Contributor post by Caitlin of The Merrythought
Lately, I've felt like someone could come in and splash some watercolor patterns all over everything I own and I wouldn't mind it one bit. Unfortunately, in a few months, I'm sure I would be a bit annoyed with that decision. So I've been trying to come up with a few ways to add some faux watercolor splashes around my house. Last week, I was watching my cousin give herself a "watercolor" manicure and I thought, that would be a great technique to use on a mug! So I tried it… and it works!
What you need:
-White Ceramic Mug
-Old or Disposable Bowl/Container
-Nail Polish
How to make it:
-Fill the bowl with warm water.
-Add a drop of nail polish to the water and let it spread out. You can also use a skewer to swirl the color around a bit to give it the effect you'd like.
-Dip your mug in the water.
-You can use nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish on the bottom and inside of the mug or sections that got messed up.
-Carefully pat mug dry with paper towel.
-You can repeat with additional colors if you want.
-Once you've achieved the look you want, let it sit for at least two hours.
I would recommend hand washing these mugs. (Although I haven't tried mine in the dishwasher yet!) Durability will also depend on quality of the nail polish a bit - just as it would on your nails. I let mine sit for about 5 hours then scrubbed them and they were fine. If you run into problems, try coating the outside with a clear coat of nail polish or a non toxic finishing spray.
About the Contributor
Caitlin
McGrath lives in a small town in Western New York. When her face
isn't hidden behind her camera, she's usually crafting and daydreaming
for The Merrythought, where she is a part of the three lady team sharing DIY projects, recipes, fashion, home décor & and bits of daily life.
Lately, I've felt like someone could come in and splash some watercolor patterns all over everything I own and I wouldn't mind it one bit. Unfortunately, in a few months, I'm sure I would be a bit annoyed with that decision. So I've been trying to come up with a few ways to add some faux watercolor splashes around my house. Last week, I was watching my cousin give herself a "watercolor" manicure and I thought, that would be a great technique to use on a mug! So I tried it… and it works!
What you need:
-White Ceramic Mug
-Old or Disposable Bowl/Container
-Nail Polish
How to make it:
-Fill the bowl with warm water.
-Add a drop of nail polish to the water and let it spread out. You can also use a skewer to swirl the color around a bit to give it the effect you'd like.
-Dip your mug in the water.
-You can use nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish on the bottom and inside of the mug or sections that got messed up.
-Carefully pat mug dry with paper towel.
-You can repeat with additional colors if you want.
-Once you've achieved the look you want, let it sit for at least two hours.
I would recommend hand washing these mugs. (Although I haven't tried mine in the dishwasher yet!) Durability will also depend on quality of the nail polish a bit - just as it would on your nails. I let mine sit for about 5 hours then scrubbed them and they were fine. If you run into problems, try coating the outside with a clear coat of nail polish or a non toxic finishing spray.
About the Contributor
99 comments:
These are awesome! Love the pink :) Love an easy DIY!
That is so neat! Love this simple DIY
This is STUNNING! Thanks for sharing with us.
This is exactly what I have been dreaming about! Perfect timing!
Do you know if you can use the watercolor-ed mug in the microwave without it cracking or melting off or I'm not even sure?
Śliczne wyszły! :)
I can't WAIT to try this!
http://www.specificallysouthern.com/
Awesome idea! Nail polish?! That's amazing! I'm so gonna try this over the weekend. Goodwill here I come!
ohhhh I love it! Thanks!
These are gorgeous!! And they look so easy to make.
Thanks for sharing.
the little lion girl
Oh my word, these are SO cool! Love them!
This is genius! I will definitely try it out.
Who would come up with this idea! This is crazy cool. thanks.
Great DIY. The look is so simple and clean. I love it.
Carolyn | BLOG
Love this!
Hi,
I love this idea so much! I've tried it a few times with less than desirable results. It seems like the nail polish is dissipating into a clear film. Should I just add more until I start to see color? Also, do you have any tips on exactly how to dip the cup in to the water in order to get those beautiful edges?
This is so pretty ~ Thanks in advance!
