If you’re painting a ceramic mug or plate and looking to heat cure, you likely want to know if you can bake acrylic paint in the oven.
Here’s the good news: Yes, you can bake acrylic paint in the oven. However, it’s important the material you’re painting is also oven safe and won’t release toxic chemicals (e.g. plastics). Check your paint specifications and the material manufacturer specs before baking.
Warning: Never use an oven that is used for food preparation to bake paint. You should only use an oven that’s exclusively intended for projects like this because toxic fumes can emit from the oven.
There are usually two types of materials you’d paint with acrylic and put in the oven:
- Glass
- Ceramic
Both require special baking instructions, which we’ll get into below.
By baking your acrylic paint, you can reduce a paint job that would normally take hours to complete. It’s particularly useful for plates and ceramic mugs. I highly recommend this Arteza acrylic paint set, because their colors are very durable and they range from matte to metallic colors! Amazon will often offer discounts and deals, so check often.
No special ovens are necessary for baking the paint yourself. Even a toaster oven is suitable for use with parts small enough to fit.
Acrylic paint is also suitable for most ceramic mugs. I recently purchased this ceramic travel tumbler set, and I’ve already finished 4! However, some acrylics are designed specifically for unglazed ceramics. Check the label before purchasing.
After you paint your mug and allow it to dry, use a clear sealant to add shine and prevent the acrylic paint from cracking. I use this Krylon gloss spray from Amazon for most of my projects. I have used it for simple canvas paintings, to glossing my clay bowls that I have baked.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on a Ceramic Mug or Plate
If you want to seal acrylic paint to a ceramic mug through the bake method, follow these steps:
- Let your paint dry for at least an hour before baking
- Put your ceramic or plate in a cool oven and preheat for 300 degrees Fahrenheit
- After the preheat timer beeps, set an alarm for 30 minutes
- Turn off the oven and let the ceramic cool for about an hour before you pick it up
The best part about this method is that the painted ceramic will become dishwasher safe after use! This video shows the bake method in action:
Did You Know..?
Acrylic paint will stick and adhere to stone and glass, but it can be removed even after thoroughly drying. Usually, ceramic wares are glazed and fired to certain temperatures to keep the ware and the glazes permanently together. Acrylic paint is a fast drying water soluble paint which means that it will peel off if exposed repeatedly to moisture or water.
While you can just air dry, it’s important to remember to use the bake method for items you intend to wash in the dishwasher, or even eat off of.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Glass
In order to seal your acrylic paint in glass and bake it properly, follow these steps:
- Prime the glass with your favorite clear primer (we recommend Krylon)
- Paint the glass with at least three coats, making sure the paint has dried before applying each coat
- Allow the paint to air dry at least 24 hours before you place it in the oven
- Place your glass in a cool oven (don’t let it heat before putting the glass in)
- Turn the dial up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat
- Once the preheat timer goes off, bake for 30 minutes
- Once the baking timer hits 30 minutes, turn off the oven, and let the glass
- If you want to achieve a more glossy feel, apply a varnish that meets your requirements
Voila — your beautiful glass project is ready to go.
Now there’s one important thing to remember: Do not wash the glass until 72 hours after baking. Otherwise the paint can wash off. This 72 hours is known as the “cure time.”
Can You Bake Acrylic Painted Glass in the Oven?
Yes, you most definitely can bake acrylic painted glass in the oven. The paint itself isn’t the issue.
However, you should make sure the glass you’re putting in the oven is safe for oven use. When in doubt, check out the labels below to make sure the glassware you’ve bought can be used in the oven. You can also contact the manufacturer to ensure your glass won’t shatter and leave a nasty mess in your oven.
Projects
I have been seeing a lot of “paint night” groups and invites, but while they traditionally include painting on a canvas and then taking it home, lately I have been noticing that they now paint on glass, for example a wine glass or even plates.
Once you paint your glassware, they instruct you to take it home and “finish” your piece by baking it in the oven.
Using acrylic paint on glass is a simple and fun art form, as long as you have the right supplies and follow some fairly easy instructions on how to complete your project. Other than a wine glass, there are many other types of glass that acrylic paint can be used to decorate.
Some examples of other various glassware to paint on can be vases, various bottles (think mason jars!), mugs, bowls, cake stands, planters, pictures, windows, mirrors, and faux stained glass.
Imagine the possibilities to create a personalized gift for someone special! It is extremely important to remember to only paint the outside of any glassware items that you will be using to eat or drink out of.
You do not want anyone ingesting your painted piece, especially if it is a gift. Non-toxic paint is marketed for its non-toxic effects on breathing, but no paint should ever be ingested.
Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all you acrylic painting needs. Happy painting!
FAQs
Look at your paint specifications to confirm the paint isn’t toxic before curing your paint in the oven. Water-based paints like acrylic are less toxic than oil-based paints.
While you should obviously not put acrylic paint in the dishwasher, if you’ve painted a glass or mug with acrylic paint, wait at least 72 hours before washing it in the dishwasher.
No, you shouldn’t dry painted wood in the oven because it’s a fire hazard. Instead, you should let the wood air dry.
This article was updated March 17th, 2021
