How to heat press a Tumbler with A200 Tumbler Heat Press-cover

How to heat press a Tumbler with A200 Tumbler Heat Press-Tutorial Video

Written by Tia Isom

|

Published on

|

Modified on

|

Reading time for 1 min

Discover how the Auto A200 Tumbler Heat Press simplifies the sublimation process, making it easy to create personalized tumblers. At HTVRONT, we believe that creativity makes life better, and our vision is to build the world's leading DIY ecosystem platform. Explore our wide range of products, including Heat Press, HTV vinyl, and DTF printers, to start your creative journey today!

4 Questions & Answers About Sublimation with a Tumbler

1. Are heat mitts necessary?

Absolutely. Unless you're secretly training to be a fire juggler, heat mitts are a must! The heat press temperature can reach a scorching 390°F (200°C)—hot enough to cook dinner, but definitely not something you want to touch. After a full heat press cycle, your tumbler will be sizzling and won’t cool down anytime soon.

Here’s the game plan:

  • Put on your trusty heat mitts.
  • Operate the machine like a pro.
  • Remove the cup carefully to check the results.
  • Place the cup on an insulated mat and let it cool naturally.

Remember, no mitts = instant regret (and possibly a trip to the first aid kit).


2. Why preheat the machine before heat pressing?

Think of it like warming up your car on a cold morning—except this is for crafting, not commuting. Preheating your machine to the optimal temperature improves efficiency and ensures consistent results.

Skipping this step might lead to uneven dye sublimation, and nobody wants a patchy design on their tumbler. So, fire up that machine, let it get toasty, and enjoy smoother crafting sessions.


3. Is the Loklik app necessary?

Not strictly necessary, but it’s like having a crafting assistant who never complains! The Loklik app connects seamlessly with HTVRONT products, including DTF printers, paint-by-numbers machines (Ipaint), and cutting machines.

Here’s what it does:

  • Take your dye-sublimation design.
  • Select and cut the design based on your tumbler’s shape and size.
  • Ensure your image is perfectly rendered on the cup.

Of course, if you’re confident in your scissor skills (or just enjoy living on the edge), you can cut the pattern manually. But hey, why not let the app do the hard work?


4. Does HTVRONT have a dye-sublimation printer?

Nope, not yet! And here’s why:
Dye-sublimation printing is a whole different ballgame compared to regular printing. It requires:

  • Special media coating to support the sublimation pattern.
  • Dedicated printheads for dye-sublimation ink (or else… clogged printheads galore).

So, please don’t try loading dye-sublimation ink into a regular printer—unless you enjoy printer meltdowns. HTVRONT’s DTF printers are designed for their own tasks, and asking them to handle dye-sublimation printing is like asking a fish to climb a tree. Let them stick to their job!

Black Friday

Black Friday Special for You

Exclusive blog reader deals · While stocks last

Limited time · Ends December 8, 2026
HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer - direct-to-film printer for custom apparel printing $1000 OFF

D2 DTF Printer

Buy Now
HTVRONT E15 15-needle embroidery machine for multi-color embroidery projects $800 OFF

E15 Embroidery Machine

Buy Now
HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 - automatic heat press for t-shirts and HTV projects $75 OFF

Auto Heat Press 2

Buy Now
HTVRONT H17 Phone Case Heat Press for custom phone case printing $150 OFF

H17 Phone Case Heat Press

Buy Now
HTVRONT Manual Hat Heat Press for custom cap and hat printing $30 OFF

Manual Hat Press

Buy Now
HTVRONT A100 Multi Heat Press for large-format multi-purpose heat pressing $155 OFF

A100 Multi Heat Press

Buy Now
HTVRONT A300 Auto Hat Heat Press in Bubble Blue for automatic cap printing $35 OFF

A300 Hat Heat Press

Buy Now
How to Wash Sublimated Shirts

How to Wash and Maintain Sublimated Shirts

Tia Isom

Sublimated shirts don't fade by accident — they fade from heat, friction, and bad laundry habits. This guide breaks down exactly how sublimation works inside the fibers, why polyester is...

A300 Auto Hat Heat Press with different hats, caps

What is Hat Heat Press

Tia Isom

A hat heat press uses a curved platen to apply designs to caps evenly. This guide covers how it works, the benefits over flat presses, HTVRONT's manual and auto models,...

H10 Portable Heat Press with 5 items that could be heat press

5 Creative Items You Never Thought You Could Make

Tia Isom

Discover 5 creative projects for your heat press beyond basic t-shirts. Learn how to make custom wooden coasters, canvas tote bags, metal signs, structured hats, and personalized mouse pads. Includes...

