posted by Ahijoy on September 5, 2022
How To Seal Vinyl On Tumblers With Epoxy?
You don’t have to carry around that plain tumbler anymore. It’s time to customize it with a personalized vinyl decal and flaunt your work of art as you happily sip away!
Hello happy crafters! Take out your vinyl and tools, it is time to work on that tumbler you so love to carry almost everywhere. Once you have transferred a vinyl decal on it to make it distinctive and eye-catching, you would definitely want to enhance its longevity.
The very first option that comes to mind is to seal it with epoxy resin. Here we present a detailed lowdown on why you should seal your tumbler and how to go about it.
A Word About Epoxy
Epoxy resin or polyepoxide is a reactive prepolymer and an adhesive which is used to glue back broken pieces or seal an object. It contains two mixtures which have to be mixed together and added to the object. Then the mixture hardens and forms a coating on the object.
It is an extremely strong adhesive so it will not budge, and you have to wear gloves while handling it. Nowadays, it is used in electronics, repairs, artwork and as a sealant. In this article we shall focus on epoxy as a sealant and curing agent.
Why Should You Seal Your Vinyl Decal?
Vinyl is susceptible to external conditions ruining its overall look and longevity. Therefore, sealing your vinyl can act as a protective barrier between the vinyl and outside environment.
If you plan on using your vinyl project outdoors, a sealant will protect it from harmful UV rays and the vinyl color will not fade. Moreover, vinyl projects like mugs, glasses or tumblers have to be repeatedly washed and so, over a period of time, they start wearing and tearing.
By adding a sealant, you can use your DIY product for longer and it will maintain its look. It will also prevent peeling and increase the durability of the vinyl decal.
Note: Use a good quality food safe Epoxy Resin that is approved by FDA.
Sealing Vinyl With Epoxy
Epoxy works exceptionally when paired with a tumbler to seal vinyl decals on top of it. Now that you have seen all the benefits of sealing your vinyl, let's look at how exactly to do it.
- First, start off with a clean and dry metal tumbler. Clean it with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth for better results.
- Next, using your Cricut, design and cut your vinyl decal. Weed out the negative vinyl pieces for your actual design to emerge. A weeding tool might come handy in this step.
- Place a transfer paper on your decal and apply it onto your desired tumbler. Then, go over the design with a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles. Once you are sure that the design is perfectly pasted, remove the transfer paper.
- Set your tumbler on the turner machine before starting the process of mixing epoxy. Now prepare your epoxy mixture according to the instructions on the packaging. Do it outdoors or in a high ventilated area since epoxy has fumes that can be injurious to health. Don’t forget to wear gloves.
- Rotate the tumbler continuously while you apply your epoxy mixture with a brush. Make sure that the epoxy mixture applies evenly and covers every part of the tumbler.
- Finally, let your tumbler cure for at least a day before using it. If even after a day you feel that the surface is a bit sticky to the touch, leave it for some more time. After the epoxy has completely dried you can start using your newly customized tumbler!
IMPORTANT: Epoxy can be toxic while it is curing hence take safety precautions. Do not let it touch your skin. Wear gloves. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with soap and water. Work in an area that is properly ventilated as its fumes can be harmful to health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Having a personalized tumbler in your hand can make even the simplest drinks seem fancy. Using epoxy can make this experience last longer due to its curing properties. Look up some tumbler ideas and make your own using this blog as a guide. Order your vinyl from us and get busy crafting!