How-to
Engraving tumblers: what you need and what to avoid
How powder-coated and bare stainless tumblers are engraved, why you need a rotary, and which laser does which finish.
Triple 3 Customs · Updated November 13, 2026 · 6 min read
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Engraved tumblers are a common add-on to a patch hat business, and the gear question comes down to one thing: is the tumbler coated or bare?
Coated or bare steel
- Powder-coated tumblers (most colored tumblers): the laser burns away the coating to show the steel underneath. A diode or CO2 laser does this well.
- Bare or polished stainless: there is no coating to remove. You need a fiber laser to mark the steel itself, or a marking spray that a diode or CO2 laser fuses onto the surface.
You need a rotary
A tumbler is round, so the laser can only engrave a narrow strip at a time. A rotary attachment turns the tumbler under the beam so a design can wrap around it. Check that the rotary is made for your machine, and that it fits tapered cups and cups with handles if you'll sell those.
Rotary attachment for your laser
Required for anything round. Buy the one listed as compatible with your machine.
See options on AmazonPowder-coated blank tumblers, 20 oz
Easiest to engrave and most popular as gifts. Buy blanks in bulk for practice and stock.
See options on AmazonLaser marking spray for metal
Lets a diode or CO2 laser make a dark mark on bare stainless, short of buying a fiber laser.
See options on Amazon
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