How to make your own Alcohol Ink Mugs: Brighten up your morning coffee

[@LaurelBeard]

An awesome way to customize coffee mugs! What if your favorite color scheme?

[@glennistrotman8421]

These are absolutely gorgeous I love the purple mug. Thanks for sharing

[@JudiChristopher]

OMGosh... BEAUTIFUL... You have no idea how Happy I am right now!!!! I am so glad to have found your video.. I am refurbishing a Vintage 1972 Travel Trailer... Custom (hand painted every inch)... I can now... (because of this great video) I can make a set of coffee cups that match the the colors of the Travel Trailer Turquoise, Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow and Electric Blue.... of course with Silver and Gold... Thank you so much for sharing this great video...

[@JudiChristopher]

Please NOTE: I painted the Travel Trailer mostly WHITE interior... the other colors will be accents... (I didn't want you to think I was a crazy woman painting crazy colors LOL).

[@carolinebredeson4198]

This is such a simple-seeming project with spectacular results! Way to go, Laurel!

[@Ebonye-xr4bn]

Watching this in 2022 and absolutely am inspired to try it! TFS!!

[@charlenebyington7405]

These are absolutely gorgeous...love love love them. Thanks for sharing. Definitely gonna have to make some.

[@bonnerdebbie]

These are awesome Laurel. I like them all but partial to the blue/green one. Thanks for sharing.

[@jadetobin]

These are absolutely gorgeous! I do acrylic pours but wanted to make my parents, who LOVE their special afternoon coffee's, something that looked like the pours she's loved but didn't know how to get the same watercolor liquid movement onto a mug....so, now I know to save up for some alcohol inks!!! Thanks SO much for totally showing how you did them. Not everyone wants to share exactly how they do what they do and I SO much appreciate that you did! :) otherwise you get halfway through and realize "oh gosh, they definitely did not show this part!!" Aahahhaahaha! Absolutely gorgeous! I'll make some for myself and hubby in the ocean type aqua blue and greens...but red or maroon and dark blues for my parents :) I'm not a gold person, but I gotta say I love that addition in yours! Very nice! Anyway...thanks a bunch! Oh and I noticed someone asked something about covering the top when you spray....you can also just use the blue painters tape around the top and cover over the top so none gets in. I use it for my watercolor paper and things and it comes off nice and easy. :)

[@LaurelBeard]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Good news is alcohol inks are very inexpensive!!! And you just need a few colors and some isopropyl alcohol from the drug store and you are all set!

[@jadetobin]

@@LaurelBeard thanks so much!! I'm looking forward to it once I'm able :) thanks again!

[@RameyRocks]

I love this! I just bought a bunch of white coffee cups at the Dollar tree yesterday! Now I just have to wait for Amazon to send me my metallic alcohol inks!

[@germaine734]

They are gorgeous!! tfs They would make wonderful gifts too! Prayerful hugs, Germaine

[@CheekaC]

These are so beautiful and easy to make what more could one ask for. They would make a great gift a set of four or six or 108, it's June now so gotta start thinking about Christmas presents especially if you're making them 😁

[@debshaw8564]

What a great idea for a gift. I can hardly wait to get the products to give it a try.

[@debt.8971]

I already have the inks... I am halfway there! These are gorgeous!

[@melodieh7239]

Can you put the mugs in the dishwasher? Great crafty idea Laural. TFS!

[@LaurelBeard]

No I handwash

[@misbah3040]

Hi Laurel, Beautiful technique. Can please let me know is varnish safe to be used on everyday coffee mugs????

[@AlyAldred]

This is a very cool video. The Crystal Clear made my colors run?? I don’t know what I did differently.

[@LaurelBeard]

How strange. I made sure the alcohol ink was completely dry before spraying the matte fixative...

[@lindiphillips7271]

THANKYOU Awesome video 🤩😍😘 I thought you dipped them .... lol very impressed be great gifts...💜💛💚

[@rhondawilliams6769]

Hey Laurel, my request for a video is...how to use alcohol inks to color genuine clear crystals? Thank you for your time.

