Sublimation requires a special coating on the surface of the material to be effective. Regular or untreated tumblers typically do not have the coating necessary for sublimation printing. The coating is essential for the sublimation ink to adhere and create a vibrant and durable print.

If you want to sublimate a tumbler, you should look for tumblers specifically designed for sublimation. These tumblers come with a polymer coating that enables the sublimation ink to bond with the surface, resulting in a high-quality, full-color, and long-lasting print. Sublimation-ready tumblers are often made of materials like stainless steel or polymer-coated aluminum.

Attempting to sublimate on a regular, untreated tumbler is likely to result in the ink not adhering properly, leading to a poor-quality print that may fade quickly. Therefore, it's recommended to use tumblers that are explicitly manufactured for sublimation purposes to achieve the best results.