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What Kind of Paint Do I Use to Paint Mugs?

Painting colorful designs on glass, ceramic, plastic or stoneware mugs is a fun way to express your creativity. Painting mugs for special people or occasions is an interesting craft for children, as well. Hand-painted mugs bring higher prices than plain mugs at yard sales, craft fairs and specialty shops. Gift mugs can also be personalized with designs or lettering to give the mug special meaning for the recipient. Use paints formulated for painting on the type of mug you have, and thoroughly wash and dry the mug before beginning the project.
  1. Painting on Glass Mugs

    • Glass is non-porous, so very little paint is required to paint glass mugs. You can paint free-hand or use stencils that stick on and peel off easily. Stencils work well for intricate designs and lettering. Look for paints specially formulated for use on glass surfaces, and check the label to be sure the paint is safe for drinking vessels. Glass paints come in liquid, paste and felt-tip markers in a wide range of colors, including translucent, opaque and "frosted" colors. Many glass paints must be fired to set the paint permanently and make it immune to dishwasher and hand washing, but the firing can be done in your home oven. Follow label directions carefully.

    Painting on Ceramic, Stoneware or Porcelain Mugs

    • Acrylic, enamel and porcelain paints are excellent for painting designs on ceramic, stoneware or porcelain mugs. Most of these paints readily adhere to the smooth, glazed surface of these types of mugs, but some are meant to be applied before the mug is glazed. You can also use a food-safe glaze after the mug is painted to protect the paint. Follow package directions for applying the paint and the glaze.

    Painting on Plastic or Metal Mugs

    • Plastic surfaces are a good "canvas" for the same type of paints customarily used for ceramic or porcelain mugs. You can also use non-toxic, felt-tipped markers or apply a stencil and spray on one of the newer, non-toxic, all-surface paints available at craft stores. Use acrylic, porcelain or enamel paints on metal mugs. Neither plastic nor metal mugs require glazing, but a food-safe sealant will keep the decoration from rubbing off. Follow label directions.

    Safety Standards

    • Read paint labels carefully. Labels on paint brands from overseas should include a statement about the product's toxicity. Use only water-based paints.
      Domestic paint labels may carry the AP, CP or ASTM D-4236 seals. Approved Product (AP) and Certified Product (CP) seals are issued by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute and mean the product was tested by a toxicologist to be safe for young children, even if they eat the paint. The "CL" designation means the product has cautions you need to read about. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets standards for labeling art materials so that labels include warnings if the product or its components pose a health hazard. Check the label's ingredients list to be sure the product does not contain lead or arsenic.