DIY Sharpie mugs are still all over Pinterest, but do they really work? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to make them and tells you exactly which markers won’t wash off! Great gift idea!
For the past year or two, I’ve been seeing these Sharpie mugs all over Pinterest. And every time I see them, I think, “those are so cute. I should totally try that! They look SO easy!” But then I started noticing a lot of comments on those Sharpie mug photos, most of them complaining that while these darling little mugs are indeed the easiest craft ever, the marker is not actually wash resistant when applied to ceramic. And who wants a coffee mug they can’t wash?
But then I was on a hunt for some cute mugs for my new office and I couldn’t find a single one I liked, probably because in my head I was envisioning all those cute Sharpie mugs I had been drooling over. A little research helped me figure out how to make them permanent and washable!
I found out that plain old regular Sharpie markers do not work at all for this project. The trick, I discovered, is that the markers must be OIL BASED, not water-based (which regular sharpies are). Thus, if you want to attempt this project, be sure to ONLY do it with the oil-based Sharpie paint markers!
Even so, as my field testing proved, these cute little mugs will NOT be dishwasher safe. They do just fine with soap and water but the dishwasher means sure and sudden death to all your artistic effort. That said, they really are a fun & easy DIY project, and turn out SO cute without much effort. The possibilities are practically endless, and they would make a fantastic gift idea for just about anyone. (Just make sure to include washing instructions!)
UPDATE:
LWSL reader Ana shared the following comment on Facebook: “I used oil-based paint markers and even after curing them, they smudged when they got too hot. Instead, I bought DecoArt glass paint markers, followed the directions to a T and I have washed it in the dishwasher several times, no smudges or washing off.”
Step 1: Wash and dry your mug, if new. Decide on a design and prep design with masking tape, if necessary.
Step 2: Use a pencil to rough out a design for any words or lines. Remove masking tape.
Step 3: Carefully draw your design with Sharpie paint markers.
Step 4: Add accent colors, if necessary.
Step 5: Bake mugs at 350 degrees for 20 minutes to set paint; let cool completely.
Finally, remember that these will NOT be dishwasher safe! Be sure to hand wash ONLY!
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Choose oil-based Sharpies if you want your artwork to last through several washing.
Regular Sharpies that are permanent or actually alcohol-based not water based. You can find this out especially by finding out the best option to remove Sharpie from smooth surfaces. Water does not remove Sharpie from a smooth surface however alcohol or acetone is the best option which makes them alcohol base
All directions were followed, but the marker washed off in the sink.
Oh NO! Did you "set" the marker design by curing the mugs in your oven? You must also be sure to use oil based Sharpies.
Am I right in assuming that's 300 degrees Fahrenheit?
Yes, that is correct.
If you drawl right inside the lid inside the cup is it able to drink coffee out of
I would not suggest you draw inside the mug.
Sharpies are not water based, have you ever caught a waft of one? They absolutely reek of alcohol
Do the mugs need to be oven safe?
mine only say microwave and dishwasher safe
Yes, they should be oven safe too. :)
Will porcelain mugs work as well?
I would not suggest using a porcelain mug for this project as they might not be durable enough.
Wow! Must admit, this is the first time I've seen this. I'm inlove with the idea and I can't wait to try this with my sisters.
Great tips
Amazing Ideas, I've Tried it and my kids love it.