process??

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We haven’t tried this with glow in the dark drinkware. Let us know how it goes if you try it!

[@sharmaineforrest4130]

Thank you for the video! What can be used instead of the silicone mat as a lid?

[@JustMightDIY]

Heat Resistant Tape would be a good go to. Thank you for checking us out

[@CowabungaEntertainment]

@@JustMightDIY Thanks!

[@babydzcreationz510]

Help, what if we don't have a conventional oven. What else can we do.? Plsss

[@JustMightDIY]

We have not tried anything else, yet. Definitely do not use a microwave or your food oven. We would either save it for later, make it a glitter tumbler or donate it at this point.

[@msjames4eva]

Loved the video

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you! We appreciate you watching!

[@labahyahawadah9788]

I baked mine for like two hours they never get this light !! This is awesome

[@JustMightDIY]

Oh wow! Thanks for watching. 😄

[@brokensunnier4098]

Well heck… I didn’t cover the inside of the two i unsubbed before~ and don’t know what ones they are at this point. Can I tell about the ink gasses post unsub?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Not sure if there’s a way to tell - maybe just try cleaning the inside of your tumblers really well. For the ink vapor we’ve found on furniture (desk, table, etc) from using our mug press, a good wipe down seemed to remove most of it.

[@thephoenixstudiowilliams5393]

I'm trying it today

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome! Let us know how it goes.

[@ValYo0623]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@JustMightDIY]

Of course! We’re glad it’s helpful. 😃

[@leonas2929]

Did you use the bake or bake convection button when fading the tumblers?

[@JustMightDIY]

We use the convection button. Thanks for checking us out. Good luck!

[@wendyb2939]

Was wondering if you could remove sublimation in a tumbler heat press also?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We have tried that. Our thought is that the air circulation helps the ink lift away.

[@wendyb2939]

@@JustMightDIY My thoughts too, still trying to learn which accessories to buy! Thank you so much!

[@djddkwd]

Have you came across problems where the sleeve wouldn’t peel off? It happen to me and don’t know what to do to get it off the cup. The design is good it’s where there wasn’t a design

[@JustMightDIY]

Make sure there’s paper underneath the entire sleeve, otherwise it will absolutely stick to the tumbler.

[@ItsMarieD]

Since you are using Hiipoo Sub Ink, can I PLEASE ask you, do you use an ICC profile code when printing or no?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hi! We do not use one

[@ItsMarieD]

@@JustMightDIY Thank you!!

[@Its_ya_fav_kaitlyn]

What brand and size oven are you using ?

[@lisathompson9585]

I have a few that are messed up that were dark colors can that be changed?

[@JustMightDIY]

It depends on how dark the originals are and how much of the ink you can get to lift. You’ll need an even darker design to put over them. We recommend giving it a try on one of them. If re-subbing doesn’t work, you can always try to sell them in the Happy Accidents Facebook group. Some people who do glitter resin tumblers will buy messed up sun tumblers since they’re going to cover them with other materials anyway. Good luck!

[@drt3377]

I did mines and I did tat same technique and I faded but I re sub- it again...no...I didn’t like the results you still can see the image. So what I did is I use another technique and it look like a brand new cup.

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome - how well this method works depends on the image you first subbed. Some don’t come out as well. What’s the other method you tried and liked?

[@ebonylewis98]

I have a question when wrapping the paper do you overlap the seam ? I’m having some trouble 😩

[@JustMightDIY]

We do a slight overlap but make sure to tape it down really well and press all the extra air/space out of it as well.

[@WinesGoneNatural]

Thanks for the info! What is the spinning thing called and where did you purchase it?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! That's a rotating display stand. We added the link in the description (sometimes KZbin doesn't like links going directly in comments). Check it out in the description, though. Hope this helps!

[@stormylavelle]

I have a question about sublimating on the low ball can cooler with the lip at the bottom. It looks like you cut out a separate piece for the lip. Do you have a video or any advice on how to do this? Thanks!

[@JustMightDIY]

Hi there and thanks for watching! We only tried that once and didn’t love the results. We opted instead to adjust our designs or use blanks that don’t have the lip.

[@stormylavelle]

Thanks so much for your response. Merry Christmas.

[@JustMightDIY]

Merry Christmas to you, too!

[@marshagoggin1507]

So why do you cover the tops of the mugs and tumblers? Also wondering is it safe for the customers to put mugs in microwave or will design just end up fading off? Thanks for the video and Thanks in advance for the answers!

[@JustMightDIY]

Great questions! As the goal of the process was to turn the ink back into a gas, we weren't sure if it would ultimately settle inside the cups, so we covered them just in case. We didn't see any significant settling of ink on the covers, so that may not have been necessary. We'll still do this as a precaution, though. As for the microwave question - that all depends on how hot the microwave gets. Sublimation ink tends to start activating around 350 degrees, so it's possible that microwaving of mugs could result in ghosting/fading of the ink if the microwave gets that hot. We haven't tested it, but it's definitely worth an experiment!