[@michellewseashellcreations6133]

Oh Laurel I love these so much! Thank you for the tutorial, I have a cupboard full of white mugs!

[@LaurelBeard]

not for long you don't, lol

[@acreativespacetv]

I made one the other day.. so I’m excited to see this!!

[@leannemitchem8865]

Very cool! Such a great idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@carolaulin7582]

I love these mug they are so beautiful thanks for sharing how to make them.

[@LaurelBeard]

Thank you so much Carol!

[@awiebe4349]

This might sound silly but - this is just something I'm getting into. Because the inks are only on the bottom half and not near the part your mouth would come into contact with, plus the fact the ink is sealed, means these are 'food safe' correct? I made a mug yesterday but realized too late there is probably not enough room between where my ink ends and where people might put their lips. I just don't have the means or space to be doing something like Crystal Lac but I still want to be able to do this sorta thing...

[@roxanneklinger3828]

Loved this.

[@leticiazavala8325]

Is so beautiful i love your technique AND the results

[@christymalone5191]

Very cool! How did you keep from getting the Krylon around the rim and inside the mugs? I wouldn’t want to have that in contact with my mouth or coffee.

[@LaurelBeard]

I cover the rim with a towel.

[@insanetxartist]

You can also carefully tape around the rim (make sure it's not on the outside of the cup, just on the rim and inside), turn the cup upside down suspended on a soda can or something like that. Suspending it makes it super easy to turn while you spray. That's one of the tricks I use when I need to seal a project.

[@crankiecrafter6562]

Can you use CrystaLac?

[@lynnekohler8299]

Thanks for the great video! I'm going to try this.

[@barbaraospina7219]

Do you have any recommendations on how to do this with just one hand and not being able to hold it up right with the other hand? I only have use of one arm and hand.

[@terriconrad4612]

Sooooo pretty! I do need to try this! Love it! 💕🙋‍♀️

[@anandi483]

So some tutorials say to keep the finished mug in the oven for 30 minutes is that so , that’s the only reason my this project is pending I am scared of putting anything in the oven . My mugs will be regularly used I just want to refresh my daily use mugs . So need to be dishwasher and microwave safe .

[@constancejenkins3867]

Very Nice.. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@shonawatt6781]

Hi, I got a cheap bowl from target, got the alcohol inks etc but haven't found the time yet 🙄. Love your cups and this week is the week! 😂🇦🇺

[@midnightcrafter1618]

LOVE!!! Thank you for the awesome tutorial!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@moreiss1]

Really Gorgeous mugs!!!

[@chantalcross5737]

Fabulous, I'm so having a go at this!

[@lusciousleggings6829]

awesome quick do

[@beckyreeder993]

Love this idea!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@idontknow8734]

I would love to give it a go, but i would like to ask if it's dishwasher and microwave safe?

[@Darkyvarg]

What about food safety? Do you do any sealant that is food safe?

[@lindaanderson7375]

Is it OK to put them in the microwave with the inks on them? especially the metallic colors? They are gorgeous.! TFS

[@LaurelBeard]

Great question. As a habit, I don't. The sealer doesn't say you can't, but better safe than sorry for me....

[@lindaanderson7375]

Thanks!@@LaurelBeard

[@annricks]

When you spray the mug, do you just spray over the alcohol ink area only? Tape it off at the top? Thanks!!

[@JudiChristopher]

That is a good question... Did you get the answer?

[@LaurelBeard]

Yes, I spray just the alcohol ink are and place a towel over the rim before spraying. Tape will work too.

[@nicolajeffrey9377]

@@LaurelBeard does that keep it food safe?

