Stanley Cup Engraving Explained: From Materials to DIY

Stanley Cup engraving is the perfect way to add a personal touch, whether it’s your name, a logo, or an intricate pattern.

This guide will walk you through how Stanley engraving works, what materials are used, where to get it done, how much it costs, how long it takes, and even how you can try DIY Stanley Cup etching at home.

How Are Stanley Cups Engraved

The most common and popular method for engraving Stanley tumblers is laser engraving.

This process is highly effective on the powder-coated stainless steel that Stanley cups are made from, as it provides a clean and durable result.

Note: Laser engraving on a Stanley tumbler is a permanent modification that cannot be easily removed, as it physically etches the design into the metal by burning away the outer powder coating.

Here are the overall steps:

1. Preparation: First, the cup is cleaned to remove any dirt or oil. If the cup has a handle, it's often removed to make the engraving process easier.
2. Setup: The Stanley Cup is placed into a special device called a "rotary attachment." This tool holds the cup horizontally and will spin it during the engraving.
3. Design: The design, such as a name or a logo, is created or chosen in a computer program that controls the laser engraver.
4. Engraving: The laser engraving machine starts. The laser zaps the cup's surface as the rotary attachment slowly spins it. The laser burns away the outer colored coating, revealing the shiny stainless steel underneath.
5. Finishing: Once the laser is done, the cup is taken out of the machine and wiped clean. This removes any leftover residue, leaving a crisp, permanent design.

Materials Used for Stanley Cup Engraving

Before engraving your Stanley, it’s important to know what materials you’re dealing with and how they affect the process.

Most Stanley tumblers are made of:

• 18/8 Stainless Steel: Durable, rust-resistant, and ideal for laser engraving.
• Powder-Coated Exterior: Many Stanleys have a colored coating; engraving removes the coating in the design area, revealing the stainless steel beneath.
• Plastic Lid and Straw: These parts can’t be laser-engraved. The designs are usually limited to the steel body.

Stanley Cup Engraving considerations:

• Uncoated vs. Coated: Engraving produces a clean silver mark on uncoated steel. On coated cups, engraving creates contrast by exposing the metal.
• Rotary Attachments: These are needed for precise designs around the curve of the tumbler.
• Protective Masking: Sometimes used to prevent dust or debris from affecting surrounding areas.

By knowing these materials, you can design smarter, for example, choosing bold designs for coated cups for maximum contrast, or fine-line engraving for bare stainless steel.

Where to Get Your Stanley Cup Engraved

If you’re not ready to try DIY just yet, you can take your Stanley Cup to a professional engraver. Options include:

• Local Trophy Shops: Many now offer tumbler engraving services.
• Specialty Laser Engraving Studios: Often have high-end rotary systems for precise curved surface work.
• Online Customization Services: You ship your Stanley to them, and they send it back engraved.
• Pop-Up Events: Some Stanley brand events or local craft fairs have on-site engraving booths.

When choosing a Stanley engraving service, look for:

1. Experience with stainless steel tumblers.
2. Examples of past work (ask to see pictures).
3. Ability to engrave without damaging powder coating.
4. Turnaround time that suits your needs.

You’ll also want to confirm if they require you to supply your cup or if they provide and engrave one for you.

Stanley Cup Engraving Cost Breakdown

The cost of engraving a Stanley tumbler can vary depending on complexity, location, and whether you bring your cup.

Here’s a general cost breakdown of engraving the Stanley Cup:

• Simple Text (e.g., name or initials): $15–$25
• Medium Complexity (logo or small design): $25–$50
• Full Wrap Designs: $50–$100+

Additional cost factors:

• Cup Price: A Stanley tumbler ranges from $35 to $60.
• Rush Fees: Expect to pay extra if you need it within 24–48 hours.
• Shipping Costs: If using an online service.

Some engravers offer bulk discounts, which is great if you customize Stanley's for a wedding, corporate gifts, or sports team merch.

How Long Does Stanley Cup Engraving Take

Timeframes depend on the engraving method, complexity, and workload of the engraver.

• Simple Text: 10–20 minutes per cup.
• Full Wrap Designs: 30–60 minutes.
• Queue Time: If a shop is busy, you may wait several days to weeks before they start your order.

If ordering online, factor in shipping time, i.e, 1–2 weeks is common. Some local engravers offer same-day service for simple jobs, especially if you make an appointment.

DIY Stanley Cup Engraving at Home with Falcon2 Pro

If you love customizing your Stanley Cups at home, the Falcon2 Pro laser engraver is your best friend. It’s beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for professional-quality results.

Why Falcon2 Pro works great for Stanley engraving:

1. Rotary Compatibility: Engrave evenly around the tumbler’s curved body.
2. High Precision: Crisp lines and fine detail for intricate designs.
3. Versatility: Works on both coated and uncoated stainless steel.
4. User-Friendly Software: Easily import designs and adjust settings.

Watch the detailed video tutorial for laser engraving your Stanley Cup.

Final Thoughts

Stanley Cup engraving is the perfect way to personalize your tumbler, making it unique to you or a great gift for a friend. This customization turns a functional item into a personal statement piece. With a laser engraver, you can add names, logos, or unique designs, making your Stanley Cup truly one-of-a-kind and a reflection of your own style.