Creating Edible Art: Painting Your Own Dinnerware

Painting your own plate is a fun, creative project that can be done by all ages. It is a great way to design original pieces that match your kitchen decor and can be used as special gifts. It is important to use safe supplies when creating quality, food-safe plates. Before painting, you will need to wash and dry your plate. You can use a variety of techniques, such as painting a scalloped effect or a simple gold rim. Once you have finished painting, the plates must be baked in the oven to retain the painted design.

Choosing the right plate

If you want to paint a plate to eat off of, it's important to choose a plate that is oven-safe. Antique plates are not always oven-safe, but most newer materials are, especially ceramic. Check the back of the plate for safety information. If there is no safety label, it's best to choose a different plate.

Ceramic plates are a popular choice for painting as they provide a blank canvas. Glass plates are also often oven-safe and can be painted with specialty paints.

If you plan to eat off the plate, it's important to use food-safe, non-toxic paint. You can find specialty ceramic paint at craft stores, which will typically be labelled for safety and come with usage instructions.

Before painting your chosen plate, be sure to clean it with soap and water, and then wipe it down with alcohol to remove any remaining residue.

Selecting food-safe paint

When selecting paint for a plate you plan to eat off of, it is important to ensure that the paint is nontoxic and safe for high heat. Food-safe paints are often labelled as such and can be found at local art supply stores or craft retailers. These retailers often stock specialty ceramic paints that can be applied with a brush, stencil, or stamps. Ceramic paint pens are also available for detailed work.

Some recommended food-safe paints include Pebeo Porcelaine 150 China Paint, which is a water-based paint that comes in transparent and opaque shades with glossy, shimmery, pastel, or chalkboard finishes. It is advertised as being heat-resistant, food-safe, and dishwasher-safe, but the manufacturer recommends only using it on surfaces that do not come into contact with food. Another option is A Maker's Studio Ceramic Paint, a water-based enamel paint for ceramics and glass that is microwave-safe but not dishwasher-safe. While the manufacturer claims it is food-safe, it lacks FDA certification.

If you are painting on glass plates, you can use FolkArt Enamel glass and ceramic paint, which is a water-based acrylic paint that is non-toxic but not safe for direct food contact. You can use the reverse painting technique, where the design is painted on the back of the clear glass plate and viewed from the front. This way, food can be placed on the front of the plate without coming into direct contact with the paint.

It is important to note that even with food-safe paints, there is a risk of paint chipping over time, especially if sharp utensils are used. To minimize this risk, some people choose to seal their painted plates with a clear food-safe coating or use a clear glass plate on top of the painted plate to create a barrier between the food and the painted surface.

Always read the labels and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the safety and durability of your painted plates.

Preparing the plate for painting

Choose the Right Plate

Start by selecting a plate made of oven-proof ceramic. Most newer ceramic plates are oven-safe, but it's important to check for safety information on the back of the plate. If there is no label indicating oven safety, it's best to choose a different plate. Avoid antique plates, as they may not be oven-safe and could release toxic chemicals when heated.

Clean the Plate

Before painting, give your plate a quick wash with warm water and regular dish soap to remove any dust, debris, or price stickers. This step ensures that your painted design will have a smooth and clean surface to adhere to. Make sure to dry the plate thoroughly after washing.

Remove Stickers and Residue

If there are any stubborn stickers or residue remaining on the plate after washing, use a paper towel or soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them away. This step ensures that your plate's surface is completely clean and ready for painting.

Choose Food-Safe Paint

When selecting paint for your plate, it's essential to choose a specialty paint that is labelled as food-safe and non-toxic. These paints are designed to be safe for human contact and can withstand high temperatures. Avoid using regular craft paints, as they may contain harmful chemicals.

Prepare Your Work Area

Set up your workspace by laying out all the materials you need, including your chosen food-safe paint, paintbrushes, and other creative tools. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it from any paint spills. It's also a good idea to have a hand towel nearby to wipe excess paint from your brushes.

Plan Your Design (Optional)

If you want to sketch out your design before painting, use a pencil to lightly draw your design directly on the plate. This step can help you visualize your creation and make any necessary adjustments before applying paint. Remember to keep your design simple and avoid overly complex details, especially if this is your first attempt.

Baking the plate

Once you have painted your plate, you need to let the paint dry. The length of time will depend on the type of paint you have used. Some paints will be touch-dry within an hour, but it is recommended to let the paint dry for 24 hours before baking. This will ensure the paint is completely dry and will prevent cracking or shattering when the plate is heated.

After the paint has dried, place the plate in a cold oven. It is important that the oven is not preheated, as the sudden heat can cause the plate to crack or shatter. Place the plate on a baking pan or directly on the oven rack.

Turn on the oven and let it heat up to 325 °F (163 °C). Keep the plate in the oven as it heats up so that it warms up gradually. Once the oven reaches temperature, bake the plate for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, turn off the oven and let the plate cool inside. This will ensure a gradual cool down, which will help prevent cracks or shattering. Once the plate is cool, it is ready to use.

Sealing the paint

If you are using a baked paint, you will need to put your painted plate in the oven to set the paint and boost its durability. First, allow the paint to dry overnight. Then, place the plate in a cold oven on a cookie sheet. Turn the oven on to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and let it bake for thirty minutes. Turn the oven off and let it cool down completely without removing the plate. Once cooled, the paint will be bonded to the plate.

If you are using a no-bake paint, you will need to use a sealant to protect your design. One option is to use a clear gloss sealant spray, such as Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Gloss Clear. After painting, wait for the paint to dry overnight, then lightly spray the surface of your plate with the sealant. Once the coating has cured for seven days, the solvents will be evaporated out of the coating, making it safe to use for food.

It is important to note that not all sealants are food safe. If you are using a baked paint, you can skip the sealant and bake your plate to safely bond the paint. However, if you are using a no-bake paint, be sure to choose a food-safe sealant.

Additionally, it is recommended to hand wash your painted plates with warm water and gentle detergent rather than placing them in the dishwasher, oven, or microwave to preserve the paint and sealant. It is also advised to avoid using sharp utensils as they can scratch the coating and expose the paint.

By following these sealing instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely enjoy your unique, hand-painted plates.

Frequently asked questions