I have a friend that rehabilitates wildlife and needed a better tumbler for her charity events that she takes her coatimundi to. So, I took her logo and an image of a coati to make sure she gets donations in style. I used a 24 oz Owala tumbler, M1, RA2-pro with the chuck to make this tumbler. I also designed a file with my outline template if you want to customize the same style tumbler.
I took the image of the organizations logo and used it to make a crisp design file. I eliminated background colors that could make the final image fuzzy. You can use various tools to clean up the vector image.
If your design looks fuzzy…the final product will likely be fuzzy too. A clean, crisp design looks best in the end.
setup workspace with machine and RA2- pro with chuck at appropriate height for your tumbler.
Thoroughly clean tumbler surface with a soft lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remover and oils or dirt. Failure to properly clean surface can result in defects to final project. I like to wear disposable gloves while cleaning and securing to avoid issues. let it dry completely before processing.
Make sure you secure the tumbler to the chuck tightly. I used the rubber attachments to grip around the threads on the neck of this tumbler. I also use the little bubble level that came with the RA2 to make sure the entire bottle is level. This helps the final result be crisp and clear.
In my attached design, I use the red template to show appropriate design space based on the shape of the tumbler. When processing, select “ignore” as the output for the template. that outline is for lining up the design and not intended to process.
Feel free to make this your own and try your preferred design using the red template as reference for that specific tumbler.
For my shared project design, I attached a design for the pet parents. I use painter's tape and the framing feature to make sure my design lines up with each side of my bottle. The Owala bottle I used has two rounded areas and two flatter areas. I recommend processing the different heights separately. By measuring the height of the round parts and processing them, then the flat parts separately, it will allow for a cleaner final result.
Note: My completed tumbler photos show a 501c charity organization logo. I do not have the rights to that logo and created a separate design anyone can use.
Once you have confirmed your design placement, it is time to let your machine do its thing. Processing time will vary based on your design and settings.
Note: If you want to process the same spot again, for any reason…do not move anything! Select to process again and go from there.
Take the tumbler to the sink and wash it with some dish soap and a non-scratch sponge. Once the water runs clear and there is no remaining residue…it's ready to enjoy your new custom tumbler.
Just remember, hand wash only.