The ugly and straightforward mugs looking dull in your kitchen shelf can be turned into a unique looking colorful cup easily and in a fun way. You can try out the tie and dye method to change this unattractive piece into a lovely customized mug. Just make sure you follow the right process and directions for best results. Start making these marker mugs with a trash bag protecting the workplace from the mess, which is inevitable.
The Steps To Follow
Collect the tools for the DIY process that includes special paint, rubbing alcohol, and paper towels for erasing, wiping and protecting work surface. Other optional items may be used such as pencil, tape, sticker letters, patterns and special coating spray.
- When you are ready with your tools, start with preparing your mug by washing it well, drying it and cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. Allow a few minutes for the alcohol to evaporate.
- Make sure you do not touch the surface while you paint as the oil on your fingers will not allow the paint to adhere correctly. You can hold it from inside though.
- Use a variety of different colors to scribble circles on all the sides of the mug but avoid using metallic for tie-dye mugs as it will look muddy after the run.
- When it is colored, drip a drop of rubbing alcohol slowly and carefully on each colored circle. Rotate the mug up and down so that rubbing alcohol runs the colors.
- If there is a bare spot add another color circle and put another drop of rubbing alcohol and repeat the running process until you achieve the desired look.
- When you see that the rubbing alcohol is not running the paint anymore take some rubbing alcohol on the Q-tip of paper towel to clean the places where you do not want color, for example, the handle or rim or any area you want to draw a figure or stick letters.
You can even personalize your mugs with family pictures if you wish. Finish the process with drying and baking your cup.
The Finishing Tips
To make the mugs look fantastic, you must give it is proper finish. Allow 24 hours wait time to dry the cup entirely before baking it. Baking it at a temperature of 350°F for 60 minutes and then turning up to 450°F will help in fading.
When the making process completed, let the mugs stay in the oven for about 15 more minutes. After that open the door for ventilation and keep it there overnight. Such careful and precise steps will prevent the beautiful design from coming off when you wash the mugs.
Make It Dishwasher Safe
A perfectly baked mug is ready to wash in a dishwasher depending on the type of the mug and the dishwasher. To make the mugs dishwasher safe always use acrylic coating spray on it. If you are apprehensive, then opt for manual hand washing, which is ideally preferable. Remember, colors will dull a little after you bake the mugs but that is normal.
Find more favorite craft projects here:
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
OMG THAT IS AWESOME! Never realized you could tye dye MUGS!! But now I really want to give it a shot!!