How to Paint a Reindeer on a Mug

Paint a reindeer on a white ceramic mug.

Use a colorful gloss paint designed for glass and ceramic to make a wonderful holiday gift. With a moderate amount of artistic ability, you can create a reindeer on the side of a ceramic or glass mug. Personalize the gift by using the brush to print the recipient's name. Choose small brushes with various tips, such as fine or a medium flat tip to get the best results. Follow a few steps and expect about three hours to finish the entire project.

Things You'll Need

• 6 mini gloss paint bottles in red, green, black, ivory, brown and gold
• Fine tip grease pencil, black
• Small paper cup
• Small paintbrushes with various tips
• Paint sponge
• 8 ounce mug
• 2 sheets of paper towels
• 2 pairs of latex gloves

Instructions

Paint a Reindeer on a Mug

1. Clean and dry the mug and allow to sit while preparing a place to paint. Cover a flat surface with plastic or newspapers with enough space to work. Put on the latex gloves and set out the paint bottles specifically made for ceramic, a moist sponge and the grease pencil. Use the paper cup and grease pencil to make a circle in the area you want the reindeer. Draw the outline of the reindeer, the antlers, scarf and ears. Rub off excess grease pencil with a dry paper towel to tidy up the picture.

2. Dip the smallest brush into the black gloss and follow the grease pencil outline of the reindeer, antlers, nose and scarf. Allow the paint to dry for a few moments. Clean the brush. Use the gold paint to outline the outside of the circle and allow to dry. Rub off any remaining grease pencil from the mug. Connect the lines with the appropriate color of paint so a complete outline of the picture can be seen.

3. Fill in the green circle first and allow to dry. Fill in the brown color next, then add the tan paint to the antlers. Fill in the red scarf, stay inside the black and gold outline, then allow to dry. Use the grease pencil to mark where the bells should go and the eye of the reindeer. Apply the finer details with a fine-tip brush on the bells, eye and ear. Allow the paint to dry in between. Set the mug in a safe place to dry for an hour.

4. Use a steady hand and the finest, smallest brush to clean up small errors with the appropriate color of paint. Create a smooth edge by running the black paint outline over your finished reindeer. Add the recipient's name on the mug as a final touch and allow to dry.

5. Follow the directions on the paint bottles when you place the mug in the preheated oven. Times and the degree of heat will depend on each manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• The depth of color will be enhanced after the mug is heated in the oven.

• The mug is safe to use in the dishwasher, but do not use in the microwave or oven. Use gloves to keep the ceramic paint off the skin. Use paint in a well-ventilated space and follow directions on the bottle. Use caution when handling the mug right from the oven, and use a mitt. Allow to cool without touching the reindeer picture. Avoid using paint on the inside of the mug.

References

• Delphiglass: Peobeo Glass Painting Initiation Kit
• Michaels: Glass Painting Basics

Resources

• Amazon: Decorative Painting on Glass, Ceramics & Metal