[@susanbyers7523]

Awesome cups

[@hailleyburton6329]

So you can't do the entire cup? I noticed you said because of it being the part where your mouth goes but I wondered if you could do the whole cup and then it be safe to use after washing or if it can only be the lower half

[@LaurelBeard]

I don't want to put my mouth on the sealant so that's why I only do the lower half.

[@julietgraystone6058]

So cool!!!

[@leoniecochrane2732]

Hi Laurel, they look just great. what brand of gold paint works? Leonie

[@LaurelBeard]

I have Jaquard Alcohol Inks. Words amazing. Its on Amazon.

[@asmeka1247]

Should I use the alcohol blending solution..?? Is isopropyl spray is a must?? Can I use without that.

[@LaurelBeard]

if you have blending solution you can use that, don't spray it as it has resin in it.

[@SybilB]

Thank you so much for sharing, I love this idea!

[@savannahterry4656]

I was watching another video where the lady sprayed the clear coat after she hydro dipped her mug, then set her oven to 250, placing her mugs on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Which I don't mind to do, but is spraying it with clear sealant safe to drink from afterwards. Even washing it with dish soap?

[@LaurelBeard]

I only sprayed the alcohol ink covered area, not the rim where I drink from. It has to be handwashed.

[@lyndseyrowzee2073]

Would I be able to paint something over this (like the water colors are a background) ? If so, would I still just use the sealant spray? Or would I have to do steps for each process and bake it after I painted over the alcohol colors.

[@DVSDonna]

Love this!!! Just want to mention that although I love the gold metallic, I'm curious as to whether it would cause any problems if the mug was put in a microwave oven. Hopefully it wouldn't, but might be worth noting. Also, when I see that ink on the glass, I want to grab a piece of paper and soak it up to use for cardmaking! 😁😁😁

[@LaurelBeard]

With the sealer, it doesn't give any warning with microwaves, but I don't just as a precaution.

[@arlenea2044]

Love the look? Do You think it would be dishwasher safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

No, handwash only.

[@dianebakehouse5944]

Love the colours. When you use the acrylic spray, do you spray the whole cup, or just where the ink is?

[@lilly3am]

That’s what I was wondering.

[@LaurelBeard]

I spray the outside of the cup! Mostly concentrating on where the ink is. But it gets all over

[@wtglb]

SO nice!!

[@hiteshibagrecha17]

Hey Can you please what have you used to make dishwasher safe and food safe?

[@ardyth]

These are amazing! Love them all!

[@susankingcs]

Would love to try this - Could I use my COPIC refills as I don't have any there alcohol ink? Thank you Laurel!

[@LaurelBeard]

Yes you sure can!!!!

[@debbievignola8275]

So glad you made this tutorial Laurel. Love how these cups turned out. =^^=

[@1jugglethis]

Have you found that the Krylon Clear Glaze gets tacky when hot liquids are added to the cup? I have done about 45 mugs, and have noticed a distinct tackiness when very hot water is added.

[@LaurelBeard]

No I havent had that happen. I don't microwave the cups. I pour the hot liquids in. Is that what you do?

[@1jugglethis]

@@LaurelBeard Yes. But, it could be that my glaze wasnt fully cured yet. Cups that I did earlier do not seem to tack up. Anyway, your mugs are lovely :)

[@birdiepareagle]

These are wonderful - what do you seal them with besides the UV / crystal clear? Thank you for sharing your art!!!

[@LaurelBeard]

Nothing else!

[@michellehansen1543]

Are these dishwasher safe after sealing?

[@laurazuckerman3907]

thanks for the video, I use krylon kamar and then krylon uv protection and then a heat proof spray varnish on mine but its washing off even with a non abrasive sponge, even tho I have 6 coats of varnish on there and even after its cured for 1 month. have you had this issue long term with the krylon crystal clear?

[@shaunapestershaunaispink8094]

Thanks for this tutorial! Some aren't willing to share how they do things. Very sad. Love your video!

[@faithz3503]

can these mugs go in the microwave with the krylon spray?

