How To Remove Graphics From A Thrift Store Coffee Mug To DIY Your Own

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You may not need another reason to buy more mugs at the thrift store, but regardless, here's some more motivation to go thrifting! Instead of buying mugs and dealing with whatever decorations they have, you can remove the decals and use your own. You won't have to drink out of an ugly mug — you'll have a custom mug unlike any other. This trick works on mugs with decals that sit on the outside of the glaze. Some have the decorations underneath the glaze, and those will be impossible to remove. If you're unsure of the type you have, look at the decal. If it's rubbing off already or missing pieces, it's most likely on the outside of the glaze and perfect for this DIY project. And, if you have some at home, don't throw out those old coffee mugs before trying these creative ideas.

How cheap or expensive this craft gets depends on how many mugs you want to redecorate. You can fix up a single one or a whole collection, depending on how many you need in your kitchen. Aside from mugs with shapes that you like, you'll also need 100% pure acetone, a scrubbing sponge, apple cider vinegar, and a container wide enough to fit the ceramics. Acetone and apple cider vinegar are superb household materials for removing stickers and residue. 

To apply sticky decals, you'll need vinyl sticker paper, custom designs, and a bowl of water. Draw your own designs, or find your favorites from artists online. You may have these materials in your home already, and if not, they won't break the bank at the store. Try looking for scrubbers and containers at the thrift store if you need some for the project.

Start by removing the old, crusty stickers and decorations from the thrift store mugs. Use the acetone and a sponge or cloth to see if they'll come off. If acetone and elbow grease don't work, you'll need to pull out the apple cider vinegar for an overnight soak. Soaking the cup will allow the vinegar to penetrate the sticky parts and render them useless. In the morning, you should be able to wipe the surface clean. 

Once the slate is clean, it's time to decorate your mugs. The easiest way to add some flair is with more decals of your choice. They're easy to add, and there are two different ways to find them. You may print them out yourself on decal paper, or you may find them at craft stores and online. Either way works, so long as you can find designs you like. Is it Christmas? Use Santa Claus and elf decor. Or if it's summertime, use beach ball and umbrella stickers to make the perfect gift.

If you're printing decals yourself on special paper, you'll need to cut them out and get them wet to use them. Cut each piece out, seal them and then set them in a bowl of water to soak. Once the decals move off the backing paper, they're ready to stick onto your mug. Move them gently from the paper to the ceramic, then press down lightly to secure them. Let them dry, and voilà ! You turned old, useless mugs into cute new ones for yourself, family, or friends to enjoy. Relish some coffee or tea, or reuse the mugs as useful storage solutions around your home.