As a sublimation enthusiast, you might ask: “can you put epoxy over sublimation?” specifically for creating long-lasting tumblers? The short answer is yes, you can, and doing so can considerably enhance the durability and aesthetics of your sublimated items. This no-fluff guide dives into the correct techniques and safety measures to effectively apply epoxy over sublimated materials, ensuring vibrant and enduring results. Stay with us as we continue on this amazing sublimation journey together!
Key Takeaways
- Epoxy can be applied over sublimation prints on tumblers to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal, provided that a food-safe, high-gloss epoxy designed for tumbler use is employed.
- Safety precautions such as wearing gloves, eye protection, and working in a well-ventilated area are crucial when handling epoxy due to potential chemical harm.
- For maintaining the longevity of epoxy-coated sublimated tumblers, it’s recommended to hand-wash them with mild soap and non-abrasive tools, and store them upright without stacking to avoid damage.
Understanding Epoxy and Sublimation
Epoxy and sublimation both play significant roles in creating custom sublimation tumblers. Before diving into how these two components interact, we should first understand what each process involves.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a polymer material that starts as a liquid and cures to become a solid plastic. This transformation is triggered by a chemical reaction when the resin is mixed with a hardener. The result is a material with remarkable properties.
Epoxy resin is renowned for its exceptional adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and impacts. Its versatility has found applications in coatings, adhesives, and composites. This makes it an excellent candidate for epoxy resin seals, particularly in sealing tumblers.[1]
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation printing is a digital process that uses heat and sublimation ink to transfer dye onto materials such as sublimation blanks, including sublimation mug and sublimation paper, with the help of sublimation printers:
- plastic
- card
- paper
- fabric Mirror sublimation transfers are a popular choice for creating unique and vibrant designs on these materials.
This process is faster than traditional methods like screen printing due to less setup time and manual labor.
Sublimation results in high-quality, permanent, and detailed prints. However, the sublimation process can only be performed on materials that contain polyester or other synthetic fibers, necessary for the dyes to bind effectively. This is why a sublimation tumbler typically contains a polyester coating.
Applying Epoxy Over Sublimation: Is It Possible?
Yes, applying epoxy over sublimation is not only possible but advantageous. Epoxy can enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of sublimated tumblers, providing a protective layer that safeguards the vibrant sublimation prints from wear and tear.
However, it is imperative to use a food-safe, high-gloss epoxy that is specifically designed for tumbler usage. This ensures a safe and high-quality finish that doesn’t compromise the functionality or safety of the tumbler.
Reasons to Use Epoxy Over Sublimation
Applying epoxy over sublimation offers multiple benefits:
- Epoxy resin creates a waterproof barrier, providing protection against spills and rain.
- This adds durability and longevity to the tumbler.
- This added layer of protection not only preserves the sublimation design but also enhances the overall aesthetics of the tumbler.
Secondly, epoxy resin significantly enhances tumbler durability. It provides robust protection from scratches, fading, or cracking. Moreover, the glossy finish that epoxy imparts significantly enhances the visual appeal and style of sublimated tumblers.[2]
Potential Challenges and Precautions
Certain precautions must be taken when working with epoxy because it is a chemical that can harm eyes and skin. To prevent irritation, it is advisable to wear gloves and eye protection.
Also, when working with epoxy, it’s important to keep in mind the following safety precautions:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes. Consider wearing a respirator mask for added protection.
- Wet epoxy is sticky and should not be cleaned off skin with alcohol or acetone, as this can cause further skin irritation. Instead, follow the recommended cleaning procedures provided by the epoxy manufacturer.
- It’s crucial to refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific epoxy products to fully understand all risks and proper handling procedures.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Epoxy Over Sublimated Tumblers
Now that we understand what epoxy and sublimation are and their roles in crafting custom tumblers, let’s walk through the process of applying epoxy over a sublimated tumbler.
Preparing the Tumbler
The first step towards creating an epoxy-coated sublimated tumbler is preparing the blank sublimation tumbler. Choose a suitable tumbler and clean it using gentle dish soap and warm water. It is necessary to thoroughly dry it with a lint-free cloth to remove any moisture.
Next, sand the tumbler with fine-grit sandpaper. This process creates grooves in the tumbler surface that enhance the adhesion of the epoxy. After sanding, remove any dust with compressed air or a cloth. Finally, tape off areas of the tumbler not intended for customization, ensuring clean and sharp edges.
Mixing and Applying the Epoxy Resin
Once the tumbler is prepared, you can proceed to mix the epoxy resin. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener in equal parts, stirring slowly until the mixture is clear and bubble-free. This indicates a thorough combination of resin and hardener.
