DIY Chalkboard Mugs

Heather Dessinger

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This cozy chalkboard mug is perfect for the odd game of tic-tac-toe, an inspiring word for the day, or a whimsical doodle. Whatever your style, they’re a cheerful way to get your morning going. And of course they also work well for keeping track of drinks at parties.

Once the paint dries it is microwave and dishwasher safe, so no special care is needed. I use my microwave as storage, but you get the idea.

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Equipment

How To Make A Chalkboard Mug

Step 1: Prep your mug

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Wash them thoroughly with soap or wipe them down with rubbing alcohol to make sure the paint will adhere well to the surface.

Step 2: Customize your shape

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If you’re going for a basic square or rectangle, just apply painters tape or masking tape in the proportions you desire.

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For a more customized shape, apply tape and then draw an outline using an X-Acto knife. Gently trim away the inside of the shape you’ve created  – I was a little worried that this might scratch the mugs, but I found that if I worked slowly and gently it didn’t.

DIY Chalkboard Mugs

Next, trace the inside with a Sharpie and then peel away the tape.

DIY Chalkboard Mugs

[Note: The first time I tried this I didn’t peel away the tape before I painted. Unfortunately it bled a lot behind the tape and I had to start over. It’s best to remove it so you can see what you’re doing.]

If you prefer to skip the tape and draw your shape in the mug using a stencil that would work, too, but I had trouble drawing the right size unless I was actually drawing it on the mug.

Step 4: Apply Paint

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DIY Chalkboard Mugs

Using a paintbrush apply several thin, even coats. If you make a mistake, DON’T WORRY! Just wipe the area you want to re-do with a damp paper towel and the paint will come right off. Allow to dry to the touch and then remove tape and clean up any edges where the paint bled beyond the stenciled area.

Step 5: Dry & Bake

DIY Chalkboard Mugs

Allow the chalkboard mug to dry for a minimum of 24 hours, then remove any tape that remains and place the mug in a cold oven. Set the oven to 300F (150C). When the temperature of the oven reaches 300F, turn on your timer for 35 minutes. Remove when the timer goes off and allow to cool. Decorate and enjoy!

DIY Chalkboard Mugs

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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11 thoughts on “DIY Chalkboard Mugs”

  1. Hi, does the paint wash off after a while? I want to make them as gifts for relatives but don’t want to make them and then it washes off.

    Reply
  2. Quick question, on step 3 it looks like you removed the tape after outlining the shape with the sharpie. Step 4 looks like you put the tape back on to coat with chalkboard paint? Can you clarify for me please? Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Hi Kimberly! Here’s a note from the tutorial that may clarify things for you: “[Note: The first time I tried this I didn’t peel away the tape before I painted. Unfortunately it bled a lot behind the tape and I had to start over. It’s best to remove it so you can see what you’re doing.]”

      In other words, I originally painted with the tape on, but found after doing a few that it was better to remove the tape and paint free-hand.

      Reply
  3. Love your mugs the first one on to CAN you drikout of thesep
    How would you put someone’s name on them would ya half too before applying the chalkpaint also I this paint OK to put in oven
    I bought the chalkboard paint in a can at walmartI did not buy the spray please email me thanks

    Reply