Painted Sharpie Mugs (that won't wash off!)

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Painted Sharpie Mugs (that don’t wash off) make a great gift for friends, relatives, or teachers. All you need is a mug, some oil-based paint markers and your creativity!

Three painted sharpie mugs in a diagonal line on a wooden counter.

Sharpie mugs have been popular for a while because they are personal, really fun to make, and are an affordable gift to give.

The secret to success with this project is to use an oil-based paint marker. Sharpie brand does make these, but a traditional permanent marker is not the same and will wash off.

Why You’ll Love This Project
Project Supplies
How to Make a Sharpie Painted Mug
FAQs
Expert Tips
More Craft Projects to Consider

Three painted sharpie mugs on a wooden counter.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Makes a great gift for friends, family members, or teachers.
Easy project for kids to do (with supervision).
Budget friendly.
Wonderful addition to a gift basket.

Project Supplies

Mugs: White is a good color because the paint shows up well.
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton balls
Sharpie oil-based paint markers: Regular Sharpies will not work – they must be oil-based paint markers.

The supplies to make painted sharpie mugs, including some oil-based paint markers, four plain white mugs, and a bottle of rubbing alcohol.

How to Make a Sharpie Painted Mug

Step #1. Wash the mug in warm soapy water to remove any stickers. Rinse and dry.
Step #2. Put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and rub it all over the outside of the mug where you’ll be painting it.
Step #3. Decorate the mug with paint pens however you’d like.
Step #4. Let your painted mug dry for 24 hours.
Step #5. Place your mugs on a rimmed baking sheet (makes getting them in and out of the oven easier) and place them in a cold oven.
Step #6. Turn the oven on to 375 degrees F. Once it’s heated, let the mugs bake for 25 minutes.
Step #7. Turn the oven off and leave the mugs inside until they cool down.
Step #8. Once the mugs are cool, wash them again in warm soapy water and then use them!

FAQs

Can I paint the inside of the mug?

No. While Sharpie’s website says they are made from non-toxic materials, it also says they have not been tested for food safety. So it’s best to only use the paint on the outside of the mug.

What should I put on my Sharpie painted mug?

Personalizing a mug for yourself or a friend or family member is half the fun. Add a monogram or a name, write a favorite quote, or draw a series of stick figures that represent your family. The options are endless!

Why do I have to bake the Sharpie painted mugs?

It’s what helps the paint set more permanently on the mugs.

Can Sharpie painted mugs go in the dishwasher?

Yes! Mine have helped up well with regular trips through the dishwasher.

A painted sharpie mug made by a kid for her teacher.

Expert Tips

If you’re making a Sharpie painted mug with kids, be sure to protect all surfaces and put on old clothes or smocks.
If you make a mistake, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe away anything you don’t want on the mug.
The process for baking the mugs takes about 2 hours to complete, so make sure you have enough time. You could let them dry a little longer than 24 hours if you need to.
Pay attention to the size of the markers you’re buying. Medium, fine, or thin markers work the best for this mug project because larger marker tips make it harder to add details.