If you’ve ever wondered how engraved tumblers get that crisp, bright design that pops when they spin, here’s a quick look at how I do it. I recently engraved a full‑wrap raining hearts tumbler and filmed the whole process for YouTube, so this post breaks down the basics and gives you the video if you want to watch the full spin.

What Tumbler Engraving Actually Is

Tumbler engraving is when you use a laser to burn away the powder coat on a cup, revealing the metal underneath. Depending on the tumbler, that metal might be stainless steel, chrome, or — my personal favorite — rainbow chrome, which gives the design a gorgeous multicolor shine.

Engraving isn’t vinyl, it isn’t printed, and it doesn’t peel.

It’s permanent, clean, and honestly addictive once you get the hang of it.

 My Engraving Setup

I use the Loklik iEngrave paired with the HTVRONT IdeaStudio mobile app. It’s simple, fast, and way less chaotic than LightBurn (if you know, you know).

Here are the settings I used for this tumbler:

• Black anodized aluminum preset
• Fill mode
• 60% power
• 7500 mm/min
• Dynamic power: ON
• Overscanning: OFF
• Air assist: ON
• Single pass

These settings give a bright, clean reveal without over-burning the powder coat.

The Design

The raining hearts wrap came from Etsy. I cleaned it up, sized it for a 20oz skinny tumbler, and wrapped it around the cup for a seamless full‑spin engraving. You can purchase this tumbler here.

Watch the Full Engraving

Here’s the video of the entire process — from setup to final spin.

Final Thoughts

This tumbler turned out beautifully. The rainbow chrome underneath makes every line glow when it spins, and the detail stayed crisp all the way around. If you’re new to engraving, start with simple wraps and work your way up — once you get the hang of it, full wraps become your favorite projects.

If you want a custom tumbler or want me to engrave a design you already have, just reach out. I love making these.