A200 Tumbler Heat Press Tutorial

November 9, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction: Meet the A200 Tumbler Heat Press

The HTVRONT A200 Tumbler Heat Press is a versatile and user-friendly machine, perfect for sublimation enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, this guide will walk you through the process of heat pressing a handle tumbler. With the right tools and preparation, you can create stunning, professional-quality designs with ease.

Custom tumblers are one of the most popular sublimation projects — they make great personalised gifts, promotional items, or products for your small business. The A200 makes the process simple and repeatable, so you can create consistent results every time.

💡 Quick Tip: Before you start, make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area and have all your materials within reach. Preparation is the key to a smooth pressing experience.

What You Need to Prepare

Before starting, gather the following items:

Materials needed for heat pressing a handle tumbler with the A200: heat press mat, A200 machine, sublimation paper, handle tumbler, gloves, scissors, and heat-resistant tape

1. Heat Press Mat

Essential for even heat distribution and protecting your tumbler.

2. HTVRONT A200 Tumbler Heat Press

The star of the show! Your all-in-one tumbler pressing solution.

3. Printed Sublimation Paper

Your custom design printed on sublimation paper.

4. 40oz Handle Tumbler

The tumbler you'll be customising. Make sure it's sublimation-ready.

5. Heat-resistant Gloves

Protect your hands from high temperatures during the process.

6. Scissors

For cutting your sublimation design to the correct size.

7. Heat-resistant Tape

Keeps your design securely in place during pressing.

8. Screwdriver

For removing the detachable handle on the tumbler.

Step 1: Replace the Heat Plate Module

The A200's default heat plate module is designed for straight ceramic, glass, and stainless steel mugs. To heat press a handle tumbler, you'll need to swap it out for the handle tumbler module.

Step 1

Replace the Heat Plate Module

Grab the orange handle on the current heat plate module and pull it straight out.
Take the handle tumbler module, align its side rails with the machine's tracks, and push it in until you hear a satisfying "click."

Step 1: Replacing the heat plate module on the A200 Tumbler Heat Press — swapping the default module for the handle tumbler module

⚠️ Important: Make sure the module is fully seated and the click is audible before proceeding. A loose module can cause uneven heating and poor transfer results.

Step 2: Power On and Set the Mode

Press the "Power" button to turn on the machine. By default, the settings are 200°C, 110 pressure, and 190 seconds.

Step 2

Power On and Set the Mode

For handle tumblers, switch to "Custom" mode and select D Mode (200°C, 110 pressure, 160 seconds). This setting is optimised for handle tumblers to ensure perfect results.

Step 2: Setting the mode on the A200 Tumbler Heat Press — selecting Custom mode and D Mode for handle tumbler pressing

Step 3: Print & Cut the Sublimation Design

Handle tumblers require heat pressing in three parts: the top, middle, and bottom. Each section needs its own printed design.

Step 3

Print & Cut the Sublimation Design

Open HTVRONT IdeaStudio and click "Library" to choose a design, or upload your own by selecting "File" > "Upload."
On the "My Device" panel, select "A200 Auto Tumbler Heat Press."
For a 40oz handle tumbler, set the Canvas Size to 35.56 x 21.5 cm (8.5 x 14 inches).
Select your desired print mode:
- Upper (Handle Excluded)
- Upper (Full Coverage)
- Middle
- Low
- Middle & Low
Adjust the design size and use the "Clipping Mask" tool to crop it to fit the tumbler. Don't forget to mirror the image before printing.

Step 3: Mirroring the design in HTVRONT IdeaStudio before printing for sublimation transfer

⚠️ Mirror Your Design! For sublimation transfers, the image must be mirrored before printing. If you forget this step, your design will appear reversed on the final product. This is especially important for text and logos.

After printing the designs for the top, middle, and bottom sections, cut them out using scissors. If you have a vinyl cutter, you can use it to cut the designs, but scissors are often quicker and easier for this task.

Can You Use HTV on a Handle Tumbler?

Yes — although sublimation paper is the standard method for tumbler projects, you can also use heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on a handle tumbler. The workflow is slightly different from sublimation:

Sublimation paper — print, mirror the image, wrap, press, and hot peel. Best for full-colour, photo-quality designs.
Heat transfer vinyl — cut your design with a vinyl cutter, weed away the unwanted vinyl, then press onto the tumbler. Best for solid-colour logos, names, and simple shapes.

💡 Tip: If you're using HTV instead of sublimation paper, skip the mirroring step in Step 3 — HTV is cut in the correct orientation. Use the same A200 D Mode settings (200°C, 110 pressure, 160 seconds) as a starting point, then test on a scrap tumbler before pressing your final design.

Step 4: Stick the Designs to the Tumbler

The HTVRONT handle tumbler features a detachable handle, making it easier to work with. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle before proceeding.

Step 4

Stick the Designs to the Tumbler

Ensure the tumbler's surface is clean — rinse and dry it thoroughly before pressing.
Wrap the cut designs around the corresponding sections of the tumbler (top, middle, and bottom).
Secure the designs tightly with heat-resistant tape, ensuring there are no gaps or loose edges.

Step 4: Wrapping and securing sublimation designs onto the handle tumbler with heat-resistant tape

Step 5: Wrap It Up & Place It Inside

Step 5

Wrap It Up & Place It Inside

Wrap the tumbler with the Heat Press Mat to protect it and ensure even heat distribution.
Put on your heat-resistant gloves for safety.
Once the A200's "Start" button turns green, insert the tumbler into the machine.

Step 5: Wrapping the tumbler with the heat press mat and placing it inside the A200 Tumbler Heat Press

Step 6: Press It & Hot Peel It — Done!

Step 6

Press It & Hot Peel It — Done!

Press the "Start" button and let the machine do its magic.
When you hear a long beep, carefully remove the tumbler and heat press mat — don't forget to wear your gloves!
Wait about 30 seconds, then peel off the sublimation paper while it's still warm.

And just like that, your custom handle tumbler is complete!

Step 6: Heat pressing the handle tumbler and hot peeling the sublimation paper after the cycle is complete

🔥 Hot Peel vs. Cold Peel: Handle tumblers require a hot peel — peel the sublimation paper while it's still warm (about 30 seconds after pressing). This ensures clean ink transfer and prevents the design from lifting. If you are using heat transfer vinyl instead of sublimation paper, follow the peel recommendation on your HTV (cold peel for most standard HTV, hot peel for puff HTV).