How to Paint on a Thrift Store Plate
- 1). Wash the thrift store plates by hand, using a standard liquid dish detergent. Remove any pricing stickers or other leftover debris. Dry completely with a clean dish towel.
- 2). Mark out the design on the front of the plate using a standard pencil. Place pieces of painter's tape onto the surface of the plate if you want to create straight lines. Trace from stencils, or draw freehand, any other elements. Stars, ribbons, bows, hearts and swirls are all simple design ideas.
- 3). Squeeze out a few colors of ceramic paints onto a plastic paint palette. There are many ceramic paints on the market to choose from that can be used at home. Many ceramic paints are food-safe once they have been set in the oven. Dip a fine tip paintbrush into the paints and paint over the pencil markings. Start by painting with the lightest colors first, moving toward darker outline colors.
- 4). Allow the plates to dry completely for an entire day. Place the plates in your oven. Turn your oven on to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the oven to heat up completely and bake the plates for about a half hour. Remove the thrift store plates from the oven, and allow to cool completely. Most ceramic paints are food-safe. Check the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing the paints. Hand wash the plates after you have used them. Do not use harsh abrasives or chemicals when washing them.
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