How to Paint a Mug and Make It Dishwasher Safe

Learn how to paint a mug and make it dishwasher safe in this short and descriptive article along with some tips and points to remember to make the activity successful.

Mug painting is a fun project that helps in customizing your mugs and is a creative way to spend time together. You can paint mugs in many ways, but each has certain restrictions and limitations on their usage and the harmful effects of using paint on cutlery. An excellent idea for gifting, DIY painted mugs, can be created in numerous ways. Here we will discuss how to paint a mug and make it dishwasher safe and related tips and tricks to make it easy for you to paint mugs at home.

DIY Painting Mugs at Home

1. Painting Mugs with Acrylic Paint

You can apply water-based paint on ceramic mugs without the compulsion of baking it in the oven, though it is recommended to seal the paint and for making it dishwasher safe. Acrylic paints do not produce toxic fumes. They are generally considered safe for painting mugs, as long as you are not eating off them. After painting:

1. Air-dry the mug in a cool and dry place for at least 24 hours.
2. Once dry, bake in an oven for about 30 minutes at 350-degree Fahrenheit.
3. Leave it to cool before taking it out of the oven.

2. Painting Mugs with Nail Paints

While nail paints have a unique texture and vibrance that can give a sharp look, they are not food-safe. Use them to only paint the outer surface. Take some warm water in a wide plastic container. Add a few drops of nail paint, you can add more than one nail color. Stir with a wooden stick, and then submerge the part of the mug up to the rim for 4-5 seconds. Keep it straight on a newspaper and let it dry in the air for at least 24 hours. This will give you a marble-like effect on your mugs and you can choose contrasting colors to create a vibrant look.

3. Painting Mugs with Sharpies

Sharpies help get intricate lines and designs on the mug and allow you to write quotes or personal messages. However, they are not food-safe. Hence you must not paint the surface that comes in contact with food. Draw your favorite cartoon character, write a motivational quote or a personalized message and let it dry for 10 minutes. You can add more layers as per your choice. Please keep it in a cool place for another 24 hours to let the paint set. Now, bake the mug for 20 minutes at 350-degree Fahrenheit. Leave it to cool. Wash with dish soap and water before using the mug.

How to Paint a Mug and Make It Dishwasher Safe

1. After you bake the mug, the paint seals and does not come off quickly. Otherwise, the paint can easily scratch off the surface, and hence, it is not recommended for use in a dishwasher.
2. There is a particular setting material that can be used over the paint for making it safe to use in a dishwasher. You can apply two coats of mod podge over the painted mugs to make them glossy and dishwasher safe as well. If you’re sealing the paint with mod podge, you may skip baking the mug after painting it.
3. Water-based varnish ia another alternative for sealing the paint in the mug and make it dishwasher safe. Use as recommended in the packaging.

Points to Remember

1. Do not paint the rim of the mugs, as your mouth comes in contact and it might not be safe.
2. It is preferable to use a separate oven for baking mugs than what you use for cooking.
3. These tips are relevant for a ceramic mug and not for plastic mugs.
4. It is preferable to wash painted mugs by hand to maintain their quality, even though you have made them dishwasher safe.
5. After you bake, do not immediately take off the mug from the oven as it may break. Let it cool for at least an hour after turning the oven off before you take it out.
6. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or vodka to remove extra paint or to clear any incorrect outlines.

Why Use Food-Grade Colors on Cutlery Items

You can paint mugs in the ways mentioned above because the outer surface of the mugs does not come in contact with food. But these paint colors have chemicals and synthetic ingredients which can cause digestive issues if ingested and, if not sealed, can scrap off inside the dishwasher. Also, hot food on the paint can cause a chemical reaction and mix with the food, which can be slightly toxic. The first recommendation is not to paint plates or spoons which you are going to use for food. Try using them for decoration purposes only. If you still wish to, use food-safe paints available in the market, especially for this activity.