DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs
Have you seen those cute chalkboard mugs at Starbucks? They are so fun and I think it would be funny to write crazy messages on them daily. I decided to try my hand at a DIY painted version. Let me say up front that I did a little test using Rustoleum Chalkboard paint on one mug and Porcelaine Chalkboard paint (made for glass and ceramics) on a second one. I expected the regular chalkboard paint to flake off, especially after seeing this happen after just one coat:
However, after a second coat and baking it in the oven, it appeared to hold up after an initial dishwasher run. I can chip off some of the regular paint with my fingernail on the edges. But,overall the paint seems to be hanging onto the mug. That being said, based on the way the Porcelaine paint immediately took to the mug and appears to be harder to chip, I expect the Porcelaine painted mug to hold up much longer. So, if you want a chalkboard mug that will last longer, use Porcelaine paint.
Chalkboard Painted Mugs Materials:
- Dollar Tree mugs
- ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape
- Freezer paper
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swab or clean rag
- Wet rag or wipes for clean up
- Shape scissors and/or hole punch
- Regular scissors
- Porcelaine Chalkboard paint (Rustoleum chalkboard paint can be used as a slightly less suitable substitute paint)
- Disposable cup
- Foam brush
- X-acto knife
Chalkboard Painted Mugs Instructions:
Lightly sand the sides of the mug where you intend to paint. Wipe off any dirt and oils with a cotton swap soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Create fun shaped edges:
Lay a strip of painter’s tape onto freezer paper.
Cut along one edge (or both) with shape scissors. Cut in the middle with regular scissors to give you two pieces of decorative edged tape.
When using a decorative border punch:
1) Cut along the top edge of the tape to create a straight edge. 2) Align the cut edge in the border punch and punch along the top of the tape. 3) Peel tape off of the freezer paper.
Tape off the top of your mug to protect it from paint. Be sure to press the edges down firmly. You can also tape along the bottom if you want a centered band of chalkboard on the mugs.
Pour a small amount of the Porcelaine paint into the disposable cup. Use the foam brush to evenly coat paint onto the mug. Check for drips before the paint dries. After the first coat dries, paint a second coat for complete coverage. (Occasionally three coats may be necessary.)
After the paint has thoroughly dried (allow 24 hours to dry), remove the painter’s tape. Clean up any seepage or drips by scratching off the paint with the x-acto knife.
Place mugs in a cool oven. Heat oven to 300F and bake for 30 minutes. Let oven cool with mugs inside.
The mugs are ready for decorating now! Add some hot cocoa and marshmallows for an instant chocolatey gift. If you know your recipient is a chocoholic (like I am) add a candy bar too ;-).
These are so incredibly fun! I can’t wait to use one and write something witty on it. At $1 each for the mugs and $10 for the Porcelaine chalkboard paint (enough to paint about 8-10 mugs) this is truly a Très Frugal gift idea!
So, please tell me, what should I write on my mug?
- Fill ‘er up
- Don’t Let Me Run on Empty
- High Octane Please
- Do Not Disturb until I’ve Finished this Cup
- ___________________
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Great idea and tutorial! These would make great teacher gifts! Thanks for the idea!
Those mugs are absolutely adorable! How about, “Mine, All Mine!” ‘Cause I love to share my chocolate. 😉
Seems like a easy and fun gift idea that is cheap to make. I worry that I could not make it look so nice but thats just me being scared to try it ha.
Awesome! Love the decorative borders on the mugs!!
These are the cutest painted mugs I’ve seen! I love the cute borders! Definitely thinking of trying these.
What an amazing gift idea!!!
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Hi where in South Africa can I find the porcelaine chalkboard paint?
Amazon.com 😉
how long between each coat of chalkboard paint do you recommend?
Once the first coat is dry, you can add the second coat. Make sure it is completely dry though, otherwise the wet paint will pull up.
hi i accidentally used the regular chalk board paint. will i still be able to write on it with chalk?
I am wanting to make these for my daughters wedding favors. I am wanting to use colored sharpies to write on the chalk board paint to give it a coffee shop chalk board look. They are getting married in a coffee shop. Would I wait and bake them after I use the sharpies?
thanks
Diana, I’d use paint markers. I’m assuming that’s what you meant. And I’m not sure how the paint markers react when heated, so maybe do a trial one first. Sounds like a great place to get married!!!
Where do you learn to letter like that?