Epoxy has become a huge crafting trend lately and nothing makes a better gift than creating customized tumblers for the people you love the most.
Not only is it a cost efficient way to make gifts but it allows you to create something personalized for that person. Or maybe you’re really artistic and are thinking of starting a new business and customized tumblers are a new area you want to explore?
Whatever your reason, we have done the research into the best on the market so you don’t have to. Epoxy comes with two bottles to correspond with the two main stages.
The first bottle has the resin which helps to lock in the surface and then the hardener is applied on top to ensure that the resin stays in place.
This can make colors look even more pigmented as well as ensuring that no damage is done to the actual surface. Epoxy will ensure that any decoration or pattern on an unconventional material will remain even after a lot of wear and tear.
But where to start? Whether you’re beginning to venture into this area or want an upgrade, we have compiled a list of the best epoxy that will give your tumblers that clean finish they need.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing the top 5 epoxies for tumblers followed by a Buyers Guide and FAQ. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything there is to know when it comes to the best epoxy for tumblers on the market.
Too busy to read our full guide? Read our top pick here:
Our top pick comes from Pro Marine Supplies and is their Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Coating. Engineered for wooden items, this resin works just as well on tumblers as well and is among the most popular epoxies on the market.
It comes in a gallon bottle which is great for professionals and people who use epoxy on a regular basis as it will last a long time.
Its high gloss and durability mean that you’re always guaranteed a beautiful finish as well as the versatility of the epoxy as it can be used on all kinds of surfaces. This is an ideal pick for those who like to use epoxy on a variety of materials.
What makes this our winner? The self-levelling formula means that your result will be void of any lumps and bumps and its food safe technology means you have no worries of leakage which is hugely important when applying epoxy to tumblers.
It’s easy to use meaning that it is perfect for those who may be new to using epoxy as well as high quality for those who want to find a reliable brand to upgrade to.
OUR TOP PICK
Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating
EDITORS CHOICE
Epoxy Resin - 16 Oz. Art Resin, Crystal Clear Resin Kit
BEST VALUE
Cup Turner Tumbler Cuptisserie Heat Gun Set
OUR TOP PICK
Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating
Our number one slot is from Pro Marine Supplies and is the best epoxy on the market for tumblers.
Although it has been designed for wooden surfaces primarily, it produces beautiful results on tumblers of any material because of its easiness to use as well as its versatility.
The gallon amount means that you will be able to produce a lot of work with the amount of epoxy provided.
Ideal for professionals who want to make sure that their products have the best finish as well as keen hobbyists who want to experiment with different finishing techniques.
With 4.6 stars from over 10,100 reviews, Pro Marine Supplies has proven to be a hit with those who have never used epoxy before.
Producing quality products with a scratch resistant finish, this epoxy will assist in making beautiful gifts.
Pros
- Versatile for different surfaces
- Ideal for professionals and regular users
- Easy to use
Cons
- High price point
EDITORS CHOICE
Epoxy Resin - 16 Oz. Art Resin, Crystal Clear Resin Kit
Our second pick is from JDiction and is their Crystal Clear Resin Kit.
The ideal pick for those wanting to venture into tumbler epoxy specifically and only have a couple of projects in mind, this kit comes with everything you need to prepare and use epoxy.
The resin is formulated to spread evenly without any bubbling or trickling which is ideal for those who aren’t used to the trickier techniques.
The odorless resin means that you don’t have to worry about the overwhelming smell that some resin can give off.
This is especially great if you are giving the tumblers away as a gift.
Equipped with a kit that includes protective gloves, measuring cups and mixing sticks, you won’t have to spend any more money for your projects.
With an average of 4.6 stars from over 1,300 reviews, this is an ideal choice for those who want to start applying epoxy to tumblers without breaking the bank.
With a customer service team available should you need any further advice, you can enjoy working on your projects without feeling overwhelmed or worried about what the final results will look like.
Pros
- Great price point
- Designed for art projects such as tumblers
- Comes with a kit that has everything you need
Cons
- Not ideal for a larger quantity
BEST VALUE
Cup Turner Tumbler Cuptisserie Heat Gun Set
Like our previous choice, our third pick is another kit that includes everything you need for any artistic project.
Xu’s Cup Turner Tumbler Gun Set includes epoxy to apply when you have finished decorating your products.
With an epoxy glitter kit, this is a particularly great kit for recreational crafting and hobbyists who are wanting to make gifts for family and friends.
Easy to use, this kit can be reused for many future projects such as the mixing sticks and tumbler holder that keeps the tumbler in place while applying the epoxy.
With 4.6 stars from over 1,000 reviews, this is the perfect choice for those wanting to make special gifts and haven’t used epoxy before.
As it comes with everything you need to decorate the tumblers, you don’t have to worry about any further cost.
With beautiful results and an amazing finish, this is the ideal choice for beginners who may be unfamiliar with epoxy and want to give it a go.
Pros
- Comes with a full kit with everything you need
- Ideal for beginners
- Has a holder for tumblers to ensure an even finish
Cons
- Test run the machine before use as it will reduce any flaws in the finish
RUNNER UP
Art 'N Glow Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin - 16 Ounce Kit
Our penultimate pick is from Art ‘N Glow and is a great choice for those who have the full kit but need to have a supply of the epoxy only without purchasing too much.
