How to Seal Vinyl on Tumblers

Plain tumblers look inspiring, whether as presents or for personal use. Decorating them with adhesive vinyl stickers makes them appear more artistic and visually appealing and adds a personal touch. You can learn how to transform plain tumblers  into personalized masterpieces here.

But what happens when the sticker starts peeling off? Sticking the vinyl on the tumbler is only the first step towards decorating it; it needs protection against jarring elements like water exposure or sun heat. 

Although some HTVs vinyl stickers are naturally water resistant, everyday use such as rubbing it against surfaces causes scratches and abrasions. Exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures and UV rays weakens cracks and fades the vinyl over time. Frequent handling also causes lifting and peeling over time. Sealing the vinyl adds a protective film to not only maintain its vibrant appeal but also enhance the tumbler's lifespan.

Each sealing method helps keep vinyl from peeling off tumblers in its unique ways

Tumblers can be used widely, especially outdoors, exposing them to both extremes of temperatures and UV rays. These environmental factors quickly deteriorate the quality of the vinyl decal. You should, therefore, be very deliberate about the sealant you use on it..

Ready to seal the vinyl decal on your tumbler? These common methods will give you the desired results. 

It is a non-toxic and adaptable product mostly used as a sealer and glue on finishes. We recommend Mod Podge over vinyl on tumbler because of its ease of use, and it comes in a wide variety of finishes, such as glitter, matte, and gloss.

It also dries up to form a clear layer over the sticker without yellowing over time, saving the vinyl’s quality for a long time. A few more benefits besides its versatility are its inexpensiveness and that it is available in different quantities, from starter packs to big bottles.

However, it has several drawbacks, such as a long curing time of at least 28 days for dishwasher use and limited durability compared to other methods.

Although it is non-toxic and safe on the skin, it might result in irritation on sensitive skin. Working with gloves in a well-ventilated room is recommended. Mod Podge is highly flammable in its liquid form, so proper storage away from the heat is advisable.

Using epoxy resin for tumblers requires a mix of two chemicals, resin and a hardener, to provide a coating. The chemicals are easily accessible in craft stores but might cause a considerable dent in your wallet. Different chemical brands have different viscosities and curing times (an average of 72 hours), but they will self-level on the tumbler to create an even layer.

When properly mixed and applied, the result is a smooth, durable, and thick coating. While epoxy has held up its durability reputation well, it is prone to yellowing after a while, ruining the quality of the vinyl.

The application process is complex and tedious, and if not done right, it might result in the formation of bubbles. You have to get your mixing stamina ready as you need to continually stir for about 15 minutes non-stop to achieve the best results.

Uncured epoxy releases harmful fumes that might result in health complications when inhaled. Use a respirator mask and PPE and work in a well-ventilated room to prevent chemical exposure.

Polyacrylic is your go-to if you want to seal vinyl on a tumbler without epoxy. This water-based sealer is relatively easy to apply compared to other methods, as it comes in either spray or liquid form that is ready for application. Applying thin layers lets the sealant completely dry off before moving on to another one. If done incorrectly, it might leave brush marks or turn cloudy.

The biggest potential downside when using polyacrylic for tumblers is the limited durability, especially when exposed to water or heat before it completely cures. 

Now that you know the common sealants, you might wonder which one is the best fit for different tumblers. But first, let’s go through the common steps to apply sealants on all tumbler types.

Step 1. Prepare the supplies 

Although the supplies might differ with different sealants, there are common ones you must have before starting the application process. Get your tumbler, the sealant, cleaning supplies, alcohol, a piece of cloth, a brush (if the sealant isn’t in spray form), masking tape, and PPE in a well-ventilated room. The tumbler should already have a properly cured and smooth vinyl design.

Clean and dry the tumbler to remove any dust and oils that might form bubbles on the sealant. Any adhesive remnants on the vinyl's edges should also be wiped off using a clean cloth and rubbed with alcohol.