When applying the epoxy, use a silicone brush for even coverage. A professional finish on the tumbler is achieved by:
- Applying a thin, uniform coat of epoxy, rather than a thick, uneven layer.
- If additional decoration such as glitter is desired, apply it after the initial coat of epoxy has dried.
- Follow with a final layer of epoxy.
Curing the Epoxy
Finally, allow the epoxy to cure for around 24 hours. Ensure that the curing occurs within a temperature range of 70-75°F to guarantee proper hardening.
After the epoxy has cured, inspect the tumbler for any imperfections. If the epoxy does not cure properly and remains sticky or soft, apply a new batch of epoxy with the correct ratio over the existing layer.
Alternative Methods for Sealing Sublimated Tumblers
While epoxy provides a durable and glossy finish, there are also other methods to seal sublimated tumblers. These alternatives provide options for those who prefer not to use epoxy resin on their sublimated tumblers.
Shrink Wrap Sleeves
Shrink wrap sleeves provide an alternative to epoxy resin. They create a tight seal around sublimated tumblers when heat is applied. This process involves wrapping the tumbler in a shrink wrap sleeve and then applying heat, causing the sleeve to shrink and conform tightly to the tumbler’s surface.
Shrink wrap sleeves, also known as sublimation shrink wrap, are compatible with various tumbler sizes and shapes, offering flexibility in application. After the sublimation process, the shrink wrap and transfer sheet should be removed while still warm to prevent image ghosting and make it easier to peel off the wrap.
Heat-Resistant Sublimation Film
Another alternative to epoxy is heat-resistant sublimation film. This film protects sublimation prints on tumblers from external damage, preserving the design’s integrity and reducing fading. Applying heat-resistant sublimation film is a straightforward process that does not require any special tools or equipment, such as heat resistant tape or infusible ink transfer sheets.
To cater to different styles and preferences, heat-resistant sublimation film is offered in a range of finishes such as matte and glossy. Sublimation film serves as a non-toxic, lightweight alternative to epoxy that can be applied quickly and extends the lifespan of a sublimated tumbler if needed.
Tips for Caring for Your Epoxy-Coated Sublimated Tumblers
Proper care is necessary if you want your epoxy-coated sublimated tumblers to last a long time.
Cleaning Instructions
Careful handling is needed when cleaning epoxy-coated tumblers to prevent damage to the epoxy surface. Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild dish soap and warm water to clean epoxy-coated sublimated tumblers. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or damage the epoxy surface.
For the best results, hand-wash epoxy-coated tumblers with a non-abrasive cloth. Dishwashers should be avoided, as the high heat can damage the epoxy finish.
Storage and Handling
Your epoxy-coated tumblers’ lifespan can be significantly prolonged with correct storage and handling. Store epoxy-coated tumblers in an upright position to prevent deformation and avoid stacking them to prevent scratches and preserve the coating’s integrity.
When not in use, place epoxy tumblers and stainless steel tumblers away from sharp objects to avoid scratching or chipping of the coating. Handle epoxy-coated tumblers with care, particularly when wet, to ensure a secure grip and avoid accidents.
Summary
In summary, epoxy and sublimation, when combined, can create stunning, durable, and glossy tumblers. However, the process requires precision, patience, and the right materials. Whether you opt for epoxy, shrink wrap sleeves, or heat-resistant sublimation film, each method has its own merits and can yield beautiful results when executed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to seal after sublimation?
No, you do not have to seal sublimation products after the process. The permanent design will not wash off, so sealing is not necessary.
What can I use on tumblers instead of epoxy?
You can use Grande Finale (GF) or Brite Tone (BT) as an alternative to epoxy for tumblers. Both are water-based products with high solids content, allowing for fast build-up.
Can I epoxy over sublimation tumblers?
Yes, you can epoxy over sublimation tumblers as long as you use clear or opaque glitter to avoid covering up the sublimated image. The epoxy will adhere to the tumbler, which has the sublimated design infused in it.
Can you use any epoxy for tumblers?
No, not all epoxies are suitable for tumblers. Consider factors like viscosity, odor, yellowing, and working time when choosing an epoxy resin.
What is a safe alternative to epoxy tumblers?
A safe alternative to epoxy for tumblers is to use water-based products like Grande Finale or Brite Tone, which build quickly and have high solids content. Another option is to seal the tumbler with products like CrystaLac, Mod Podge, or a clear acrylic spray.
References
- Takeichi, T., & Furukawa, N. (2012). Epoxy resins and Phenol-Formaldehyde resins. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 723–751). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-53349-4.00157-6
- PubChem. (n.d.-a). Epoxy resin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Epoxy-resin