Specialising in materials that have a glow in the dark effect, this epoxy is made for artistic projects like tumblers and are great for a marble or glass like finish.
With a one to one ratio and 40 minute work time, this is a hugely convenient choice for those who are making a lot of tumblers and don’t want to waste time preparing the epoxy.
The low odor and self levelling mean you don’t have to worry about any negative finishing effects that can affect the quality of the tumbler.
With 4.5 stars from over 13,700 reviews, this epoxy has become a favorite for those who own small businesses and need to purchase epoxy every so often.
The crystal clear effect means that the pigments on the colors will stand out even more which is ideal for those who love to incorporate a lot of color into their decoration.
Pros
- Ideal for those who are familiar with using epoxy
- Odorless finish
- Self levelling technology and 40 minute work time for convenience
Cons
- Needs to be used in a room with a high temperature or it will bubble
RUNNER UP
FanAut Epoxy Resin Crystal Clear for Art
Our final pick is from FanAut and is another kit providing you with everything you need to make beautiful tumblers.
Whether you are making them as gifts or running a small business, this is a great kit to invest in as the epoxy is of high quality and has a self levelling technology to reduce the risk of any bubbling on the finish.
With anti-yellowing properties, you can be assured that the colors will retain their stability and the 40 minute work time means that you don’t have to spend a lot of time messing around with the epoxy.
As it is easy to mix, it is great for those who haven’t used epoxy before.
With an average of 4.4 stars from over 1,800 reviews, customers have praised the efficiency of this epoxy and how well it works on a variety of materials.
It’s a great choice for those who like to make all sorts of products as well as tumblers meaning that it can be cost effective in the long run.
It’s particularly ideal for those who like to incorporate a lot of color into their projects as the anti-yellowing properties highlight the pigments of the color and assist in giving it that glass-like finish.
Pros
- Ideal for hobbyists and small business owners
- Comes with a full kit with everything you need
- Great for all sorts of projects as well as tumblers
Cons
- Can take longer than 24 hours to fully dry
Best Epoxy For Tumblers Buying Guide
With different sets and options of epoxy available, you want to make sure that the final product you select is one that is going to suit your lifestyle.
Someone who uses epoxy on a regular basis or professional will want to look at investing in a large quantity of quality epoxy that is going to provide beautiful finishes whereas hobbyists who are experimenting are probably better off investing in a kit that provides everything you need to get started.
So what epoxy is the best one for you? We’ve tailored this guide so you know what to look out for. When looking for epoxy, you need to consider what you will be using the epoxy for, the size of the bottles and the budget you have.
Once you have thought about all of this, you’ll be able to make a final decision that is going to get the best results.
Epoxy use
You want to make sure that your epoxy can be used for tumblers primarily but if you’re interested in applying epoxy to other materials such as tables then you can always purchase an epoxy that has multipurpose.
Our top pick is the best example of this and means that you don’t have to worry about purchasing numerous bottles of epoxy that is specifically designed for certain materials.
Also, another angle of epoxy use is how often you will be using it.
If you use epoxy on a regular basis, you’ll have to make sure you have enough to complete your projects but if it is for a limited number of gifts then you will probably need a smaller amount and have an idea of how much you will need in the short term.
Size of bottle
Epoxy is usually sold in large bottles because of how much can be used in larger projects. This means that if you are wanting to use it solely for tumblers or other smaller items, you’ll be getting a lot of use from the epoxy.
This can be hugely convenient. However, if you don’t want gallons of epoxy, there are kits that have a smaller supply of epoxy so you can try it out to see if you enjoy it.
Budget
The price of epoxy varies greatly depending on which brand you go for.
Reliable DIY brands tend to sell their epoxy for a lot of money because the manufacturing and ingredients used are likely to bring sharper and better results but there are plenty of affordable kits that are specifically made to customize tumblers which is a great cheaper alternative for those who are either starting out or have a set number of tumblers to epoxy in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of epoxy is used for tumblers?
The best kind of epoxy to use for tumblers is an art coat resin. This is because it is easy to apply without damaging the tumblers while keeping the colors pigmented and sharp.
For those who are unfamiliar with using epoxy, there are plenty of kits with everything you need that can give a great result.
Art coat resin epoxy tends to have self levelling technology which means that it will reduce any risk of bubbling, giving a cleaner finish.
It’s also worth looking for an epoxy that is odorless which is particularly ideal if giving the tumbler as a gift or if you run a small business.
How much epoxy do you use for tumblers?
When applying epoxy to the tumblers, you only need to use 10ml per layer. This means that when you purchase epoxy, you’ll be getting a lot of use when learning to epoxy your tumblers.
Although this is an average, it’s always advisable to read the instructions that comes with the specific epoxy you purchase as it may differ depending on how thick each layer is.
Is it safe to epoxy plastic tumblers?
It is possible but not recommended as plastic is not made to withstand any chemical impact.
If you are wanting to use a cheaper material then acrylic tumblers are the best option as they can withstand the heat and chemicals.