How to Etch Tumblers with Citristrip: TWO Ways Tested!

Jennifer Maker17 minutes read

To etch coated tumblers with Citristrip, you need powder-coated metal tumblers, protective gear, well-ventilated workspace, stencils made from permanent vinyl, tools like a Cricut Maker 3, prepare and cut stencils, test Citristrip gel on a small stencil, apply gel, rinse, remove protective tape, apply finishing steps based on tumbler type, position vinyl design, smooth detailed areas, peel off transfer tape, cover cup with protection, set timer for etching, rinse, scrub, and for glossy tumblers, apply Citristrip, wrap in aluminum foil, heat with a heat gun, scrub to remove etched coating material.

Insights

  • **Key Takeaway 1:** To etch coated tumblers with Citristrip, essential supplies include powder-coated metal tumblers, Citristrip paint stripper, protective gear, stencils made from permanent adhesive vinyl, and tools like a Cricut Maker 3 and StandardGrip transfer tape.
  • **Key Takeaway 2:** Proper application of Citristrip involves testing on a small stencil, timing the etching process, rinsing the tumbler post-etching, and adjusting finishing steps based on the tumbler's surface (matte or glossy), emphasizing precision in stencil application and protective measures for optimal results.

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Recent questions

  • What materials are needed to etch coated tumblers with Citristrip?

    Powder-coated metal tumblers, Citristrip paint stripper, protective gear, well-ventilated workspace, foam brush, disposable or glass bowl, timer, butcher paper, stencils made from permanent adhesive vinyl, Cricut Maker 3, StandardGrip transfer tape, scissors, scraper, weeding tool, painter's tape or vinyl scraps, aluminum foil, heat-safe gloves, heat gun, heat mat, free stencil files from JenniferMaker.com, SVG cut files, Cricut Design Space.

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Summary

00:00

Etching Powder-Coated Tumblers with Citristrip Tutorial

  • To etch coated tumblers with Citristrip, you need powder-coated metal tumblers like YETI, Citristrip paint stripper, protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and an apron, and a well-ventilated workspace.
  • For applying the paint stripper, you require a foam brush, a disposable or glass bowl, a timer, and butcher paper to protect your work surface.
  • Stencils made from permanent adhesive vinyl are essential, with darker colors being preferable for visibility. Tools like a Cricut Maker 3, StandardGrip transfer tape, scissors, scraper, and weeding tool are necessary.
  • To protect the tumbler while etching, painter's tape or vinyl scraps are needed. For glossy tumblers, aluminum foil, heat-safe gloves, a heat gun, and a heat mat are essential.
  • Obtain free stencil files from JenniferMaker.com, download the zip file, and use SVG cut files for easier cutting with a cutting machine like Cricut Maker 3.
  • Prepare or create custom stencil designs using Cricut Design Space, ensuring proper sizing and alignment for the tumbler.
  • Cut and prepare stencils by selecting the correct machine, setting the material to permanent vinyl glossy, and following the cutting process with a clean fine-point blade.
  • Test the Citristrip gel on a tumbler using a small stencil, ensuring proper application and adherence before proceeding with the main design.
  • Apply the Citristrip gel carefully, following safety precautions, and timing the etching process for around 50 minutes, adjusting as needed for different tumblers.
  • Rinse the tumbler after etching, remove protective tape, and proceed with different finishing steps based on whether the tumbler is matte or glossy.

14:36

"Vinyl Design Tips for Tumbler Etching"

  • Position the vinyl design on the tumbler's top edge for optimal results, adjusting for larger tumblers by moving the design closer to the top.
  • Smooth detailed areas first when applying the design on the matte tumbler, using fingers and a scraper for precision, lifting and reapplying vinyl if wrinkled.
  • Peel off transfer tape from the vinyl stencil at a steep angle, pressing down smaller details firmly, smoothing out any wrinkles or creases.
  • Cover the cup with painter's tape, scrap vinyl, or transfer tape, ensuring protection for the bottom and upper inside parts.
  • Set a timer for 50 to 60 minutes for etching with Citristrip, applying a thick layer on the stencil's open areas using a foam brush, then rinsing and scrubbing the cup.
  • For a glossy tumbler, apply Citristrip, wrap the tumbler in aluminum foil, heat with a heat gun at 700 degrees Fahrenheit, then scrub with a pink scrubber to remove the etched coating material.
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