How To Make Sure Your DIY Painted Mug Is Dishwasher Safe

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Full of personal meaning and daily utility, a DIY painted mug is that classic gift that's sure to make loved ones feel special with each use. And with one key consideration, you can take this personalized present from good to great. Anyone will enjoy a hand-painted cup to add to the cabinet, but if it's dishwasher-safe, they'll be extra appreciative of the convenient upkeep. Unless you're upcycling extra coffee mugs into adorable decor, prepping painted pieces for the dishwasher will ensure lasting looks and function while avoiding the tiresome task of handwashing after every cup of coffee. When you use the right materials and apply a little patience, this can be absolutely effortless!

One of the easiest ways to make a dishwasher-safe painted mug is to pick appropriate paints. Find an oven-bake cured paint, like FolkArt Enamel, Glass, & Ceramic Paint or Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Ceramic Paint, and, of course, a dishwasher-safe mug to put it on. Wash the mug with soap and water. Clean any lingering dirt, grease, or residue with rubbing alcohol. Let it dry for about 30 minutes, and paint your design. Depending on the type of paint, you'll typically have to let the painted mug dry for about 24 to 48 hours before curing it in the oven. Bake the mug after the paint dries, setting the oven to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes. Once it cools, you'll have a custom cup ready for easy cleaning on the top rack!

Painting is just one of many decorative approaches to DIY mugs, so you may want a general sealant to lock in a wider array of media. Say you want to include a vinyl decal, sprinkle on glitter, or find a creative way to use decoupage. For sealed crafts like this, you probably guessed that there's a Mod Podge for it. Apply two to three coats of Mod Podge Dishwasher-Safe Sealer over your design, letting each layer dry for one to two hours. After that, you just have to let it air-cure before it can go in the dishwasher. Curing takes 28 days, so plan well in advance if you want to make this DIY painted mug as a gift!

Alongside the paint, Mod Podge allows a great way to repurpose paper napkins, old stickers, and other patterned materials in a cohesive, dishwasher-safe design. The only limitation is how far you can take the sealer. Although it's non-toxic, Mod Podge isn't considered food safe. As with the oven-baked paints, you should keep the sealant away from the inside of the mug and anywhere your lips might make contact. A smart general rule is to stop it about an inch from the rim of the cup. You can even consider which side of the cup the person will drink from and put the design on the opposite side. It's just one more considerate detail for an already thoughtful gift, but making it dishwasher-safe will ensure this DIY mug gets regular use.