How to Care for Engraved Tumblers, Glassware, and Drinkware

Drinkware gets more daily wear than almost anything else we engrave. It gets washed, tossed in bags, dropped in cup holders, and used every day. A little care keeps the engraving looking sharp for years.

Stainless and powder-coated tumblers

On most coated tumblers, the engraving removes the coating and shows the metal underneath. That's why it looks so crisp. It also means the engraved area is a little more exposed than the rest of the cup, so be gentle with it. Wash by hand with warm water and mild soap, and use a soft sponge instead of an abrasive pad.

Engraved glass

Engraved glass has a frosted look where the surface was etched. It's durable, but sudden temperature swings can crack any glass, so don't pour boiling liquid into a cold glass or run it from the freezer to hot water. Wash by hand and dry with a soft cloth.

Can engraved tumblers go in the dishwasher?

Most tumbler makers recommend hand washing, and we do too. Dishwasher heat and strong detergent can dull coatings and wear down lid seals over time. If you do use a dishwasher, put the piece on the top rack and expect some wear.

How do you clean inside the engraved lines?

Use a soft brush or a cloth and rinse thoroughly. Avoid scouring pads or anything abrasive, because they can scuff the coating around the edges of the design. A little patience beats a scratch.

Will the engraving wear off over time?

Engraving is cut into the surface, so it doesn't peel the way a printed design can. Heavy scrubbing and constant abrasion can still scuff the coating around it. With normal care, the engraving should last as long as the cup.

What about wood accents and bottle openers?

If your drinkware has wood parts, keep them out of long soaks. Wipe them clean and dry them off. Water is the enemy of wood, and a quick wipe is all it needs.

If you've got engraved drinkware that isn't looking its best, send us a photo and we'll tell you what we think.