Update: This post was originally published on 07/11/2017 but has since been updated and improved. This mug is still my favorite (5 years later) and has lasted many many dishwasher cycles!
How to Bake a Painted Mug
One of my daughter’s favorite things to do when she was about 4 years old was to make my coffee in the morning before I go downstairs. She started this routine on her own and it is the best. What a sweetie. She told me the other day that she wanted to make me a coffee mug. I, of course, obliged and we bought some supplies so I could show her how to bake a painted mug after she was done. Just recently, not only has she made my coffee, she places it on the kitchen table along side of my notebook and pen and my laptop. She even plugs it in! Anyway, here is how we did it!
Here’s What You Need
Time: A few hours
Materials:
This list and instructions contain affiliate links to my recommended products for paint.
- Ceramic Mug
- Enamel or Oil Based Paint
- Paintbrush
Equipment:
Watch the YouTube Video
Selecting the Paint
The main reason for baking a painted mug is to make the paint permanent and the mug dishwasher safe. This tutorial is for ceramic mugs. Consider going to a thrift store for a large and inexpensive selection. You can use oil based paint markers (affiliate link) or oil based paints, or any paint recommended for glass or ceramics. This is also called enamel paint. Enamel paint is oil based and is usually glossy. You can find a great selection of colors at any craft store. If you have doubts, read the label and description. It will usually say, “dishwasher safe”.
I laid out some paper and let my daughter unleash her creativity! She is 6 years old and thought this was the coolest craft because of her special morning routine. When she was finished, I followed these easy steps:
- Do not preheat the oven because the mug may crack or shatter if it does not gradually heat. Place the freshly painted mug in a cold oven.
- Turn the oven onto bake at 360°.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- When the 30 minutes is up, turn off the oven, but leave the mug inside. Allow the oven and mug to cool together completely.
As I mentioned, you can now wash the mug in the dishwasher. So far, we have washed this mug four times and so far so good! Please note that we did not scrub the mug, rather rinsed it and then washed it in the dishwasher. Avoid using abrasive sponges on the paint.
How To Paint Ceramic Mugs – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Gather your ceramic mug painting supplies
You’ll need ceramic mugs, ceramic paint, brushes, and drying and curing agents (if needed). When choosing ceramic paint, make sure to select a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for ceramic mugs. A quality ceramic mug painting kit will come with all of the supplies you’ll need.
Step 2: Wash the mug with soap and water
Rinse it well and dry it with a clean towel. For better results, prepare the ceramic mug for painting by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol or an all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth. Allow drying completely.
Step 3: Outline the design
Secure a piece of masking tape around the top of your mug, approximately an inch away from its rim. This will make it easier to paint up to and create a cleaner line. Furthermore, if you want, you can paint on the ceramic mug with an erasable marker if desired. Check it over carefully to ensure it is correct before proceeding.
Step 4: Start the painting process
Measure out a dollop of paint onto your paper plate or mixing tray. Apply ceramic paint to your brush and start painting! Start from the top of the design first, then move down as you go along. It is best to work in small sections.
Step 5: Allow the paint to dry
After you have perfected your design, let the mug dry for 24 hours to ensure a lasting impression. For ceramic mugs, it’s best to wait until they are completely dry before applying any glaze or sealant.
Step 6: Make the mug dishwasher safe
When the mug is dry, carefully take off the masking tape and place it in a preheated oven of 350°F for 30 minutes. This will fixate your artwork on the mug making it safe to run through any dishwasher. Once your mug has cooled, gently rinse it with soapy water to ensure its cleanliness and readiness for use.
Recommended Tools To Paint Ceramic Mugs and Get The Job Done
Mug Painting Kit for Kids Adults
This ceramic mug painting kit is perfect for kids or adults who want to express their creativity. The kit includes a ceramic marker, professional ceramic pigment, and a brush to outline the surface of your mug.
Plus, you’ll also get one high-quality ceramic mug so you can start decorating right away! After coloring in the design with the pigment, simply bake it at high temperatures and it will remain long-lasting.
