How to Engrave Mugs

Engrave a mug for fun or as a gift.

Engraving mugs is a great way to express your artistic side. It also is a wonderful way to make a personalized gift for someone. With a few simple steps, you can be on your way to designing your own mugs.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask and eye protection
• Rotary tool with variable speed and a flex shaft accessory or engraving tip (for ceramic or glass mugs)
• Pattern
• Wax crayon
• Wood burner (for wooden mugs)
• Clamp

Instructions

1. Select the mug you will be working on. Inexpensive mugs for practice can be found at dollar stores or secondhand stores.

2. Choose a design for the mug by cutting out designs, using free hand, or tracing a pattern or stencil. Wax crayons work well when writing on ceramic or glass, and a pencil is good on wood. If using glass, you can put the pattern inside the mug. If using ceramic or wood, you can attach the pattern outside with tape.

3. Prepare a safe workspace. Wear a mask and eye protection as pieces from engraving will fly off. It is also important to secure your mug with a clamp or a non skid surface so that it does not move around.

4. Consider practicing on a piece of scrap wood or tile in order to get the feel for how the rotary tool works. Turn on the rotary tool and adjust speeds in order to get comfortable with it. Most projects are done with a lower speed, which allows better precision.

5. Take your time. Engraving can look a little uneven at first but continue around the entire project. Once done, wipe it off and then go back and smooth out any rough or uneven areas.

Tips & Warnings

• A cheaper alternative is a wooden mug and a wood burner.

• Be careful not to clamp down on or push to hard on the mug as glass and ceramic can break.

References

• Do-it-yourself engraving
• Dremel engraving
• Engravers - A Modders "How To"