This post is a part of a student-written series, 20 Ideas for Travel Bliss. Lyndsey Gammage is a student at Taylor University in Upland, Ind.
Pinterest is infested with pins of white mugs covered in permanent/Sharpie marker designs. But if you actually click through a few of them, they each use different methods—some have been reported to have terrible results.
So what method works best for baking permanent marker on ceramic coffee mugs?
I set out to experiment with four different methods to make the permanent marker designs stay on a mug. I tested each method with three hand washings (using a soft sponge) and one cycle in the dishwasher to see which one held up the best.
You’re welcome.
The great thing about this craft is that it’s super easy to make! So you can have fun doing this craft with your family at home or away on vacation. And because thrift stores are a great place to get white mugs, it’ll even take you into the heart of whatever community you’re in. Check out Thriftstorelistings.com for neat thrift stores across the US.
Now for the different methods…
Method #1:
- Sharpie marker
- White mug
BEFORE (This mug says, “This is my cuddle weather mug.” Couldn’t get a full picture of it!)
AFTER
This one actually held up well through all the tests! However, from others’ and my experience, it seems regular Sharpie does fade over time. I’d stick to hand washing on this one for long-lasting results.
Method #2:
- Sharpie marker
- White mug
- Acrylic sealing spray (ACSS)
AFTER
BEFORE
As you can see, the ACSS reacted kind of funny with the regular Sharpie, causing some of the bottom to smear. I wouldn’t recommend this method.
Method #3:
- Oil-based paint Sharpie marker
- White mug
BEFORE
AFTER
This method had the worst results. It started chipping almost immediately even with light hand washing. I don’t recommend this method.
Method #4:
- Oil-based paint Sharpie marker
- White mug
- Acrylic sealing spray (ACSS)
BEFORE
AFTER
The winner!!! The ACSS worked very well with the oil-based paint Sharpie and the design didn’t fade a bit even after dishwashing. With the protective sealant, mugs designed with this method should hopefully last a long time.
Now YOU try it!
Method #4 Instructions:
I did two layers of Oil-based paint Sharpie and let it dry for two hours.
Then I placed the mug in a cool oven and let it heat with the oven to 350 degrees. Let the mug bake for 30 minutes, turn the oven off and let it cool, then do the whole baking process a second time. Firing twice can help the Sharpie design set a little better. Also, it’s critical that you let the mug heat up and cool down with the oven so the ceramic doesn’t crack!
Take the mug out of the oven and allow it to dry completely. I happened to let the mug sit overnight, but I’m sure you could just give it a couple hours. Don’t touch the Oil-based paint Sharpie design while it’s still hot or it will smear!
After the mug completely cooled and dried, I sprayed two coats of the ACSS (I used the Krylon brand that said “moisture-resistant” from Hobby Lobby). Then it needed to dry for another two hours.
Here’s how the mugs looked after hand-washing:
Left to right: Oil-based Sharpie w/o ACSS, regular Sharpie with ACSS, oil-based Sharpie with ACSS, regular Sharpie w/o ACSS.
Then the real test: the dishwasher.
Left to right: Oil-based Sharpie with ACSS, regular Sharpie with ACSS, regular Sharpie w/o ACSS, oil-based Sharpie w/o ACSS.
Conclusion: If you’re able to get Acrylic Sealing Spray, use that with Oil-based paint Sharpies. Otherwise, go with just regular Sharpies and realize that you shouldn’t get too emotionally attached. It will tend to fade over time.
*Disclaimer: The type of ceramic may affect how long the marker designs stay on the mug.