Wholesale Tumbler Buying Guide
Find the Right Blank for Your Project
Not sure which tumbler fits your idea? Check this drinkware buying guide.
Choose by customization method and tumbler type to find the right blank for your next project or product line.
Free shipping on Continental U.S. orders over $89; ships in 2–3 business days.
Which Blank Should You Buy?
Start with how you plan to customize the cup. You can also compare tumbler types or choose by the person or occasion you are buying for.
Choose by Customization Method
I Want to Do Sublimation
Choose a tumbler clearly labeled sublimation-ready. It needs a special polymer coating; a white surface is not enough.
I Want to Make Snow Globe Cups
Choose a double-wall glass or acrylic cup made for filling. Pre-drilled styles save time and are easier for beginners.
I Want to Make Laser Engrave Tumblers
Choose powder-coated or plated stainless steel made for laser engraving. The laser removes or marks the outer finish to create a visible design.
I Want to Make Epoxy Tumblers
Stainless steel tumblers are the most common choice for epoxy projects. Plain, sublimation-coated, and powder-coated surfaces may all work, but some finishes need sanding or other preparation.
I Want to Use Vinyl or UV DTFÂ Transfers
Choose a cup with a smooth, clean surface. Glass and plastic cups are popular choices, while straight or gently curved styles are usually easier to decorate.
I Want to Do UV Printing
UV printing uses specialized equipment to print detailed, full-color designs directly onto smooth tumbler surfaces. Stainless steel, glass, acrylic, and plastic surfaces generally provide the best results.
Use this quick compatibility chart to find the best tumbler blank for your preferred customization method!
Compatibility may vary depending on the tumbler’s coating, construction, and the equipment used. Always check the product description and test one blank before starting a large order. UV printing may require surface pretreatment and compatible rotary equipment.
Choose by Tumbler Type or Use
Stainless Steel Tumblers
stainless steel tumblers work well for everyday drinkware, custom businesses, epoxy projects, and selected sublimation or engraving finishes.
Stainless Steel Soda Cans
The compact can shape gives cold-drink products a modern look and a useful straight area for customization.
Travel Mugs
Handles and larger capacities make travel mugs useful for commuting, road trips, gyms, and all-day hydration.
Glass Tumblers
Glass gives works especially well for iced drinks, cafes, gift sets, vinyl, UV DTF, and coated sublimation styles.
Plastic Cups
Lightweight and budget-friendly, plastic cups suit events, parties, cold drinks, giveaways, and larger-quantity orders.
Kids Cups
Smaller sizes and covered straw or sippy lids make kids cups useful for school, family gifts, and children’s product lines.
Key Things to Know Before You Choose
A few details can prevent the most common beginner mistakes.
Not Every White Cup Is Sublimation-Ready
Sublimation requires a special polymer coating. A regular white stainless steel, glass, or ceramic cup will not reliably accept sublimation ink just because it is white. Read: What Can You Sublimate On?
Cup Shape Affects Customization
Straight cups are usually easier for full wraps. Tapered cups may need special templates, while handles and wide bases can affect heat-press or laser setup. Read: A Guide to Sublimation Tumblers
Sublimation Time and Temperature Vary
There is no single setting for every tumbler. The blank coating, material, size, press or oven, pressure, and design all affect the correct time and temperature. Read: Sublimation Tumbler Time and Temp Guide
Tumbler Ounces Measure Capacity
Most everyday tumblers hold 12-40 US fluid ounces, with 20 oz, 30 oz, and 40 oz among the most common sizes. Size affects portability, design area, packaging, and selling price. Read: How Many Ounces in a Tumbler?
Snow Globe Cups Need the Right Construction
Use a double-wall cup with a fill opening or pre-drilled hole. Check the plug, lid, material, and outer-wall decoration method before starting. Read: How to Make a Snow Globe Cup
Good Starting Points for Your First Order
If you are new to wholesale blank drinkware, start with a familiar shape and a decoration process you can repeat consistently. Let’s check some top-picked tumblers.
For Sublimation
Start with a 20 oz straight or skinny sublimation tumbler. It offers a familiar capacity and a broad printable area.Â
For Snow Globe Projects
Start with a 16-20 oz pre-drilled double-wall glass or acrylic cup. The opening reduces drilling work and the familiar size is easier to package.
For Trend-Led Resale
Start with a 30/40 oz handled travel mug. Large handled mugs offer strong visual presence and a high-value everyday use case.
For Laser Engraving
Start with a 20 oz or 40 oz powder-coated stainless steel tumbler. The coating can create visible contrast and offers multiple color choices.
For Kids
Start with a 12 oz flip-straw or sippy bottle. The smaller capacity and covered drinking style suit many school and family gift uses.
For Events
Beyond drinkware, discover festive favorites for Easter, Halloween and Christmas, perfect for gifts, decorations, and seasonal sales.
Want to Explore Every Tumbler Style?
Browse all Crafix tumblers, mugs, bottles, glass cups, plastic cups, and specialty drinkware in one place.
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FAQs
How do I know if a tumbler is sublimation-ready?
Look for wording such as ‘sublimation-ready,’ ‘sublimation blank,’ or a clear statement that the product has a sublimation coating. Always check the exact product description before ordering.
Can I sublimate any white tumbler?
No. White is only the surface color. The tumbler must also have a polymer coating made for sublimation ink and heat transfer.
Which tumblers are best for laser engraving?
Powder-coated or plated stainless steel tumblers made for laser engraving usually give the clearest visible contrast. Test the exact finish and color before processing a full case. Check to find Top Laser Engraving Blanks.
What is the best blank for epoxy tumblers?
Plain stainless steel is a common starting point because epoxy can grip the prepared metal surface. Sublimation-coated and powder-coated tumblers may also work, but some finishes need sanding or other preparation.
Are all snow globe cups also sublimation-ready?
No. Some snow globe cups have a sublimation-ready outer surface, while others are intended for vinyl or UV DTF. Most glass cups are fine, but plastic ones are not. Only use sublimation when the exact product is clearly listed as sublimation-ready.
Can I use vinyl or UV DTF on any cup?
Vinyl and UV DTF work on many hard, smooth surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, acrylic, and plastic. Adhesion can vary on textured, glittered, strongly curved, or moisture-prone surfaces, so test first.
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