Learn how to paint a mug with stencils for a fun DIY. Easy steps to create colorful designs that make perfect gifts or keep-at-home favorites.
If coffee is basically your love language, why not sip it from a cup that feels a little more you?
In this tutorial, we'll be painting mugs using stencils to add a clever saying, design, or doodle.
This is a perfect DIY project for coffee and tea lovers alike, and it makes a perfect gift for Grandma or Mother's Day!
Plus, the best part is you can customize it to fit any style - snarky quotes, cute patterns, or something totally one of a kind.
Skill Level: Beginner
Painting Time: 20 minutes
Curing Time: Up to 21 days
Supply List
Some links may be to similar items when exact items can't be found online.
Instuctions
To start, clean the mug with alcohol to remove dirt and fingerprints. Then let it dry completely.
Figure out your stencil layout and center the design on the front of the mug.
I started with the middle letter and worked outward on each side to help me keep it centered.
Squeeze a bit of paint out and use a dauber to apply the paint to the stencil. Only painting one word at a time.
I alternated between the two different colors with each word.
Use the dual-end pick to smooth out the paint inside the stencil.
This gives the paint a smooth finish and helps eliminate any bubbles.
Keep moving through each word.
Remove the stencil pretty quickly after painting each word. The paint dries quickly, so you don't want to pull up the painted letter with the stencil.
Let each word dry before proceeding to the next one to minimize the risk of smearing the paint.
After painting and removing the stencils, you may need to remove a few small specks to clean up your letters.
I also used the pick for this. Simply scrape off what needs to be removed.
To make the paint permanent, follow the directions on the paint bottle for curing.
I cured mine in the oven, but with the paint I used, you can also let it air cure for 21 days.
I love my new coffee mug, and I get to have a laugh while I drink from it. 😆
Do you "Drink First and Think Later" or are you super chipper in the mornings? I can drink a whole pot... but it's completely necessary!
Care Instructions
Painted mugs are not dishwasher-safe.
Hand washing is the best way to preserve your new mug. Even though it is cured, the high heat of a dishwasher will remove the design over time.
More DIY Drinkware
Having fun personalizing your drinkware? Here are a few more fun ideas.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Amanda
Ohhh I love this, such a great idea!
Katie
Thanks so much Amanda! I couldn't live without my coffee : )
Shannon Fox
Fabulous sentiment! I love it 🙂
Katie
Thanks Shannon!
carolyn - homework
Super cute! I love the motto!
Katie
Thanks Carolyn...nobody wants to talk to me until I get my coffee ; ) Luckily I have an amazing husband who wakes me up with my coffee!
Mel
Oh that's great, I think I should put it on a wine glass 😛
Katie
hahaha! Love it!! : )
Aimee - It's Overflowing
Your mug is totally AWESOME! XO, Aimee
Katie
Thanks Aimee!! Can't wait to see what you do : )
Randi - Dukes and Duchesses
I love that! I love the colors and I LOVE the quote ... so fun!
Katie
Thanks Randi! I live by that quote : )
Jenn/Rook No. 17
Absolutely love the look of the stenciled lettering on the mug -- a perfect graphic look.
Katie
Thanks Jenn! It was so much fun to make and fits me perfectly! We won't talk about the time I tried to put my phone on the charger in the fridge ; )
Bonnie @ Uncommon
Love this! I have to have my morning coffee so this is perfect!! 🙂
Katie
yes, morning coffee is quite the requirement around here. I had to get up and get Aubrey ready for school so I made coffee this morning and forgot to start it... Chris chose to be late so he could get his coffee : ) We mean business around here! lol
Jaime @ Crafty Scrappy Happy
Ohhhh I LOVE your mug... and seriously just seeing your coffee photos makes me want to just drive right over and hang out with you!!!
Jaime :o)
Katie
Well come on over : ) I'll make an extra pot cause I'm not so good at sharing, haha!
Dani
Love this idea and it's definitely words to live by! This would make great Christmas gifts for many of my girlfriends.
Katie
Thanks Dani! I might have to make a few for gifts too, I know a few other coffee lovers : )
Amy Renea
I am soooooo not uber chipper in the morning -- love your phrase choice!!
