Yeti cups are durable, stylish, and incredibly popular—but what makes them even better is personalization. Whether you're adding a name, logo, or custom design, engraving is a great way to turn an ordinary tumbler into a meaningful gift or branded item.
In this guide, we'll explore 4 effective methods for engraving Yeti cups — ranging from high-precision laser machines to hands-on DIY techniques—so you can find the best option for your tools, skill level, and style.
In this article:
Method 1: Engrave Yeti Cups with a Laser Engraving Machine
Laser engraving is the most precise and professional way to customize Yeti cups. It permanently removes the powder coating or etches directly into the stainless steel surface, making it ideal for logos, names, or detailed artwork.
What You'll Need for laser engraving dog tag:
- Fiber laser engraving machine
- Yeti cup (preferably powder-coated for high contrast)
- Rotary attachment(for rotating the cup during engraving)
- Design software (e.g., LightBurn, LaserPecker Software & App)
- Rotary tool or electric engraving pen
- Yeti cup (ideally stainless steel or powder-coated)
- Clamp, vise, or non-slip mat
- Polishing cloth or fine sandpaper
- Desktop CNC router or mill with a rotary axis (4th axis)
- CAM/CAD software
- Engraving bit (e.g., V-bit or carbide bit for metal)
- Yeti cup (stainless steel, powder-coated)
- Cricut Maker
- Adhesive vinyl
- Transfer tape
- Citristrip paint remover gel
- Yeti cup (must be powder-coated)
Steps to Engrave a Yeti Cup with Fiber Laser
Step 1: Create Your Design
Use design software to lay out your text or graphics. Size it according to the curved area of the cup.
Step 2: Prepare the Cup
Clean the surface with alcohol to remove dust and oils. Secure the cup on the rotary attachment.
Step 3: Configure Laser Settings
Choose material settings (power, speed, focus) based on your machine and cup type. Enable rotary mode in your software.
Step 4: Preview and Align
Use the frame or outline preview to ensure the design aligns with the engraving area.
Step 5: Start Engraving
Run the job and monitor for accuracy and safety. Pause if adjustments are needed
Step 6: Post-Engraving Cleanup
Wipe down the cup to remove residue. Optionally polish or apply finishing touches.
Pros and Cons of Engraving Yeti Cups with Fiber Laser
Pros:
Extremely precise and permanent
Works well on powder-coated or bare stainless steel
Great for logos, detailed artwork, and batch production
Cons:
Requires expensive, specialized equipment.
Method 2: Engrave Yeti Cups with a Rotary Tool or Engraving Pen
Using a rotary tool or an electric engraving pen is a simple, hands-on way to personalize your Yeti cup. It's perfect for DIYers who want to add names, drawings, or patterns manually—no software or machines required.
Required Tools:
Steps to Engrave a Yeti Cup with a Rotary Tool
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Draw your design directly onto the cup with a marker, or use a stencil as a guide.
Step 2: Secure the Cup
Place the Yeti in a clamp or on a non-slip mat to keep it steady during engraving.
Step 3: Choose the Right Bit
Attach a fine engraving bit that's suited for metal surfaces.
Step 4: Start Engraving
Hold the tool like a pen and slowly trace your design with light, steady pressure. Don't force the bit—let it glide naturally.
Step 5: Clean and Finish
Wipe down the surface to remove dust and metal particles. Optionally polish the area for a cleaner look.
Pros and Cons of Engraving Yeti Cup with Rotary Tool
Pros:
Affordable and accessible
No software or machine setup needed
Cons:
Requires a steady hand and practice
Less precise than laser or CNC engraving
Time-consuming for complex designs
Can result in inconsistent depth or clarity
Method 3: Engrave Yeti Cups with a Rotary CNC
Using a rotary CNC machine is a precise and automated method for engraving cylindrical objects like Yeti cups. With a rotary axis, the machine rotates the cup during engraving, allowing for consistent and detailed designs—perfect for production or repeatable branding work.
Required Tools:
Steps to Engrave a Yeti Cup with a Rotary CNC
Step 1: Create the Design
Use CAD software to design your text or graphics. Convert the file to a toolpath using CAM software with rotary support.
Step 2: Mount the Yeti Cup
Secure the cup horizontally using the rotary axis. Ensure it's tightly gripped and centered.
Step 3: Install the Engraving Bit
Insert the correct bit and zero it to the surface of the cup. Align the X, Y, and rotary axis (A-axis).
Step 4: Set Material Parameters
Choose the right speed, feed rate, and depth of cut based on the material (e.g., slower speeds for stainless steel).
Step 5: Start the Engraving Job
Run the program and let the CNC machine rotate and engrave the design automatically.
Step 6: Clean and Finish
After engraving, brush off debris and wipe the cup clean. Optional: polish or apply a protective coating
Pros and Cons of Engraving Yeti Cups with a Rotary CNC
Pros:
Very precise and repeatable
Durable and long-lasting engraving
Cons:
High upfront cost for machine and rotary upgrade
Requires knowledge of CAD/CAM software
Setup and alignment can be time-consuming
Engrave Yeti Cups via Citristrip and Cricut
This method uses Citristrip paint remover and a Cricut cutting machine to create a faux-engraved effect on powder-coated Yeti cups. It's a great DIY alternative when you don't have access to a laser or CNC. The process removes the powder coating in a specific design, revealing the metal underneath.
Required Tools:
Steps to "Engrave" a Yeti Cup Using Citristrip + Cricut
Step 1: Design Your Stencil
Create or import your design in Cricut Design Space and cut it out on adhesive vinyl.
Step 2: Apply the Stencil to the Cup
Weed the vinyl and use transfer tape to place the stencil onto the cup. Press firmly and seal the edges to prevent leaks.
Step 3: Mask Off the Rest of the Cup
Use painter's tape to protect any exposed areas you don't want affected.
Step 4: Apply Citristrip
Wearing gloves, use a brush or cotton swab to spread a thin layer of Citristrip over the exposed design area.
Step 5: Wait and Remove Coating
Let it sit for 30–60 minutes. Then gently scrape or wipe off the softened powder coating to reveal the metal underneath.
Step 6: Clean Up
Peel off the stencil, clean the cup with water or alcohol, and polish if desired.
Pros and Cons of Engrave Yeti Cup with Cricut
Pros:
Low cost and accessible
Custom designs with just a Cricut
Cons:
Only works on powder-coated surfaces (not bare metal)
Not truly engraved—just a surface coating removal
Conclusion
Personalizing a Yeti cup doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're going for a professional finish with a laser or CNC, or prefer a DIY approach using a rotary tool or Citristrip with Cricut, there's a method that suits your needs and budget.
Each engraving technique comes with its own strengths—so whether you're creating one special gift or launching a small product line, these four proven methods give you the tools to make it happen.
