Do you enjoy painting but are worried about the paint chipping off your finished product?
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that can be used on various surfaces, including ceramics. It’s easy to use and comes in a wide range of colors, making it perfect for any project. But how do you seal it so that it doesn’t chip or fade over time?
With this guide, you’ll be able to know how to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mug with ease. Not only will it protect your paint job, but it will also help to keep your mug looking new for years to come.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy your hand-painted piece for years to come.
Why do you need to Seal Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a kind of water-based paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including ceramics. When cured with heat, this type of paint hardens and becomes impervious to scratches.
You’ll need to seal your acrylic paint if you plan to drink from the mug or use it for food storage. Acrylic paint is safe to use on the exterior of your mug, but it’s not safe to drink from or store food in without applying a sealant.
When you finish painting, you’ll want to be sure that your project looks as nice as day one.
The Basic Steps on How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Mug

Seal acrylic paint on your ceramic mug with ease by following these simple steps.
What you’ll need:
- Ceramic mug
- Acrylic paint: white, black, and the colors of your choice
- Clear acrylic sealant made for acrylic paint on ceramic mugs
Step 1: Prime Your Mug
Make sure to prime your mug before starting the sealing process. Prime it by painting a thin coat of acrylic paint in a color that matches your design over all of the surfaces you will be painting. If desired, let this dry for 15 minutes and then apply a second coat. Allow this to cure overnight before going to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Your Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of acrylic paint in color you plan to use for your design. Let this dry completely before adding another layer. Continue this process until you have added all of the colors that you want to appear on your mug. Allow each layer to cure before going on to the next step.
Step 3: Apply the Sealant
Once your mug is completely dry, you can apply a sealer to help protect your design. Be sure to use a clear sealant explicitly made for acrylic paint on ceramic mugs. Allow this to cure overnight before using your mug.
Now that you know how to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs, you can have fun creating any design you want. Be sure to follow the above steps, and your mug will look as good as new for years to come.
Different Methods of Sealing the Paint
The above method is one of the best methods ever to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs. However, if you still want more options and information, we suggest going through this section of the guide.
Sealing Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Mugs Using Varnish:

You may know that we often advise you not to use varnish to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs, but we want to let you know that it can be an effective way to seal the paint if you follow these steps:
- You should always work in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to use an artist’s respiratory and wear gloves during this process to avoid getting any harmful chemicals on your skin.
- You should also wear a long sleeve shirt and pants when sealing acrylic paint.
- Pour pigment into a mixing tray at a 1:1 ratio with airbrush medium or varnish. Mix it well until the mixture is smooth and fluid before applying it to the mug. Evenly apply the sealant to your mug using a soft brush.
- Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before putting your mug back in your kiln or oven. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes and cool completely before use.
Sealing Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Mugs Using Epoxy:
Another method to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs is epoxy resin. One of the benefits of using this product over varnish is that it won’t yellow or darken your design, but there are other things you’ll need to keep in mind when dealing with this method:
- Be sure to mix the pigment in epoxy at a 1:1 ratio. You should only use equal parts of the resin and hardener for this process.
- Mix your pigments thoroughly when sealing acrylic paint with this method. Be sure there are no lumps in the mixture when applying it to your mug, as these may cause imperfections in the final results.
- You should also wear a protective mask and gloves when preparing this mixture.
- After applying the epoxy to your mug, be sure to place it in a well-ventilated area and allow it to cure for 24 hours before using.
Sealing Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Mugs Using Enamel:

Enamel is another product to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs. This method is one of the best because it won’t discolor your work or affect the overall look of your design, but there are a few things you should know when dealing with this product:
- Mix pigments in enamel according to package instructions. You may need to add a few drops of water to thin the mixture before applying it to your mug.
- Like epoxy, the enamel will cause yellowing over time if exposed to sunlight for extended periods. This means that you should only use your mug when displaying indoors or in low-level lighting situations.
Our goal was to provide you with some suggestions for sealing acrylic paint on ceramic mugs in this section. In order to ensure that your designs shine, please follow our instructions and use the appropriate products.
Tips and Tricks for a Long-Lasting Finish
We’ve already gone over a lot of information in this guide, so we won’t waste any time talking about the basics here. In this section, we’re going to provide you with some specific tips and tricks that will ensure your design is as good as new for years to come:
- It would be best to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs using varnish, epoxy, or enamel. This will ensure your design lasts and looks good for years to come.
- Don’t use spray paint when working on ceramic mugs. If you do this, the spray paint will chip and flake over time due to the harsh environment created by the kiln or oven.
- Always bake your ceramic mugs at the recommended temperature indicated by the enamel manufacturer.
- Always let enamel or epoxy cure properly before baking it in a kiln or oven. If you don’t allow it to dry, your design will bubble and create imperfections in your final results.
- Be sure to use a soft brush when applying varnish, enamel, or epoxy to your mug. It would help if you also waited until the final coat had dried before using it in a kiln or oven.
- Don’t wash ceramic mugs with soap and water after you’ve sealed acrylic paint on them. Instead, use a soft cloth and warm water when cleaning them. If you want to use soap, make sure it is a specially designed mug cleaner.
- Finally, be sure to let enamel or epoxy thoroughly dry before stacking ceramic mugs on top of each other. You should also avoid placing them next to other objects with high moisture levels for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading our guide on how to seal acrylic paint on ceramic mugs! We hope you found it helpful and that you’re now ready to create beautiful designs that will last for years. If you want to make sure your designs look their best, follow our instructions and use the correct products. And once again, thanks for choosing our site as your go-to source for all things crafting!
hi, i am attempting to paint acrylic paint onto glazed porcelain, i then put it into an oven at 180 degress for 30 minutes, what i would like to know please is can i use aerosol clear spray varnish to seal the paint when the product is cold and if so how many layers to ensure that the paint wont chip, i look forward to hearing from you
It is not suggested to spray on cold products.