Same thing happened to me Nicole!
Is there a special kind of nail polish I need to use?
Same thing happened to me Nicole! The nail polish didn't spread like that at all. Is there a special type of nail polish we should be using?
Nicole - Add a more few drops if you're only getting a clear film. I had the same thing happen with one of my lighter, thinner nail polishes and it worked just fine once I added a few more drops.
As far as dipping... I dipped mine straight down towards one side of the nail polish blob and then rolled it to the opposite side to pick up the rest of the polish floating on the water.
Hopefully that helps!
Love it Caitlin! I've used nail polish to marble easter eggs but didn't imagine it could look this good! Can't wait to give it a try :)
Wicked what a great way of brightenin up plain mugs and use up old nail varnishes :-)
easy peasy ,love them
I too want to know if you can microwave them? Nail polish is FLAMABLE! This maybe really pretty..BUT, how safe are they? 1-in the microwave..2-if color gets near top where you put your mouth etc...I'm not all that happy with using nail polish on something you heat up and drink from. :-(
Barb,
Caitlin recommends hand washing only. Microwaving is not recommended.
Do you think this would work on those metal pails/buckets that are painted white? I am thinking a blue water color effect moving up the bottom. Thoughts?
would be cool on a candle - then you wouldn't have to worry about washing!
Wow! So many possibilities on blank blah canvases...picture frames, candle holders, jars used for gift in a jar, plain clay beads...the list goes on & on! Thanks so much for sharing!
What a great idea. It looks very easy to make and so stylish. Def. gonna try it!
Looks great. I just tried it however when I went to swirl the nail polish it just lumped together and formed a skin on top of the water - I was able to peel it off like you would a skim of milk - any suggestions?
Hi all! Some tips that I thought were worth mentioning (after many unsuccessful attempts!)
-the size of the container youre dipping into counts: i found using a smaller, shallow-ish dish worked better. the polish spreads out if the dish is too large (and dries too fast) making it harder to create a design or "random" effect. The dipping dish should be small but large enough for you to dip your desired piece in.
-double up on the colour: I liked the example in this blog of one color and sort of a minimalist effect. Double (triple or more) the drops of polish for a more intense effect/coloring. this also serves to keep the polish from drying on the top and forming a skin too soon.
-work fast: again, the polish dries quick. if youre having a hard time, work faster.
-drip close: dripping the polish too high up causes it to sink to the bottom in a ball. drip close to the surface and the polish should disperse beautifully.
and last: (and what I was most grateful for!) if you decide you do not like the turn out, I found you can start again(ish). The polish seemed to wipe of fairly easy if done right away. on the flip side, if you happen to achieve the desired look,set aside to dry thoroughly so as to ensure the print stays.
Good luck, folks!!:)
I've done marbling a bit and read everything I've been able to find about the technique. Everything I have read has said that nail polish is NOT food safe and if you use it to marble things, you should not eat/drink out of them afterwards!
I'd do this on a small pot to hold a little plant. Or maybe a small dish to hold keys/earrings etc. No need to worry then about being heat/food safe.
This is such an amazing DIY! Thank you for sharing, I will definitely have to try it. xo
www.lifemeetme.blogspot.com
Thanks for these tips I was becoming frustrated.
Drinking out of the mug is no different than sticking your polished nail in your mouth or food
Love this idea! I will definitely be trying this soon!
Your idea is brilliant! And easy to do! Thanks for sharing, i'm gonna do this right now !
i´ll try it, on glass...great idea!
Lovely DIY, I will try
This is an amazing idea ! I found it on pinterest. I shared it on our blog : http://thedeluxekit.com/10-inexpensive-creative-mugs/
How do you wash it?
How do you wash it?
Lenaya - Caitlin mentions in this post (see last bottom paragraph) to hand wash.
What product does everyone recommend to seal it? What sort of spray sealer?
Jocelyn - You can try using ModPodge dishwasher-safe gloss. You will want to avoid the inside of the mug and around the top where your mouth will be because, although it's non-toxic, it's not FDA approved food safe.
