How To Paint A Mug And Make It Dishwasher Safe In 2023?
Painting mugs are always welcome, whether it is for gifting or decorating the cutlery as desired.
But to make the painted mug dishwasher safe, you must follow the right yet a safe procedure.
It’s all about learning how to paint a mug and make it dishwasher safe perfectly and permanently.
This guide will help you paint your mug and make it dishwasher-friendly with some easy apply techniques that require no time!
How to paint a mug and make it dishwasher safe?
Painting a mug is a fun project that allows you to customize the mug creatively. Mugs can be painted in different ways. Each has a unique limitation on usage and effect on cutlery.
Despite this, gifting a DIY painted mug is an excellent idea, and you can create it in plenty of ways.
The following are some techniques to paint a mug and make it dishwasher-safe at home.
Painting Mugs with Nail Paints
Nail painting on the mug will give it a unique texture, vibrance, and sharp look. But unfortunately, nail paint isn’t food-safe.
So you can paint only the outer surface of your mug with this nail paint. Make a solution of some drops of nail paint, warm water, and the desired nail color in a wide plastic container.
Mix them properly using a wooden stick and soak the outer part of the mug for 5 seconds. Place the mug straightly on the paper and leave it for around 24 hours to dry properly.
You will have a marble-like effect on the mug and contrasting colors to make the mug look vibrant.
Painting Mugs with Acrylic Paint
You can decorate your ceramic mug with water-based paint without pressure baking it in an oven.
But you will need to seal the paint to make it dishwasher safe. Acrylic paints don’t produce any toxic fumes, making them safe for painting mugs only if you don’t eat off them.
After painting your ceramic mug, air dry it in a dry and cool place for around 24 hours. Then bake the mug in the oven for half an hour at 350 degrees F.
Finally, make it cool for further use by putting it in the dishwasher.
Painting Mugs with Sharpies
By applying sharpies, you can get delightful lines and designs on the mug. It is also superb for writing personal messages or quotes on the mug.
Like nail paint, sharpies aren’t food safe and, therefore, you can only paint the other surface of your mug.
Sharpies are still suitable for decorating mugs as personal preferences.
So you can write a motivational quote, draw your favorite cartoon character, or write a personalized message on it.
After writing or drawing, let the mug dry for ten minutes. You can also add several layers to the mug.
Keep the mug in a dry and cool place for about 24 hours before baking in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 250 degrees F. Finally, wash the mug in soapy water and start using it.
Apply Mod Podge
After baking the mug, seal the paint so it can’t scratch off the surface easily, especially after putting it in the dishwasher.
You can use some specially designed material over the paint to make the mug completely dishwasher safe.
Two coats of mod podge are the best way to make the mug shiny and dishwasher safe.
Another exciting thing is, sealing the mug paint doesn’t require baking in the oven. Another effective alternative is water-based varnish.
It can also make the paint on the mug dishwasher safe, but make sure you follow the process mentioned in the packaging.
Points to Remember
- Never paint the rim of your mug, as it can make you ill if your mouth comes into contact with it.
- Don’t use your food cooking oven to bake the paint mug.
- Even after making the mug dishwasher safe, it’s preferable to wash it by hand to retain the best quality.
- Don’t take off the mug immediately after baking in the oven, as it can break down. Instead, leave the mug for about one hour to become cool.
- To remove incorrect outlines or extra paint, use a Q-tip dipped in running vodka or alcohol.
Use food grade color on your cutlery items
You should only use food-grade color on the cutlery. Otherwise use non-food grade color on the outer surface.
The reason is that paint color may contain synthetic ingredients or chemicals, and these can cause a digestive problem.
If you don’t seal the paint, it can also come off easily inside the dishwasher.
part from this, paint can mix with hot food by causing a chemical reaction, and it can be toxic. So you shouldn’t paint spoons or plates that are used for eating.
Paint should be used mainly for decoration. If you still want to paint your cutlery, use food-safe paint.
FAQs about Painting A Dishwasher Safe Mug
Can acrylic paint last long on a mug after making it dishwasher safe?
Acrylic paint mainly works great on ceramics, and it can come off if you consistently clean it.
Fortunately, heat setting the paint and sealing it properly makes it dishwasher safe and capable of withstanding the hot water pressure.
Plus, wait for a minimum of 72 hours before putting the newly painted mug in the dishwasher.
What paint is dishwasher safe?
Acrylic Enamel Paint is water-based paint and offers a glossy finish.
This paint is extremely easy to use and, more importantly, dishwasher safe.
Even you can apply FolkArt acrylic enamel paint on both ceramic and glassware.
How to paint a glazed ceramic mug and make it dishwasher safe?
Heat and seal your glazed ceramic mug with acrylic paint to make it shiny and dishwasher safe.
Instead of drying your painted mug, bake it in the oven. Then seal the glazed ceramic mug with water-based polyurethane varnish or mod podge.
Final words
In the end, now you know how to paint a mug and make it dishwasher safe. Painting cutlery is always exciting as it brings creative looks.
If it can be put in the dishwasher, there is no limit to the joy. But when it comes to retaining the quality and shinny looks, it’s better to apply some effort manually.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s start painting and living the dream!
