How to Make a Mario Brothers Sublimation Tumbler

How to Make a Mario Brothers Sublimation Tumbler

Have you seen the Mario Brothers Movie yet? 

We saw it last week and enjoyed it! It was full of nostalgia and bright colors. The story line was so simple, it's perfect for all ages.

I was feeling nostalgic about my days playing Super Mario Bros 3 and thought I'd do a sublimation tumbler. 

Learn how easy it is to make a Mario Brothers Sublimaton Tumbler using Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press. 

So a month ago I wanted to make this Super Mario Brothers tumbler...but I only had a Cricut Mug Press. I read that it still works with tumblers, so I tried it.

and failed.

and tried again.

and failed.

and tried again.

and failed. 😠 

The mug press just did not get even heat on the full tumbler and the tumblers looked discolored, the seam showed and I was bummed. 

And I didn't want to keep wasting products.

Well, I knew I needed a Tumbler Heat Press.

Hitprex asked if I'd like to review their tumbler heat press and I squealed with delight! 🥰 😍 😊 

Here's the gorgeous Orange Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press and they just released it in YELLOW too!

I love the size of it.
It's big enough for my tumblers but doesn't take up a lot of desk or storage space.
It's easy to use too!
Just plug in the power cord. 
Attach the heat cord and adjust the buttons for temperature and time.

Perfect for diameter sizes between 2.64-3.43 inches.

And RIGHT NOW, either color's got a $40 off clickable coupon! (I don't know how long that discount will last--so get one now!)

Supplies Needed for Mario Brothers Sublimation Tumbler:

• Orange Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press  Or Yellow (includes heat gloves and tape)
• Sublimation Printer 
• Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for EcoTank 
• Sublimation Paper
• Sublimation Tumbler
• Shrink Wrap (included with sublimation tumblers above)
• Heat Resistant Tape
• Heat Gun or Embossing Heat Gun
• Mario Brothers Wrap Design

Step 1: Sublimation

Begin by printing out the sublimation design using a converted eco-tank printer with sublimation ink and paper.

Trim the edge of the paper on the sides that will touch creating a seam, so no white paper is showing.

If you would like this Mario Bros design I put together, it's free here. There's 2 images, one is reversed for sublimation...the other is the correct direction for reference.

Step 2: Wrap and Tape

Then wrap the paper around the tumbler and use heat resistant tape to tape it in place.

Be sure to line up the seams as carefully as you can. 

This will really make the project look professional.

Step 3: Shrink Wrap

Use a heat gun to shrink the shrink wrap around the sublimation tumbler. 

This will ensure the tumbler heats evenly. (and yes, I used this process for the mug press too--which still did not heat evenly).

Step 4: Tumbler Heat Press

Now slide the tumbler into the Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press and adjust the size to fit the tumbler snuggly.

Then plug in the tumbler heat press.

You'll notice the warning reads: Do not heating without mug. 😁

Basically, place the tumbler, mug or cylinder in the heat press before heating it up.

Then set the temperature to 350* and the timer to 100.

Let the heat press reach the desired temperature, then the machine will beep. 

Then click the start button and it will count down the time.

After one cycle of heating is completed, open the heat press and rotate the tumbler 180 degrees. 

Clamp the heat press down again and press the play button.

Let it heat for another full 100 seconds.

Step 5: Reveal!

After the tumbler has finished in the heat press, pull it out with the heat resistant gloves included in the heat press kit.

Let it sit out on the table until it cools before peeling it all apart.

Or just peel it all apart because you are impatient!

I was thrilled! 

It turned out perfect!

The colors were vibrant, the seam lined up flawlessly, so great!

I love all the Mario Bros icons I crammed on this one tumbler.

It's got the crazy sun, the tanooki statue, flower power, p-wings, dry bones and more!

And here's my quartet of tumblers comparison!

You can see the dim/dinginess of the 3 failed tumblers behind the success.

They will just be recycled into glitter tumblers.

I loved playing Mario Bros 3 when I was a kid. 
I loved finding 1-ups in hidden locations, I knew where all the coin blocks, warp zones and penny heavens were.
For our wedding, my dad gave us an old-school nintendo with a few games, Mario Bros 3 was one of them. 
We played it together...or I played it while my husband was at work. 
So many fun memories.

That's it!

I can't stress enough how getting the Hitprex Tumbler Heat Press was a game changer for me. I thought I could do it with my other equipment, but they failed.

If you are going to get serious with sublimation tumblers, it's awesome to have this heat press. Perfect for custom gifts or just because.

Like, Pin and Share!