The result is amazing! I'll try to do it :)
Made it with the first try... hehe... happy for the result. thanks for this. I will do more...
loving it.. you can check it if you follow the link... https://www.facebook.com/magdart/photos/a.440913077485.245578.48631747485/10152801673052486/?type=1&theater
There are several ways to do this type of work and make it permenant; as in Making it part if the object itself. I've use acrylic & water colors both. When dry. By placing in warm oven 225/250F for 15-20 minutes, it is now as if it came from the factory like that. And by spraying a light coat of Non-Stick around the rim before dipping will ensure easy wipe off and safe for drinking. It seems to me this should work much like Easter Egg Dipping BUT possibly by spraying a lite coat to surface of water prior to adding colors may help also. We want the colors to remain afloat. And here's the best part;..I've alwaysmde sure to turn on hot water from kitchen sink immediately prior to turning dishwasher on. You do not have to use that Hot Hot Heater (saves lots on energy costs and saves marriages, ha).. Your partner can no longer takes the blame for melted plastic objects in bottom tray! These ideas will work on strong white plastic plates too, (just make sure you don't leave plastic in oven no longer than 15 mins on 200-225. You cannot mess this up; so much fun when kids can help. Hope we can get this 'down' cuz Holidays are coming 'up'! GiGi
Must try! This beautiful!
I love these mugs. I made mine with a small swirl and I also made a rainbow tie dye and it came out looking really nice.
Tried with acrylic bc of your suggestion and I ended up with colored water. What am I doing wrong? Also will the acrylic, when done properly, become one with the mug better than the nail polish? Can I even bake the mug used with polish? Trying to make some gifts and having NO luck!
How did you get the polish to swirl?? Mine dries inmediately (even using 'expensive' polish)
Any suggestions or tips will be appreciated :)
Unfortunately tried this a couple of times and didnt work sad....
i made 2 mugs which came out great... for me. i found that OPI polish worked the best. sally hanson and wetNwild did not. however, my question is.... can i microwave my coffee in this mug?
thanks.
Have you tried baking the mugs? Would that make the nail polish more permanent? Like you see on the sharpie mugs on Pinterest posts?
Amazing! Very cool idea. I can't wait to try it. Great job. Keep it up.http://www.artshedonline.com.au/watercolour-sets/
I love this look. SO pretty
Just a thought, they make paint specifically for dishware, it's food and microwave saf! I just don't know if you can get the pretty effect either the paint.
Brilliant. So simple and the result is classy.
- Mina
Prints & Acessories
http://www.minamiyaki.com
Brilliant! So simple to do and the result is classy...
- Mina
Prints & Acessories
http://www.minamiyaki.com
Yes I had the same problem!
Can you do this with a ceramic butter dish?! i have a yellow fiesta ware butter dish that i'd like to jazz up
Isn't that the truth! A lil panic goes a long way, ask @the local craft store what to use as a glaze over art piece & or keep art at lower end of mug. As would with any purchase, take the extra care & hand wash besides if it's a gift from the kiddos they want to you have it more than anything..use for s plant or occasional use when there about. Or, use a different piece of pottery..say, a lil dish for rings when doing dishes..?
Hi, I'm about to do it right now. I'm doing it on black mugs. Have you tried it? Great idea, thank you :)
Could you use glass pain instead and still have the same effect where it won't wash or peel off?
Hi Emma - yes you could, the contrast just won't be as distinct.
I would use water based enamel. When your done just stick it in the oven for 350° for 30 minutes. This will make it dishwasher and microwave safe. I would keep the design towards the bottom of the mug.
I would use water based enamel. Just throw it in the oven at 350° for 30 minutes and this will make it dishwasher and microwave safe. Just keep the design towards the bottom of the mug.
Those are very attractive mugs and a great project that can be customized. Love it!
Stunning, interesting to look at.
http://luvyahome.wix.com/blog
What color brown nail polish is that?
if you're worried about the item being food safe, you can probably achieve a similar affect with oil paint instead. i know the sharpie oil paint markers are used to draw on mugs often, so why not drip some oil based paint into a container and dip your mug in that? haven't tried it myself, just thought of it.
