What Are Glass Can Wraps & How to Use Them on 16 oz Cups (Sublimation, UVDTF & More)

If you’ve seen an iced coffee in a trendy glass can with an aesthetic design wrapped around it and thought “I want to make that!” — this blog post is for you.

Whether you’re using sublimation, UVDTF, printed vinyl, or Permanent Vinyl, glass can wraps are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to upgrade your tumblers, cups, and cold drinkware. Let’s break it all down and get you started using wraps the right way!

What Is a Glass Can Wrap?

A glass can wrap is a design file (usually PNG or SVG) sized specifically to fit around a 16 oz glass can (often referred to as a Libbey Glass Can) — though it can also work with other straight-sided tumblers, mugs and other cups. These wraps are designed to go edge-to-edge around the cup, covering it in art, patterns, quotes, or branding.

You can use them with (best options):

• Sublimation – with a heat press and poly-coated cups
• UVDTF Transfers – just peel, stick, and press by hand

➡️ Shop All Glass Can Wraps Here

What Cups Can You Use Wraps On?

While wraps are typically sized for 16 oz glass cans, they also work on other cup styles with straight sides:

• 16 oz glass cans (example: Libbeys)
• 20 oz skinny tumblers (with potential resizing)
• Stainless steel cups (or epoxy tumblers)
• Ceramic mugs or acrylic cold cups (may need resizing)

Just make sure to check your cup dimensions and resize your wrap proportionally or warp, if needed.

1. Sublimation Wraps (For Poly-Coated / Sub-Ready Cups)

You’ll Need:

• Poly-coated glass can (like a sublimation-ready 16 oz Libbey Glass)
• Sublimation printer + sublimation ink
• Heat-resistant tape
• Mug press OR convection oven + shrink wrap

Steps:

1. Clean your glass with alcohol or glass cleaner and dry it completely.
2. Print your PNG wrap design using your sublimation printer — make sure it’s mirrored before printing!
3. Trim the paper edges and wrap it tightly around the glass can with the design facing the glass.
4. Secure with heat-resistant tape or place inside shrink wrap for even pressure to avoid ghosting (shifting/blurring of image).
5. Press in your mug press at 385–400°F for 180–240 seconds depending on your setup.
6. Let it cool before removing tape or shrink wrap to avoid ghosting.

Pro Tips:

• ALWAYS read your ink/printer & heat press directions to ensure that the settings are right for YOUR set up.  The above settings are general use and may be different between systems.
• Use butcher paper or parchment around the wrap to prevent ink bleeding onto your press.
• Always do a test print on plain paper to double-check alignment and sizing.
• Ensure hands are clean and avoid getting dirt or oils on surface to get the best transfer possible.

2. UVDTF Wraps (Peel & Stick)

You’ll Need:

• Printed UVDTF wrap (buy pre-printed or order a purchased design from a trusted vendor, if you do not own a UV DTF Printer yourself)
• Clean glass can or tumbler (no lint, dust, or oil!)
• Lint-free cloth or scraper

Steps (2 methods below):

1. Start by cleaning your cup thoroughly with alcohol — oils or residue can affect adhesion.
2. Cut and trim the UVDTF wrap close to the design (if needed).
3. Peel off the backing of the transfer — your design should now be stuck to the clear transfer sheet only... with a sticky side/back of print uncovered.
4. Carefully position the wrap onto your cup (start from the center and smooth outward).
5. Use your fingers, cloth, or a scraper to press the design firmly across all areas.
6. Once fully adhered, slowly peel away the clear sheet, leaving the design behind.

Alternative (and my favorite) method - THE HINGE METHOD:

Position the Wrap:

• • Wrap the UVDTF design around the glass without removing any backing.
  • Align it carefully to ensure it's level and positioned as desired.

Create the Hinge:

• • Once satisfied with the placement, apply a strip of washi or painter's tape vertically down the center of the design, securing it to the glass. 
    • This tape acts as a hinge, keeping the design in place.

Apply Wrap 

• • Gently peel back the backing paper from one side of the design maybe 1-2 inches.
  • Cut away the exposed backing paper, being careful not to disturb the alignment. 
  • Using a felt-covered scraper (or your hands), start from the hinge and press the exposed adhesive side onto the glass, working from the center outwards to eliminate bubbles.
  • Remove the hinge tape by peeling away the remaining backing paper from the other side. (I bend the remaining wrap towards the part I have already attached and gently lift the backing up and point it the opposite direction). 
  • Again, use the scraper to press this side onto the glass, starting from the already adhered side... towards the remaining part of the wrap.  Ensure you are moving from the center, outward.

Final Burnishing

• • Once the entire design is adhered, go over it with the scraper to ensure all areas are firmly attached and any air bubbles are smoothed out.

Remove the Transfer Sheet:

• • Slowly and carefully peel away the clear transfer sheet, leaving the UVDTF design on the glass.

And you're DONE!  That's it!

Pro Tips:

• Don't rush the peel! If anything lifts, lay the sheet back down and press again.
• Store UVDTF wraps flat in a dry, room-temp space — extreme heat or cold can affect stickiness.
• Store in folders/drawers or out of direct sunlight is preferred.
• Allow at least 24 hours before washing your cup for best long-term adhesion.
• Do NOT use alcohol directly on the wrap after use as it could impact the curing of the glue/adhesive backing on the wrap.

Lingo + Keywords (Quick Reference Table)

Recommended Supplies & Favorite Vendors

• 151 Blanks – Libbey glass cans + press-on lids
• Crafty Printers Co. – UVDTF wraps
• Heat Transfer Warehouse – Sublimation blanks + mug presses
• Expressions Vinyl – Printed & permanent vinyl rolls

Looking for a reliable design source? You’re already here!

🥰 Shop All My PNG Wraps Here

Follow & Share Your Creations

Made something you love with one of my wraps/designs? Tag me on social — I LOVE to see your projects!

📌 Pinterest | 📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 📘 Facebook Page | 🎨 Facebook Group

— Natasha at McKnight Designs & Co 💙

Don't forget to pin this blog to for future reference!  Pin it here!