Katie
Thanks Amy... yes, there will be no chipper until the coffee has been drank : )
Bethany
This is cute! I posted some stenciled mugs that I used the Martha paint for a couple of weeks ago on my blog. I LOVE the paint!
Katie
Thanks Bethany! I've never really done much painting on glass, but it is so much fun!
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza
I am addicted to coffee, too, and I absolutely believe that saying...I love this! I can't wait to try it on my coffee mugs. Thank you!
Katie
Thanks Karen! Yes... coffee is kind of a requirement in this house. We all get a little grouch without it ; )
Ashley
Love it! What a great idea! This is definitely one of the best DIY coffee mugs I've seen yet.
Katie
Thank you so much! Thank you for stopping by : )
Jen @ frazzled5
Too Cute!
Katie
Thanks so much Jen!
Leah
Truer words about coffee have never been spoken. This is an awesome idea, executed beautifully!
Katie
Thanks Leah! I must have my coffee in the morning, so it only seemed fitting : )
Rosemary
I love coffee, so I love this.
Katie
Yes! Coffee is one of my true loves : ) Have a great day and enjoy your coffee!
Katie Drane
Love your stenciled mug! And the words...so true.
Katie
Thanks so much Katie! Yes... words I live by every day! lol!
Helen
I need to get my hands on this stuff!! I wonder if you can find them online?? (I live in the UK). thanks so much for sharing, this is such a great project 🙂
Katie
You can get it online here: https://rstyle.me/+r_HDi0Q4_FRHL8tUkRhU6Q I have so much fun with these paints : ) Have a great day!
Miranda
I'm totally not a morning person, so I really appreciate these words. I love the project and will need to try it for sure. Awesome job!
Katie
Thanks Miranda! Morning is not my strong suit either.... no matter when I go to bed I just can't wake up well, lol! Have a great day!
Jen
What a great gift idea. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by for our Pretty Things Party. Hope to see you again next week!
Katie
Thanks so much Jen! Have a great weekend!
Carissa
I have heard so much about these Martha Stewart paints. I really need to get painting! I don't drink coffee, but the stenciled saying is really too cute. I came over from DIY Show Off and I can't wait to see more of your projects
Katie
Thanks so much Carissa! I LOVE these paints! It is so much fun. I never painted much on glass, now I'm looking for it everywhere in my house to paint : )
Sarah
This looks great! I can't wait to try it myself.
Holly and Nat @ My Sister's Suitcase
I love this diy mug... it is so cute, I definitely have to try this out... except mine would be for hot chocolate 🙂 Yummy!!!
Katie
Thanks so much ladies! I am so ready for some hot chocolate, come on cold weather!! : )
danielle
I need this - I am making one ASAP! Thanks for the great tutorial.
Katie
Thanks for stopping by Danielle! So glad you like it : ) Have fun with making yours, it really is fun to make.
Maysem
Love the mug... love the stenciling! I need to get my hands on this stuff and start getting busy;)
Katie
Thanks!! This stuff is pretty awesome! I am finding myself wanting to paint all glass, lol! Have fun with it!
Aimee - It's Overflowing
Thanks for sharing your cute and creative craft at It's Overflowing....I totally love it! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee
Katie
Thanks so much Aimee! You're always so sweet!
Anja
Love this, exactly how I feel in the mornings. Might just try it - the little tool looks very useful!
Katie
Thanks!! Yes, Coffee is a must when I wake up. My eyes aren't fully open until the first cup is gone!
Inspire Me Heather
Your mug looks great! Really good tutorial too, thanks. I have this linked to my dinnerware post too today, linking up DIY ideas for plates, mugs, silverware etc.
Katie
Thanks so much Heather! So sweet of you to share! : ) Have a great day!
katie
LOVE this coffee cup! Perfect to giveaway as a gift!
danielle
I wanted to stop by to let you know that I featured this on my site today in my "What I Bookmarked This Week" post. Stop by and see!
Katie
Thank you so much! You're too sweet : )
Ami Allison
I LOVE this!! I'm can't believe I hadn't let you a comment already. I actually used this post to help with my own MSGP post!
Katie
hehe, thanks! Gotta have my coffee 😉
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