Step 2. Cover unwanted parts 

Using the tape, cover all the undesired parts to prevent accidental spillages that might ruin the tumbler's final look. Parts of the tumbler that are textured, rough, or made of different materials might react differently to the sealant, resulting in uneven finishes. It is important to get vinyl to stick to the textured tumbler, keeping the intended areas clear for sealing.

Step 3. Apply the sealant 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix and apply the sealant. Unless additional requirements are stated, carefully spray or apply the sealant, spreading it to achieve a smooth and even layer. Aim to apply a thin layer at a time instead of a thick layer at once. Ensure no bubbles are formed inside a layer before allowing it to dry.

Step 4. Dry between coats 

The manufacturer’s instructions state how long it takes for a single layer of the sealant to dry. Depending on the thickness, it might take a few minutes or hours to dry. Do not be in a rush to move on to the next layer before the previous one is completely dry.

Step 5. Cure the sealant 

After the final layer is dry, it is imperative to cure the sealant for durability and a quality impression. The curing duration depends on the sealant used, with the longest duration being for Mod Podge, 28 days. The average curing time is 72 hours for most sealants. Exposing the tumbler to water or heat before it is completely cured softens the sealant, leaving it vulnerable and might leave a cloudy patch.

Step 6. Clean up 

At this point, you are almost done with sealing and are just waiting for curing to finish so you can use or hand over your tumbler. Clean up the working station and supplies before storing them. Rub off any chemical spillage from surfaces to prevent contamination.

For the best results, you have to use the recommended sealant for different tumblers.

Epoxy resin is the best sealant to use on permanent vinyl on stainless steel tumblers because of its strong bonding capabilities with metallic surfaces for a smooth and flawless finish. The chemicals in the sealant can also withstand wide temperature ranges.

Mod Podge is the sealant used on ceramic mugs because it adheres to the porous ceramic surface. It is also water-based and non-toxic, making it safer to use compared to other sealants. Mod Podge is widely accessible and affordable.

Most crafters prefer epoxy resin as the sealant for glass mugs, mostly because of its tough finish. It also bonds strongly with glass, regardless of the thick layers. The transparent nature of the resin retains its glossiness for a considerably long time.

 Clear acrylic spray  is the most preferred method to seal printable vinyl on tumblers because of its compatibility with the surface, quick drying time, and cost-effectiveness.

Sealants are designed to elongate the life span of the vinyl design, but only with good vinyl tumbler care. To ensure your sealed vinyl’s longevity, here are some tips.

• If possible, handwash your tumbler using mild soap and soft cloth. Dishwashers expose the sealants to heat stress and mechanical agitation that degrades their quality, making them soften or yellow. The harsh chemicals in the detergents might also react with the sealant, damaging it.

• If you didn’t get it right the first time, repeat the process, following the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter to boost your odds of creating a durable and quality seal. Allow for the advised curing time before using the tumbler. Complete curing ensures a smooth surface, a consistent finish, a strong bond between the sticker and the tumbler, and resilience to dust and other contaminants.

• Avoid exposing the tumbler to extreme temperatures in the microwave or the freezer. If you expose the tumbler to hot beverages, use another one for hot ones and keep the consistency. Different temperature ranges affect the adhesive on the vinyl and might degrade the quality.

• Regularly inspect your tumbler for any irregularities like peeling or cracking of the sealant.

Here are some common concerns when sealing vinyl on tumblers and mugs and their solutions.

Lastly, let’s deal with the common myth in the craft world that vinyl shouldn’t be sealed to allow it to “breathe.” Some people swear that sealing vinyl stickers on tumblers traps air, leaving bubbles that get worse with time.

Vinyl is a non-porous synthetic material that doesn’t need breathing. A proper sealant prevents bubbling and deterioration of the vinyl when exposed to environmental factors.

There is no one-size-fits-all sealant. Your choice depends on your project, the availability of products, and your preference. Different projects and designs call for different sealers. For example, if you are designing your tumbler to gift someone, you might want to add some fancy glitters to enhance the look, so your go-to sealant would be epoxy.

Now that your question on how to seal vinyl decals on tumblers is answered and you are bound to make quality seals, experiment with different sealants and designs to find one that gratifies you best.