Cups & Curiosity

Let me tell you — this DIY project was equal parts soothing, slightly messy, and so satisfying.

Why Enamel Paint?

Enamel paint is perfect for glass surfaces because it dries to a durable, glossy finish that holds up well with gentle handwashing. It clings to smooth surfaces like glass or ceramic much better than regular acrylics, and once it’s cured (either by air drying or baking, depending on the paint), it becomes scratch-resistant and water-resistant — ideal for drinkware that sees a lot of love.

What You’ll Need:

• Clear glass mugs (thrift stores are great for these!)
• Enamel paint made for glass surfaces
• Fine paintbrushes or paint pens
• Rubbing alcohol (to clean the glass beforehand)
• Optional: painter’s tape or stencils
• Oven (if you’re heat-curing your designs)

Getting Started

Before painting, I gave each mug a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any fingerprints or oils — this helps the paint stick better. Then I laid everything out: paints, brushes, paper towels, and a few reference sketches I’d doodled in my notebook.

I started simple. One mug got a daisy chain around the base. Another featured a tiny moon and stars design with soft white and gold paint. I even tried a playful rainbow squiggle on one, and a cottagecore mushroom pattern on another (I was clearly in an earthy mood that day).

The key? Patience. Enamel paint is thick and takes a steady hand, especially on a curved glass surface. I found it helpful to rest my hand on the table and turn the mug slowly as I painted. If I messed up, a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab erased the mistake instantly.

Curing the Paint

Once the mugs were dry to the touch, I let them sit for 24 hours (always check your paint’s instructions — some cure with time, others require baking). I chose the baking method for extra durability: placed the mugs in a cold oven, set it to 325°F, and once it reached temp, baked them for 30 minutes. I let them cool in the oven to avoid cracking from sudden temperature changes.

The Result? Instant Joy.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sipping your morning coffee from a mug you decorated. These little creations now live on my open kitchen shelf, and every time I see them, I get that cozy “I-made-that” glow.

They also make amazing personalized gifts. Think birthday, florals, inside jokes, initials, or seasonal designs like snowflakes or autumn leaves. The possibilities are endless — and once you start, you’ll probably want to paint a whole set (ask me how I know…).

A Few Tips I Learned Along the Way:

• Less is more: Simple designs pop more on clear glass.
• Practice on a spare mug or piece of glass first.
• Use a toothpick for tiny details or clean lines.
• Don’t rush the curing process — the paint needs time to really set.

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Final Sip

Painting enamel on glass mugs was such a joyful, meditative craft — and the best part is, you don’t have to be a professional artist to make something beautiful. All you need is a little paint, a steady hand (or the willingness to redo a line), and the desire to add something handmade to your everyday routine.

So go ahead — make your mug shelf a little more you. ☕

Let me know if you try it! I’d love to see your designs or hear about your favorite paints and patterns. Happy crafting!