This makes an excellent gift for special occasions like birthdays and holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. With this ceramic mug painting kit, you can create truly unique and personalized hand-painted coffee mugs that make a wonderful keepsakes to share with family members or friends.
Paint Pens for Rock Painting
On Sale Today
(46523)
$14.99
Artistro Paint Pens are designed to make ceramic mug painting and craft & art projects easier than ever.
The pens come with premium quality, vivid water-based ink that dries quickly creating a durable opaque and glossy finish on both light and dark surfaces like rocks, stone, ceramics, treated smooth wood, plastic, canvas fabric paper card stock terra cotta clay polymer, and many more.
These paint markers provide great detailing for DIY personalized gifts for friends & family; such as custom mugs. Artistro Acrylic Paint Pens are non-toxic conforming to ASTM d-4236 and EN71 safety standards making them safe from direct contact with food products.
The colors included in this ceramic mug kit are black white yellow blue green red pink gold silver brown orange violet perfect for all your ceramic mug painting needs.
Common Questions About How To Paint Ceramic Mugs
Is a ceramic mug painting kit worth it?
If you are the artsy type and enjoy getting creative with little projects such as hand-painted coffee mugs, which make great gifts and lovely keepsakes that can be enjoyed for years to come; then a ceramic mug painting kit is a fun way to explore your creativity and decorate your own mug with a unique design or message of your own making.
Are paintings dishwasher-safe?
Note that most paints are not dishwasher safe without the application of a sealing agent after they have been painted onto the item being decorated (again refer to individual product packaging). Make sure to get a ceramic mug painting kit suitable for your purpose.
How do you seal acrylic paint on ceramic?
Allow ceramic mugs to dry completely before applying a clear glaze or sealant as necessary for use in microwave/dishwasher applications according to instructions on the product package (this may require baking at specific temperatures in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions).
This should be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area due to fumes generated during the baking process (specifics may vary depending on the brand of products used).
Can you paint ceramic mugs with paint pens?
If you don’t have a ceramic mug painting kit, you can choose this method. Painting ceramic mugs is an activity that’s growing in popularity, and the pens make it easier to execute detailed designs. Compared to acrylic paint, this method gives you more control over your artistry.
Painting with paint pens follows the same steps as painting with acrylic, only you use a pen instead of a brush. Simple! You can always opt for a ceramic mug painting kit, which brings all you need.
Can you paint ceramic mugs with nail polish?
That’s right! If you don’t have access to a ceramic mug painting kit or paint pens, nail polish is your perfect go-to. It’s the simplest choice of all and doesn’t even require an oven for baking something together—so if drawing isn’t in your skillset either, this technique could be ideal for you. Here is how you do it:
- Begin by washing the mug with some sudsy soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and then carefully towel dry.
- For an added layer of protection, spread some newspaper over your work surface to safeguard it from nail polish stains.
- Utilize a plastic container with ample depth to submerge your mug and fill it with lukewarm water for an easy, efficient clean.
- To create a stunning water-marbling effect, start by adding just a few drops of nail polish to the surface. Gently stir and blend with a toothpick until you’ve achieved your desired color combination – whether that be one or multiple colors!
- Gently take the mug, and gradually dip it into the water from bottom to top (as if you’re placing it on a flat surface). Keep the mug submerged in paint-filled liquid for approximately 4-5 seconds before taking it out.
- Finally, put the mug on a newspaper to dry. Give it a quick rinse with soap and water afterward and you’re all set!
Can you paint glazed ceramic mugs?
It’s impossible to paint directly on a glazed ceramic mug due to its glossy surface, which won’t accept the paint. However, if you insist on giving it a try, then use an etching primer or sandpaper first in order to make the surface rough – this will help ensure that the paint adheres properly.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain mugs?
Porcelain mugs stand apart from ceramic ones as they are constructed with a more delicate sort of clay. On the other hand, ceramic mugs are generally made using either red or white clay.
Ceramics are less costly and more long-lasting than porcelain, plus they’re glazed on the inside while porcelains have a finish on both sides. With these two benefits alone, it’s no wonder ceramic mugs are so popular.