[@LaurelBeard]

no

[@debraalumbaugh2600]

Do you spray the whole mug with sealant or just the painted part?

[@LaurelBeard]

Just the painted part because I don't want my mouth touching the sealant!

[@lindaeastment4542]

Hi Laurel 👋 really beautiful loved the gold so pretty I must give it a go 🦋💞🐕 Lin in South Wales uk

[@LaurelBeard]

Definitely do and let me know how it turns out!

[@lindaeastment4542]

Thanks for taking the time to reply back to me u really are an awesome lady ☺️ I will let you know how I get on but it definitely won't be as good as yours 🦋💞🐕 Lin in South Wales uk

[@wioletabrzezinska9421]

Hi Laurel, awesome tips! Thank you for this vide. Have you wash your mugs after using krylon varnish? Can you hand wash them with sponge and will it protect the ink? I used varnish from ghiant suposed to work the same but when I vigorously was cleaning the mug after two coats everything was washed out. I waited 12h between first and second coat and then again 12h before I washed it. Was it too early or this varnish is just not working? I can order krylon from another country but it will be expensive so I need to know for sure that this one will work 100% and my friends can wash the mugs for months to come

[@marciarollins3665]

Is there a difference between the Bria Reese alcohol inks and Ranger/Adirondack alcohol inks? I do love these mugs! So pretty and FUN!

[@LaurelBeard]

The colors are different and the Brea Reese are more flowing. They are both great product.

[@stephanieharmon4563]

Is that krylon spray food grade? Because if it's not clearly it the mug cant be used

[@LaurelBeard]

I don't spray it near the rim of the mug.

[@dianadevlin3717]

Interesting. I suppose you could also paint something on or use Q tips? Tfs

[@demilli1737]

Thanks for the video! How many coats did you use of kamar? Do you ever go in with the UV spray or do you find it unnecessary?

[@LaurelBeard]

I only spray it with one spray and I don't do a UV spray... You have to hand wash these mugs and never had an issue with peeling or painting.

[@laurensilva1190]

Hi! Thank you for this tutorial! The sealant that you use, is that safe for the area around the top of the mug where people drink from? I just made my first set and ruined them because I used the wrong sealant, very upsetting!

[@alorajay8219]

Can these mugs be microwaved once they are sealed?

[@LaurelBeard]

No :(

[@EnlightenedFlamingo]

Love it! The purple is my favorite, maybe cause that's my favorite color, but they're all beautiful! Thanks for sharing, you've got yourself a new subbie!

[@LaurelBeard]

Thank you so much!

[@catherinebeminio845]

These are stunning I'm curious however how these are washed when finished?

[@LaurelBeard]

I hand wash. I accidentally put one in the dishwasher (I always wash and dry with high heat) and some of the design peeled away.

[@catherinenope4123]

thank you so much!

[@sweetscraftboutique1430]

Have you ever considered sealing with a coat of resin, so they can be dishwasher safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

Well that's a smart idea, lol! I didn't think of that.

[@angb1923]

I love these!!!!!

[@KayMonique1111]

Can you explain why you can’t put the ink all the way to the rim? I know it’s because that’s where people drink from but once it’s dry from the sealant and everything, would that not make it safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

Right. I don't seal or put the ink where my mouth goes. It just doesn't seem safe to me... Whether it is or isn't, I am not sure.

[@anjalijoseph7164]

hello...can I wash this cup after spraying krylon??I am making a set of coffee cups for my mom..but don't know how to seal the ink and what works in long run...can u please share it??

[@LaurelBeard]

you can handwash for sure. No dishwasher or microwave I also don't put any ink or krylon sealer near rim of mug

[@anjalijoseph7164]

@@LaurelBeard aww...thank you so..so..much..i will take a note on this.. how many coats of krylon should I spary??I haven't used it.. I have only used varnish spare on canvas

[@chiaracassol3981]

amazing 🤩 what do you use for fix alcohol inks on the mug?

