Hydro Dipping Tumblers for Beginners

by Jason Card March 23, 2024

Today we are creating a tumbler that's not only is functional but flaunts an explosion of color and personality. Use this as a basis to get inspired to create with several other contrasting colors and designs you desire.

Here's how to create a hydro dipped tumbler in this epoxy resin art tutorial. See the easy step-by-step process in this DIY Video Guide here ▶ https://youtu.be/vjsXkGXgA40

What You'll Need to Get Started

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Now that we've got our gear in check, let’s tackle this awesome tumbler transformation step by step.

Step 1: Prep Your Tumbler

First thing's first, grab your chosen tumbler prepped and ready. I'm talking a nice sanding job and a base coat of spray paint. This can be with a drywall sanding block or some 220 and higher sanding paper.

This groundwork is key to making those colors pop and STICK to the tumbler. A light sanding will be enough to give the paint something to grab on to. This does not mean sanding down to the metal or sanding off what is on the cup. Just an evenly ALL OVER sanding job.

Step 2: Fill Your Bucket

Fill that bucket three-fourths full with plain ol' water. Then comes the fun part!

Step 3: Time to Unleash the Colors

Grab those spray paints and alternate between your colors, spraying directly into the water—black, red, black, red. Like making a layered cake, but way cooler because it's paint on water!

You can add other pops of color to this too. The colors and shapes we see on top of the water is what will transfer to the tumbler.

Step 4: The Dip of Destiny 😜

Once your water looks like a battleground between colors, it's time to DIP your tumbler. As I dip it in the water, I like to rotate slowly to ensure every inch gets kissed by color.

As you reach the rim, pull it out and BAM! Look at the masterpiece you've just created.

"Patience and practice is a virtue, especially in hydro dipping."

Keep trying out different ways of hydro dipping. Tilting slightly, spinning faster/slower, or dropping straight down and quickly lifting up can all lead to varied outcomes. Adding tape to parts of your tumbler to block out areas can also open up even more potential.


Now, the tough part – wait 24 hours 😎 . We want those colors to set and dry in place and get ready for their epoxy resin coating.

Step 5: Epoxy Time

After the day-long anticipation, add the tumbler on your spinner. Before we epoxy, remember to tape off parts you want to keep clean, like where the handle attaches.

Ready to mix your epoxy? Go for a 1:1 ratio, 15ml of Part A and 15ml of Part B. Stir for three whole minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.

Consistency is essential.

With our tumbler on the spinner, it's time to drizzle the Tumblers Epoxy Resin all over. Don't worry about getting it perfect; a bit extra is ok. Too Too much on the tumbler can leave it a bit globby. Yes globby is a technical term.

If there's excess, Simply scrape it back into the mixing cup.

Finish off with a pass of the torch to get rid of any bubbles, giving you that sleek, smooth finish you're after.

Step 6: The Final Wait

Once more, we exercise our patience and leave the tumbler on the turner and keep it turning. Depending on the type of epoxy your using, you could be done after 24 hours later or sooner if using our Lightning Cure Epoxy.

Step 7: The Big Reveal

Peel off the tape carefully, attach the handle, and there you have it a perfectly created hydro dipped tumbler that will turn heads and drop jaws even if you were a beginner.

Isn't she a beauty? Thank you so much for "sticking" through this tutorial with me.

Don't forget to hit that like button, subscribe to @TheEpoxyResinStore, and follow us on our social media channels to stay up to date with the latest and greatest in DIY crafts!

Also follow the creator Cyn @ CynsTumblers

Additional Pro Tips for Hydro Dipping Tumblers

Tip 1: Choose the Right Paint While Rustoleum 2X is a great choice, experimenting with different brands and types of spray paint can yield varied effects. Some paints spread more evenly, while others create unique patterns and textures.

Tip 2: Perfect Your Technique The speed and angle at which you dip your tumbler can greatly affect the final look. Try different techniques such as slow dips, twisting the tumbler as you dip, or dipping at an angle to create unique patterns.

Tip 3: Temperature Matters The temperature of the water in your bucket can influence the spread and adhesion of the paint. Warmer water can cause the paint to spread out more, while cooler water might keep the colors more concentrated.

Tip 4: Multiple Layers For a more complex design, consider dipping your tumbler multiple times with different color combinations. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Tip 5: Use a Clear Base Coat Applying a clear base coat to your tumbler before adding colors can help the colors pop and provide a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to.

Tip 6: Add Glitter for Extra Sparkle Before applying the epoxy resin, sprinkle a bit of glitter onto the tumbler for a sparkling finish. The epoxy will seal the glitter and give your tumbler a glamorous look.

Tip 7: Customize with Vinyl Decals After the epoxy has fully cured, consider adding vinyl decals for an extra layer of customization. This can include names, logos, or other designs to make your tumbler truly one-of-a-kind.

Tip 8: Practice Makes Perfect Hydro dipping can be unpredictable, and every dip is unique. Practice on smaller items or scrap pieces to refine your technique before working on your final tumbler.

Tip 9: Clean Your Work Area Ensure your work area is clean and free of dust and debris. This will help prevent imperfections in your epoxy coating and ensure a smooth finish.

Tip 10: Proper Epoxy Storage Store your epoxy resin in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life and maintain its effectiveness. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.

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