[@dgoddard]

@@JustMightDIY Most skinny tumblers are made of stainless steel. You shouldn't put metal in a microwave or you could damage it.

[@JustMightDIY]

@@dgoddard Thats a good call out. We were referencing the ceramic mugs that a lot of people sublimate on, so good clarification.

[@dgoddard]

@@JustMightDIY Ahhh, yes. I went back and read the original comment and I see the mug reference now. LOL

[@JustMightDIY]

Ha! All good. Safety is important, so we think it’s a good clarification to make. No metals in the microwave, y’all! 😉

[@tamiechiadenny-frank7899]

Can this method also be used for ceramic mugs?

[@JustMightDIY]

We haven’t tried it on a ceramic mug. In theory, the should lift. You’ll just want to be sure that the mug heats evenly to prevent breakage. Given that, we recommend you do some good research on safety precautions you should take if you decide to try.

[@Lisa_Zapata]

Do you think I can do something like this on a mug press by wrapping the mistake with butcher paper?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey there, thanks for watching! That is an interesting notion. We are not completely sure but we do know the ink needs somewhere to go. If we tried that we would put a layer of polyester cloth then butcher but we don't think it will lighten as much as the convection method.

[@Lisa_Zapata]

Just Might DIY I tried it and it didn’t work lol… but I’m gonna keep my messed up mugs. Maybe you guys can find a way to remove it one day 😊

[@JustMightDIY]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out well. So we have a baseline, what did you try? How many rounds of cooking it did you do? Thanks, JustMightDIY

[@bluepenguin067]

What oven do you have? I love it

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We love it too. All materials we use are listed and linked in the description. 😉

[@dany734]

Can this be done with glass?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Thanks for your question. We haven’t tried this with glass.

[@ritaurbina8281]

Can I use a toaster oven?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hello! We haven’t tried a toaster oven but have heard that they do not work. Convection ovens move the air around, which keeps the temperature even and aids in the process.

[@MKCraftsandFamily]

Will this method work on a ceramic coffee mug?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey there! Theoretically, it should, though we haven’t tried it yet so we can’t say for sure.

[@MKCraftsandFamily]

@@JustMightDIY maybe an experiment needing to be done! If I try I will video and let others know :)

[@JustMightDIY]

Great!

[@ropruitt]

Awesome. I have that printer and I get a few streaks in my designs. Do you ever get that? What paper do you use?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey there! The only time we struggled with streaks/pizza wheel marks, we were accidentally printing on the wrong side of the paper. 😬 We’ve had a lot of luck with the Hiipoo Sublimation paper, as well as the Johnson Plastics Plus sublimation paper. Hope this helps!!

[@therealgr8typist]

Can you do this with your tumbler press?

[@JustMightDIY]

We haven't tried it yet but have thought about it. If you can it will take several rounds and blank sublimation paper new between every round until you get what you're looking for. If you do try, let us know how it goes. May be a future video. Thanks for watching!

[@bossgomez8103]

Gorgeous

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank you!

[@ebonylewis98]

Was it on bake or convection ?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hello! It was on convection.

[@madelinerodriguez9357]

I have tons of tumblers

[@JustMightDIY]

We definitely know how that is

[@ljardell59]

Mine came out brown

[@JustMightDIY]

It all varies based on original sublimation and materials. Some you win and some you cover in glitter and epoxy. Thanks for watching!

[@julieannebatelaan5329]

Mine turned brown

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks for checking us out. That's new on us. Could be affected by the brand of tumbler or sublimation ink or temperature or time in the oven and brand of oven.

[@julieannebatelaan5329]

@@JustMightDIY 45 minutes at 400

[@julieannebatelaan5329]

@@JustMightDIY but I'm gonna try your method.....have you ever re subbed on the tumblers? Like take it completely off to the silver and then re subbed?

[@JustMightDIY]

There are still too many unknowns. We've messed up plenty of tumblers and when they can't be fixed they can be sold in Facebook group "happy accidents"

[@JustMightDIY]

@@julieannebatelaan5329 Hey! We just saw this other message and wanted to reply. What you see in the video is the way we've done a resub. We've never taken a tumbler down to the silver, as you'd have to bake on another sublimation coating before you could get to the sublimation part.

[@BearMaked]

I've accidentally unsubbed my mug. Every time I cook using the mug I sublimated, it fades a little bit more. I thought that was the soul of the mug press leaving because of the abuse it's taking, turns out it's just science!

[@JustMightDIY]

Haha - oh no! I was wondering if you were using the same mug. Did you at least have some paper wrapped around it so the ink didn’t get on the press?

[@BearMaked]

@@JustMightDIY I actually wrapped it in aluminum foil. Keep forgetting to get butcher paper, but that's been working alright

[@JustMightDIY]

Oh good!! You can use regular copy paper too if needed. Just some kind of barrier between your mug and the press.

[@aweirdguynamedjeff]

So am I supposed to unsubscribe and resubscribe? 🤔

[@JustMightDIY]

Bahaha - NO unsubscribing allowed. That would make us sad. 😢