[@LaurelBeard]

I use Krylon Fixative Spray in matte! I just go outside and spray it! :)

[@stevejoan7083]

Beautiful mugs. Do you spray the entire mug with Krylon Crystal Clear or only the painted part? Is it dishwasher safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

I sprayed the outside only and not near the rim where i put my mouth. It is not dishwasher safe as I found out.... Some of the design peeled off likely due to the heat setting.....

[@tabassumjaved6074]

Are they washable and permanent?

[@nicoleengland9223]

Hi Laurel, thank you so much for this video! You are a superstar. One question please- how do these inks differ from the Tim Holtz. I live in Australia and the only way to get the Brea Reese inks, is to order them from the States and before I do that, I was just wondering if I needed both. Thanks again, I love your tutorials😘

[@LaurelBeard]

I do not believe you need both. The color families are different but they work the same way! Use what you have I say!

[@ashkash1991]

Have you used modge podge instead of the crystal clear spray? Just wondering the difference

[@LaurelBeard]

I haven't. It likely would work as well

[@resinartbyryle5136]

what is an alternative drying method for this project if you dont have a heat gun?

[@LaurelBeard]

Blow dryer would work!

[@EmmmaaJannnee]

Wondering if you can seal with dishwasher safe mod podge???

[@LaurelBeard]

Emma Jane yes absolutely!!!

[@omafor5]

How many coats of the crystal clear did you put on please. I did a mug and I first did 1 coat of Kamar Varnish then 1 coat of Krylon triple thick but it seems that it rubs off easily. Do you know if there is a difference between the two sprays?

[@LaurelBeard]

I only sprayed one coat of the Krylon matte sealant spray and had no problems. Might want to try that one.

[@naheedkhan1892]

Great video! Are they safe for microwave use

[@LaurelBeard]

No, I hand wash and do not put in the microwave.

[@CoolCakesandCraftswithAmalia1]

Love it!

[@sajidalashkarwala1680]

Are they useable in microwave

[@LaurelBeard]

No

[@rupalikabra9411]

which golden color have u used? and do we need to keep mug in oven for permanent paint?

[@LaurelBeard]

I used the gold from Jaquard. I didn't oven mine.After I sealed it with Krylon,

[@gmsmolen]

can the mug be placed in the microwave with this alcohol colors

[@LaurelBeard]

I have warmed up coffee before but haven't tried it any longer than a minute.

[@katiebollinger3564]

Can the alcohol dye mug be microwaved?

[@ruthwilson5515]

No!

[@guyseiders2241]

Can you microwave this?

[@LaurelBeard]

no.

[@almadirpaul2730]

Would it be worth the effort to put tape on the top part of the mug and then peel off the tape when done?

[@LaurelBeard]

Sure you could do that. But removing it with alcohol is just as easy to me and less work. Lol

[@karibeth1708]

Are these microwaveable after they are sealed and washed? I tend to reheat my coffee ALOT. Lol

[@LaurelBeard]

I do reheat my coffee in them. A lot, lol! I only reheat up to a minute and they are fine. I hand wash them.

[@karibeth1708]

@@LaurelBeard thanks so much!

[@katiebollinger3564]

Can it go in the microwave??

[@LaurelBeard]

No. :(

[@AngieHarrisPhoto]

Hi, are these microwave safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

No! :(

[@sushired8]

Is this microwave or oven safe?

[@LaurelBeard]

No! I handwash

[@alk230886]

Ilobethis video but …..PLEASE PLEASE SLOTW DOEWM YOUR SPEECH!! 💝💝

[@JudiChristopher]

"Thumbs UP"

[@janathomas5759]

Perhaps your color darkened because you don't spray your mugs with Kamar Varnish before you put your Crystal Clear on. 99 percent of the alcohol ink mugs or glassware tutorials I see is that you must spray Kamar varnish first

[@LaurelBeard]

OH really? That is good to know! Thank you!