Wood Grain Epoxy Tumbler DIY

Learn how to create a Wood Grain Epoxy Tumbler with this DIY tutorial and process. I created a complete video that you can watch below that shows how to get the wood grain look and the epoxy process and methods I use to make epoxy cups and tumblers.

I have been making wood grain tumblers for while now. No two wood grain cups come out the same. While the process for making wood grain epoxy cups might be the same, the results are usually different when it comes to the grains on the cup.

Just like a real piece of wood, each piece is different.

Today, I am sharing my process for making a wood grain epoxy tumbler. Watch the video below.

How To Make A Wood Grain Tumbler

I really love the way this tumbler came out. To create this tumbler you will the following supplies. I used a glitter tumbler that was manufactured that way. I actually won the cup in a gift basket and decided to use the cup. In the video above you can see me removing the last remnants of vinyl decals that were previously on the cup.

Materials Needed for Wood Grain Tumbler:

Tumbler – I love this brand best
Alcohol Inks – You can buy at Micheals Craft Stores online. Tim Holtz brand is the best.
White spray paint (any kind will do – matte is preferred but not necessary)
Painter tape to tape off your cup brim
latex gloves
Cup Turner (this one comes with foam and arm similar to what you see in my video) Or you can make your own.
2 Part Epoxy – (this is the BEST brand and only brand I recommend) However, it is a lot to purchase if you only plan to make 1-5 cups. You don’t need this much. Therefore, you can use the Amazing Clear Cast brand found at your local craft store. I just found you have to work quickly with it.
Vinyl Decal for personalizing your cup.

Making A Wood Grain Tumbler

Once you have all of your supplies in place you will need to begin by securing your cup on to the foam handle or football as you saw in my video, and then tape off the rim of the cup.

Next, you will need to spray paint your tumbler white. Make sure you have a good solid coat of white spray paint on your tumbler.

When the spray paint has dried you are ready to apply the alcohol inks to create the wood grain effect onto your cup.

Draw a link with the ink nozzle down your cup, and then simply wipe away any excess ink. The ink will stain the cup. You can do this in anymotion you want, but I recommend going down the cup similar to what a wood grain be on real wood.

After the entire cup is coated in ink and dried you can spray a clear coat onto your cup. Let dry. Be careful to not overspray the cup and inks.

Note* Overspraying your alcohol inks could result in a greenish like color to occur in the ink. It’s best to spray small light bursts of clear coat. If you do get the green effect, you can apply more alcohol inks to cover it.

Applying Epoxy To Your Tumbler

Now that the clear coat is dry, it is time to apply the first layer of epoxy. To do this you will want to first mix both A and B parts of your epoxy. Make sure you mix it per the instructions of your epoxy brand and try to get out as many air bubbles as possible.

I use this heat gun to slightly warm it up some and pop any tiny air bubbles.

Pouring On The Epoxy

To pour the epoxy on to your wood grain tumbler, you will need to use a foam brush (or your finger) to smooth an even layer of combined epoxy onto your cup. Make sure you do it smoothly and evenly. I can’t stress this enough.

Once mixed and poured onto your cup you only have a few minutes to work with the epoxy and move it around. I also apply a small amount of heat to the newly epoxy cup to pop any tiny bubbles. Do not get too close, or hold the heat too long in one place or you could ruin the entire cup.

Let the cup turn for 6-8 to hours to cure and dry.

After the Epoxy Dries

After the epoxy dries, you are ready to sand the cup and apply your decals. I like to lightly sand the cup with 320 or even 220 grit sandpaper. THis will smooth down any bumps that might have occurred during the drying or curing process.

Do not be afraid to sand your tumbler. It will be fine, I promise. After you have sanded the cup, use regular alcohol and old rag wipe down the cup. This removes the dust from the sandpaper.

The cup surface should be clean and clear now. It might still be dull. This is normal.

Apply your decals or personalized decals to your cup and then prepare for the second coat of epoxy.

After the second coat is dry, you are ready to remove the cup form the turner, the foam arm or football and remove the painter’s tape.

Hand-wash the tumbler from here on. Never put in the microwave or dishwasher. Doing so could result in a big mess or worse some sort of fire or explosion. I do not have any personal experience with this. I just don’t want to find out, so always hand-wash the tumbler.