Back-to-School DIY with the A100 Multi Heat Press: Custom Sashes, Shirts, Hats & More

Back-to-School DIY with the A100 Multi Heat Press: Custom Sashes, Shirts, Hats & More

Tia Isom

Ready for the first day of school? With the HTVRONT A100 Multi Heat Press, you can create personalized sashes (video tutorial included!), matching shirts, custom hats, teacher mugs, and no-lost...

How to Wash DTF Shirts and Keep That Soft, Rubbery Feel

How to Wash DTF Shirts and Keep That Soft, Rubbery Feel

Tia Isom

Learn how to wash and care for DTF printed shirts to prevent cracking, peeling, and fading. This guide covers proper washing techniques, drying methods, and common problems like wrinkling and...

How to Price HTV, Sublimation, DTF, Embroidery & Laser Crafts in 2026

How to Price HTV, Sublimation, DTF, Embroidery & Laser Crafts in 2026

Tia Isom

Pricing guide for five decoration methods — HTV, sublimation, DTF, embroidery, and laser engraving. Includes the core pricing formula, 2026 blank cost reference, labor estimates, equipment depreciation, and cross-method profit...

DIY Apparel Printing in 2026: Which Method Makes the Most Money?

DIY Apparel Printing in 2026: Which Method Makes the Most Money?

Tia Isom

Compares four DIY apparel printing methods — HTV (starter-friendly, $15–30), DTF (high-volume, $20–50), sublimation (sportswear, $25–60), and embroidery (premium, $30–100). Includes startup costs, selling prices, and 2026 market trend analysis...

What Is Sublimation Paper Used For

What Is Sublimation Paper Used For

Tia Isom

Sublimation paper uses guide: polyester apparel (T-shirts, jerseys), coated drinkware (mugs, tumblers), hard goods (puzzles, coasters), promotional products, and what NOT to use it on.

Read More >>
Decorate a tumbler with gem stickers

Tumbler Heat Press Inspiration - Sublimation × Adhesive Gem Stickers

Tia Isom

Your browser does not support the video tag. The heat press featured in this video is the A200 Tumbler Heat Press. It's designed for sublimation on smooth glass, frosted glass,...

a Colorful Leopard-Print Handled Tumbler and blue A200 auto tumbler heat press

Sublimating a Colorful Leopard-Print Handled Tumbler with an A200 Auto Tumbler Heat Press Machine

Tia Isom

Your browser does not support the video tag. The heat press featured in this video is the A200 Tumbler Heat Press — a versatile machine designed for sublimation on all...

Heat Pressing on Frosted Glass Tumblers - Combining Sublimation Substrates with a Leopard Print Self-Adhesive Vinyl Design

Heat Pressing on Frosted Glass Tumblers - Combining Sublimation Substrates with a Leopard Print Self-Adhesive Vinyl Design

Tia Isom

Your browser does not support the video tag. The heat press featured in this video is the A200 Tumbler Heat Press — a versatile machine designed for sublimation on various...

A Cute Pink Tumbler

Make a Cute Pink Stainless Steel Tumbler with Handle with A200 Tumbler Heat Press

Tia Isom

Your browser does not support the video tag. The heat press featured in this video is the A200 Tumbler Heat Press — a versatile machine designed to sublimate tumblers from...

Best Christmas Napkins Heat Press inspiration

Best Christmas Napkins Heat Press inspiration!

Tia Isom

Create adorable Christmas designs on tissue paper to decorate your holiday dinner table!  Note: The heat press used in video is the H10 Portable T-shirt Press. To achieve the effect...

Heat press everything with H10 T shirt press

Heat press everything with H10 T shirt press

Tia Isom

Your browser does not support the video tag. The heat press featured in this video is the H10 Portable T shirt press. Unlike traditional clamshell heat presses, this handheld model...

How to make a Sublimation Flip Sequin Note with H10 Portable Heat Press

How to make a Sublimation Flip Sequin Note with H10 Portable Heat Press

Tia Isom

The notebook cover in this video is made from Sublimation Flip Sequin, also known as Printable Reversible Sequin. This material combines sublimation printing technology with a flip-sequin structure, allowing for...

How to use Rainbow Glitter Vinyl? - Video tutorial

How to use Rainbow Glitter Vinyl? - Video tutorial

Tia Isom

Note: This video features the H10 Portable T Shirt Press, which is equipped with dual-handle settings and real-time pressure display for precise heat pressing. Video Summary 1. Use a lint...