Learn how to decorate plates for your home decor or celebrations using one of these unique ideas! These are perfect for beginning crafters.
Been to the thrift store lately? There are a few things you can always expect to see – without fail – no matter the location or decade your store is in.
There’s always 1,000 pairs of jeans, blown out shoes out the wazoo, and a ton of plates and dishware.
Tell me it isn’t true.
I’m not complaining by the way. I love searching through the goodies to find a deal. And you know that feeling when you discover something you love amongst the denim and kitten heels . . . so amazing!
One of my favorite things to purchase at the thrift store is dishware. I love the plates. So inexpensive, and always great for renewing into something fabulous on a budget.
So yes . . . this post is going to show you how to decorate plates. With over 25 ideas, using a variety of creative techniques.
Decorating Plates
Before we get into the ideas, I wanted to share some important tips and thoughts with you. These are especially crucial if you want your project to be long lasting.
You will ALWAYS want to prepare your plate by removing oils using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball or pad. Cleaning ceramic or glass before you craft with it is important to make sure everything sticks.
What do you decorate plates with?
There are a lot of options! You can use markers (oil based), spray paint, craft paint (glass or multi surface), stickers, alcohol inks, decoupage medium, fabric, paper, vinyl, and more.
What you use depends on if you want it to be usable (and washable) or just for decorating.
How do you permanently decorate a plate?
You’ll want to use something made for glass and/or ceramic. Check the bottle of whatever you are using, make sure it works on glass or ceramic (depending on your plate), and then follow the instructions to a tee.
For decoupaging plates, you’ll want to use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. That’s the only way to make them washable. There is a 28 day cure time you need to follow and Mod Podge is not food safe, just FYI.
What paint to use to decorate plates?
There is a specific type of paint you can use on glass if you want it to be permanent and it will clearly say on the label. They are usually called “Glass,” “Enamel,” or “Multi Surface.” There should also be curing instructions.
Oil based paint markers and spray paint are also typically permanent, but make sure to check on the label.
You can use chalk paint and regular craft paint, but they aren’t washable, usually. I always have to clarify that all of these tips are “typically” because the ceramic or glass plate you are working on also makes a difference in the permanence.
For food safety: there are few brands available, but Pebeo Porcelaine 150 is a great one. There are markers and liquid paint, and they are food safe, dishwasher safe, and heat resistant.
Now that you’ve gotten my tips, I’d love for you to check out these projects! Leave me a comment and let me know which one(s) you’d like to try. Enjoy!
1
Decorate Dollar Store Plates with Confetti
These DIY confetti plates are made using tissue paper, dollar store supplies, and Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. They’re perfect for parties!
These DIY watercolor painted plates are an easy and cute way to spice up your kitchen. Using porcelain paint, add a little color to any of your dishware.
Here's an easy way to fill up a blank wall! You'll need a bunch of plates and some vinyl decals of your choosing. In this case, the birds work very well.
You can eat off of these cool plates because all of the decoration is on the underside! Using positionable spray adhesive is the key when applying the doilies.
How to paint porcelain plates without using a kiln! This is such a great handmade gift idea. You can make the design as simple or as complicated as you like.
You'll love these DIY lettered glass plates that you can make at home using your favorite fonts and a white paint pen! These would look so beautiful for a wedding and are easy to do.
This awesome dollar store craft will be a crowd pleaser. DIY Sharpie plates make great personalized gifts and are so easy cheap to make! You can also get great tips for success here.
This project shows you how to make beautiful, complimentary dishware that features a bold pattern combined with black and white. No painting skills required.
Find out how to upcycle a pretty old plate into fun quote art for your home! This is a great method for transferring the letters so you can just fill it in.
Make your own DIY Dollar Tree galvanized metal chargers without the expense of real ones! They're super easy to make using this process, and this can be done on any plate.
Wow! They are all amazing! The bird plate wall was just an awesome idea that boho glass and a modge podge and a DIY marble and the quote oh I love the quote one. I’ve been looking for a new hobby and I have found it this looks like so much fun there’s so many possibilities. Thank you.
Wow! They are all amazing! The bird plate wall was just an awesome idea that boho glass and a modge podge and a DIY marble and the quote oh I love the quote one. I’ve been looking for a new hobby and I have found it this looks like so much fun there’s so many possibilities. Thank you.
I’m glad you like, thank you for reading!