I tried out and it was amazing but what about the water bubbles that are formed on the cup. It feels rough on the design when touched.
I tried out and it was amazing but what about the water bubbles that are formed on the cup. It feels rough on the design when touched.
This looks like a funny, easy and cheap way how to create a personal present. Actually, I've never used nail polish for something else than nails :-) I only have done couple of simple vintage furniture DYI so this is a challenge for me since I am little Ms. Gadget :-)
Cheers,
Natalia
Tried this tonight for mums homemade birthday present and works so well!! I love it and will definitely be doing more!
OOOHHHH I might try this with alcohol inks, it looks like so much fun. :)
Photos in this post are copied and compiled under own brand label by Hobby Ideas. Looks like this is a famous brand in India.
The image is posted on their Facebook group.
Sending you a link - https://www.facebook.com/HobbyIdeasIndia/photos/a.1607096492835113.1073741828.1574111372800292/1629651680579594
Thanks Stephanie - that definitely is copying!
Hey i tried this and it didn't work. wanting to no what nail polish is the best ones to use?
Chantelle - if you read some of the comments here you'll get some great tips, although having tried it myself, it seems some of the more expensive nail polishes work better. OPI works better it seems.
I do this on my false nails then cover them with the gel and they look awesome. There is no way any of them look the same and I chose two or three colours to do it then use a toothpick to move the colours in a swirl then dip my finger in nail down and then scoop out. Its a great way to change your nail polish and doing the mug was fun too.
What colors and brand nail polish were used? Beautiful effect is love to replicate.
Thanks for your tip. You inspires me! :)
This is just wow!! love it
Have just tried this half a dozen times. The nail polish just stays in blobs on top of the water, it doesn't spread. If I use a toothpick the blobs join together. What am I doing wrong. Thanks
Thanks for the Post Really needed it
https://www.twekr.com
Beautiful!
Isn't the nail polish toxic though for a mug, even though it's outside?
http://www.aboutfoood.com
I love this tutorial so much that I included it on my DIY gift guide for this year! Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.thehannahgold.com/2015/12/a-broke-fabulous-holiday-season-diy.html
Has anyone tried using dishwasher safe mod podge on it and curing it in the oven??? Would that work???
Has anyone tried using dishwasher safe mod podge on it and curing it in the oven??? Would that work???
I did this on a small coffee mug at the bottom, looked great, but I wanted it be permanent, I bake the mug in the oven at 350 for 30 mins. Now it's there permanently and alot smoother! It feels as if it came that way, doesnt come off! If you want to see it, its on Instagram @paomugsrd
This is such a great idea!! Thank you for sharing! http://www.lovesthefind.com/
Hello everyone. Ive read all the comments but still have not come up w aclear answer. I did this project w my 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. I told them to use yhe mugs for small items or pencils. I was afraid of them getting sick from drinking from the mug. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Thank you! By the way- this was a hit w my students!
Hello everyone. Ive read all the comments but still have not come up w aclear answer. I did this project w my 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. I told them to use yhe mugs for small items or pencils. I was afraid of them getting sick from drinking from the mug. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Thank you! By the way- this was a hit w my students!
I literally just did this!! I used Dollar Tree nail polish on a DT mug. Baked in the oven for 25 minutes on 250 degrees. Let it cool in the oven. It feels as if it came marbled from
the manufacturer! Let it cool completely and then personalized with my friends' name using vinyl on my Cricut!! Love this idea!!
Had to try a few different types of nail polish but did have success!!! Love the look of them. I then baked my mug in the hopes that the nail varnish becomes permanent and unfortunately the pale blue has turned green! Still looks appealing, just something to bear in mind. (The red colour has remained the same.)
Thanks for the idea!
I hope you meant Hobby Ideas was copying this page and not the other way around. Because this has been up a lot longer than the hobby ideas post.
Cover mugs with a balloon or tape down 1 to 2 inches that way it's out of lip range an nothing gets inside them than after its sprayed to keep color on an drys remove balloon or tape
Post a Comment