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Get excited, sis, because today I’m going to show you how to hydrodip a tumbler!
This is one of those things that *sounds* really intimidating but is actually really, really simple.
And the results… well, let’s just take a look, shall we!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stainless Steel Tumbler, spray-painted flat white
- 5-gallon bucket
- Spray Paint
- Water
Step 1: Prep your tumbler
Start with a stainless steel tumbler spray painted flat white. Note: You want to make sure you’re using a *flat or matte* spray paint for this step. This helps to other colors of paint really “grab” on when dipping your tumbler.
Step 2: Prep your paint
Begin by filling the 5-gallon bucket with water (use enough water to fully submerge the tumbler). Then you’ll spray your spray paints on top of the water’s surface.
Pro tip: Take a less is more approach with this. You want to spray just enough to coat the surface of the water – if you use too much paint it can begin to cake on your tumbler.
I like to do multiple layers of color to give that really beautiful marbled effect so I will spray individual layers of each color until I am happy with the results.
There is NO wrong way to do this – every single hydro dipped cup is completely unique, so just go for it, sis, and don’t worry too much about the process!
As you are adding the layers of paint to the bucket, be careful to avoid creating any air bubbles on the surface of your water because those can transfer onto your tumbler. If you do get air bubbles, simply use a pin to pop them before you begin the dipping process.
Pro Tip: Aim your spray paint and the center of the bucket. The paint will naturally move out toward the edges as you layer in the different colors. This is what helps give your tumbler that really unique look.
Step 3: DIP!
Now for the fun part – it’s time to dip!
Pro Tip: Close down your lid with a plastic bag to protect the inside of your tumbler from paint.
Holding your tumbler by the lid, *slowly* begin to dip it into the water at a slight angle. You will see the paint begin to pull toward your tumbler and stick to its surface.
Pro tip: Before pulling the tumbler out of the water, break the water’s surface so that excess paint doesn’t stick to the tumbler as you remove it from the water.
Step 4: Dry + Epoxy
After dipping your tumbler, allow the paint to fully dry and apply your epoxy.
And that’s it! SO SIMPLE, right?
Every time I do a new hydro dip tumbler I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I pull it out of the water. You never know exactly what it’s going to look like, but one thing is for sure, it’s always magical.
So what do you think? Are you ready to give hydro dipping a try? I’d love to see your results if you do! Leave me a comment down below or tag me, @hollimostella, on social media so I can see what you create!
If you enjoyed this tutorial, head over to YouTube to see the steps above in action! And while you’re there be sure to subscribe to my channel for lots of crafting tips, tricks, and more tutorials just like this one.
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