How to Make a Snow Globe Tumbler with Sublimation

Snow globe tumblers have become one of the most popular trends in handmade personalized drinkware. But did you know they can also be used for sublimation? These tumblers feature a floating glitter effect inside the cup, while the outer surface can be fully customized with printed designs. This makes them perfect for both craft lovers and small business sellers, offering endless creative possibilities.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sublimation snow globe tumblers. It covers the sublimation process, the assembly steps, and practical tips to help you create professional-quality finished products.

What is a sublimation snow globe tumbler

A snow globe tumbler is a double-walled drinkware design. The space between the two layers can hold small decorative pieces and a special filling liquid. This creates a floating, snow-globe-like visual effect.

A sublimation snow globe tumbler takes this concept a step further. It adds a polyester coating on the surface of the cup. With heat and pressure, printed designs can be transferred onto this coated layer. The vibrant sublimation prints combined with the moving glitter inside create a more dynamic and visually layered look, making the tumbler feel more vivid, fun, and three-dimensional.

There is also a special type of snow globe tumbler with a dual-layer structure. The inner wall is made of stainless steel with a polyester coating, while the outer wall is made of acrylic. The inner and outer layers can be unscrewed, allowing the sublimation design to be applied onto the coated stainless steel inner wall.

Unlike traditional sublimation on the outside, this “in-layer” design creates a more embedded visual effect. The artwork appears to float inside the cup’s inner space. When combined with glitter or tiny decorative elements, it produces a more premium and dimensional snow globe effect.

Sublimation Snow Globe Tumbler Supplies List

• Sublimation snow globe tumblers: These tumblers have a special polymer coating on the surface that is designed for sublimation.
• Cleaning supplies: Use a lint-free cloth and 75% medical alcohol to clean the surface of the tumbler before printing. This helps remove dust, oil, and fingerprints for a better transfer result.
• Sublimation printer and ink: A sublimation printer must be used together with sublimation ink. When heated, the ink turns into gas and bonds permanently with the coated surface.
• Sublimation transfer paper: Sublimation paper is designed to release ink during the heat press process. It allows the design to transfer cleanly and fully onto the tumbler surface.
• Heat press or sublimation oven: A heat press provides consistent heat and pressure, making it simple and easy to use. A sublimation oven, on the other hand, requires additional wrapping materials, but it allows you to sublimate multiple tumblers at the same time, which is more efficient for batch production.
• Heat gun and shrink wrap film: These are used to tightly wrap the transfer paper around the tumbler. This helps keep the paper in place and ensures even pressure during the sublimation process.
• Heat-resistant gloves: Wear heat-resistant gloves when removing tumblers after sublimation. This helps prevent burns and ensures safe handling of hot items.
• High-temperature tape: Use heat-resistant tape to securely hold the printed transfer paper in place on the snow globe tumbler. This prevents shifting during heating.
• Decorative items: Common options include glitter, fake snow, dried flowers, and decorative flakes or charms. These are used to create the floating visual effect inside the snow globe tumbler.
• Filling liquid: A common mixture is distilled water and glycerin. The typical ratio is 75% water and 25% glycerin. This creates a smooth floating effect inside the tumbler. You can adjust the glycerin ratio to change how fast or slow the glitter moves.
• Syringe or funnel: These tools help inject the filling liquid into the tumbler layer more easily. They also help reduce air bubbles during filling.
• UV glue and UV curing light: UV glue is used to seal the stopper that is placed in the tumbler’s filling hole. When used together with a UV curing light, the glue cures quickly, creating a strong and secure seal.

How to Customize and Fill a Sublimation Snow Globe Tumbler

Sublimation Process for Snow Globe Tumbler:

Step 1 Prepare the Sublimation Design

Use design software to create a pattern that matches the size of the tumbler. The design must be mirrored before printing. Then print it onto sublimation transfer paper using a sublimation printer filled with sublimation ink. After printing, let the paper dry briefly before handling it to avoid smudging.

Step 2 Clean the Snow Globe Tumbler Surface

Use 75% medical alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove fingerprints, oil, and dust from the tumbler surface. Let the tumbler air dry completely before moving to the next step. Any remaining residue or moisture can affect heat distribution during the heat press or sublimation oven process, leading to uneven color transfer. Only a clean and smooth surface can ensure a clear and complete design transfer.

Step 3 Wrap the sublimation transfer paper around the tumbler

Trim away any excess transfer paper. Align the printed design with the tumbler and wrap it tightly around the surface. Secure the seam with high-temperature tape. Start from one side and work your way down along the tumbler, keeping the paper pulled tight and flush against the surface to prevent wrinkles or air bubbles that could affect the transfer result.

If you are using a sublimation oven, you will also need to place the tumbler inside a shrink wrap sleeve. Use a heat gun about 5 cm away from the tumbler to shrink the film tightly. Make sure the shrink wrap is smooth and evenly fitted around the entire surface of the tumbler.

Step 4 Sublimate the snow globe tumbler

Place the tumbler into a heat press or sublimation oven. Most heat presses operate at 370°F to 400°F for about 180 to 200 seconds.

