DIY Stainless Steel Tumbler with Gorgeous Transparent Foils
Hey there, it's Jenn Ferguson from Artistic Painting Studio, and I'm excited to share a fabulous project with you today! We’ll be transforming a 24 oz stainless steel tumbler with stunning transparent foils, giving it a beautiful custom finish.
Prepping the Tumbler
Start by giving your tumbler a good sanding using 220-grit sandpaper. This helps remove any protective coating that might be on the surface. Focus especially on the top and bottom tapered edges. After sanding, clean the surface with 91% isopropyl alcohol to ensure it's completely free of any residue.
Base Coat Application
For this project, I’m using Bondago, a paint and primer all-in-one, in black. This helps the foil adhere better, and black is a great background color for most foils. Apply a smooth coat with a brush, taking care to avoid heavy brush strokes, and let it dry for a few hours.
Applying the Foil Adhesive
Next, it’s time to apply our ArtsVille Embellishments Foil Adhesive. This product goes on milky white but dries clear. If necessary, you can thin it down with a small amount of water for a smoother application. Let the adhesive dry for about an hour or until it reaches a firm tack—meaning it feels sticky but not wet.
Foil Transfer Time
Now comes the fun part—applying the foil! I’m using Pink Blossom as the base foil. Roll out your foil and smooth it over the tumbler with slight tension, then use a scrub brush to firmly press it onto the surface. Peel back the carrier sheet slowly to check for coverage, then continue scrubbing and peeling until you get a perfect transfer.
Adding Dimension with Epoxy
For extra sparkle, I’m adding diamond dust to a layer of epoxy. This creates a beautiful shimmer under the transparent foils. Mix your epoxy thoroughly (stir for at least two minutes), then apply it evenly over the tumbler while it spins on a tumbler Turner. Once the epoxy is applied, use a blowtorch to remove any bubbles and let it spin until fully dry.
Layering Transparent Foils
Now, we’ll apply a second layer of foil using Portia transparent foil over the Pink Blossom base. This creates depth and a gorgeous layered effect. Scrub firmly again, especially around the edges, to prevent over-release, and watch the transformation as the foil design takes shape.
Finishing Touches
Finally, seal your design with another coat of epoxy, ensuring a durable, high-gloss finish. Make sure you measure your epoxy accurately, stir well, and remove bubbles with a blowtorch. Let the tumbler spin until the epoxy has cured, and voilà—you have a beautiful, custom tumbler!
Be sure to check out all the products I used, listed below. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more tutorials!