If using a sublimation oven, set the temperature to 350°F–360°F and heat for at least 8 minutes. It is best to monitor the process throughout and rotate the tumbler halfway to ensure even heating.

The most accurate approach is to follow the instructions provided by the equipment and material manufacturers. Always confirm the exact time and temperature settings based on their official guidelines.

Step 5 Remove and cool the tumbler

Wear heat-resistant gloves to carefully remove the tumbler. Place it on a heat-safe surface and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once fully cooled, peel off the shrink wrap and transfer paper. You should see a clear and vibrant design permanently transferred onto the tumbler surface.

 

If you are using a dual-layer rotatable sublimation snow globe tumbler, simply separate the inner and outer walls before starting the sublimation process and follow the same steps above.

After the tumbler has completely cooled, place it upside down. Apply glue to the sealing area, then reattach the outer shell. Seal the inner and outer layers together, and wait until the adhesive is fully cured before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6 Assembly Process for Snow Globe Tumblers

1. Prepare the filling liquid: Mix glycerin and distilled water in a 1:3 ratio (75% water and 25% glycerin). Pour the mixture into a disposable plastic cup. Stir gently with a silicone mixing stick, then let it sit for about two minutes so air bubbles can rise and disappear.
2. Add decorations and filling liquid: Turn the tumbler upside down. Use a funnel or syringe to slowly inject the prepared liquid through the pre-made filling hole. Only fill the tumbler about halfway at first to avoid trapping air bubbles. Next, add decorative items such as glitter, clay pieces, or other inserts into the inner layer. Finally, top up the liquid until it is about 0.5 cm away from the filling hole, leaving enough space for the sealing plug.
3. Sealing: Insert the sealing plug into the hole. Apply UV glue over the plug, then cure it using UV light until fully hardened. Turn the tumbler upright and check for any leakage. If any leaks are found, apply additional UV glue to reinforce the seal.

Following these steps will give you a lively and visually dynamic sublimation snow globe tumbler. It is perfect for personal use, gifting, or even selling.

If you want to learn more about snow globe tumblers, you can refer to the “Snow Globe Tumbler Guide” which provides detailed explanations of the structure and different customization methods. It’s a helpful resource for exploring more creative designs and ideas.

Tips for Customizing Sublimation Snow Globe Tumblers

• Choose high-quality sublimation snow globe tumblers: High-quality tumblers produce brighter colors, sharper details, and more consistent results. Low-quality may lead to dull prints and, in some cases, cracking during the sublimation process. If you plan to start a business and want to reduce this risk, you can source sublimation snow globe tumblers from FASTSUB. Their wholesale blank tumblers are quality-tested and suitable for production use.
• Mirror the design before printing: Always flip your design horizontally before printing. The transfer paper is applied face-down on the tumbler, so without mirroring, the final print will appear reversed.
• Secure the transfer paper tightly: High-temperature tape must be pressed firmly against the tumbler surface. Make sure there are no loose edges or gaps. This helps prevent ghosting, blurring, or double images during heat transfer.
• Use proper temperature and heating time: Always follow the instructions provided by your equipment and material suppliers. Correct temperature and timing are essential for achieving the best sublimation results.
• Keep interior decorations dry: All decorative items used inside the snow globe tumbler should be completely dry before assembly. This is especially important for dried flowers. If moisture is present, it may cause mold, fogging, or cloudiness after liquid is added, which affects the final appearance.
• Avoid air bubbles in the filling process: When adding liquid, tilt the tumbler slightly and pour slowly. If bubbles are difficult to remove, place the tumbler in warm water at around 30°C for about one minute. The bubbles will rise to the surface and can then be removed using a fine needle or pointed tool.

FAQs About Sublimation Snow Globe Tumblers

Can any snow globe tumbler be used for sublimation?

No. Only tumblers with a polyester coating can be used for sublimation. When purchasing, always check the product details and look for labels such as “sublimation ready” or “sublimation coating.” These indicate that the surface is designed to bond with sublimation ink during heat transfer. You can also refer to our guide “Can Any Blank Tumbler Be Used for Sublimation Printing” for more detailed information about sublimation-compatible blank tumblers. 

Can you sublimate a finished snow globe tumbler?

No,  If the snow globe tumbler’s inner layer has already been filled with liquid, sublimation cannot be performed, as the tumbler may easily burst. Only empty snow globe tumblers with a polyester coating are suitable for sublimation processing.

What temperature is needed to sublimate snow globe tumbler?

Most heat presses operate at 370°F to 400°F for about 180 to 200 seconds. If you use a sublimation oven, set the temperature to 350°F–360°F and heat for at least 8 minutes. For the most precise results, always follow the temperature and time guidelines provided by the equipment and material manufacturers.

What is the best mixture for a snow globe tumbler?

The best ratio is 75% distilled water and 25% glycerin. You can also adjust the flow speed based on your preference. Adding more glycerin will slow down the movement, while reducing glycerin will make it flow faster.

Do you have to use distilled water in Snowglobe tumblers?

You can also use purified water, but distilled water is recommended because it helps prevent bacterial growth and cloudiness inside the tumbler.