There are two ways to apply the image to the cup: using a marker and using paints. The choice of one or another option depends on the complexity of the selected drawing and your artistic abilities.
Marker patterns
To create all kinds of contour images, there are special permanent markers that are resistant to air, water and temperature. These markers are often suitable for painting ceramic, porcelain, metal and glass surfaces. The difference lies in the color, the diameter of the pen, which affects the line width, and the way the drawing is fixed. Some markers only need to be allowed to dry for 24 hours, but often, to prevent the image from being erased while washing the dishes, the product must be baked in the oven for 30 minutes. The manufacturer must indicate these nuances on the packaging.
The first step in the process of painting a cup with a marker is to select an image. It can be geometric or abstract patterns, emblems, flowers, animals, a beautiful or humorous phrase, the name of the person to whom the gift is intended, a cartoon or fictional character. The only condition is that the drawing should consist of outlines and require minimal color fill.
After choosing a picture, you need to print it out or draw it yourself on a separate sheet of paper. Attach the image to the cup and make sure it fits. Then you should prepare the surface of the cup: wash, dry and rub with alcohol to degrease.
If you plan on freehand painting, you can get started. Lay the cup horizontally, because only in this position will the marker be able to leave an even, saturated line. Before starting, be sure to shake the felt-tip pen and try to draw a few test lines on an unnecessary piece of paper.
If you need a guide for drawing the image, first you need to draw a bold line along all the contours with a soft pencil. Please note that the drawing will be further displayed on the cup in a mirror image. Therefore, if you intend to transfer words to the surface of the dishes, they must first be reflected horizontally in a graphic editor, and then printed. After you have drawn the contours, attach the image with the front part to the outside of the cup and secure it with tape around the edges. Next, you need to shade the paper in those areas where there are lines of the drawing, applying some effort. This will transfer the contours of the image to the surface of the cup. It remains only to remove the paper and draw the lines with a marker. Inaccuracies can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth, and when the area is dry, draw a straight line. After baking according to the manufacturer's instructions, you can enjoy your tea from an updated cup!
Painting with paints
If you want to transfer a bright, colorful image to the cup, you can use special ceramic paints. Prepare the surface and transfer the contour in the same way as when drawing a drawing with a marker.
This is followed by the creative stage, during which you create a unique pattern on the cup. The complexity of the image is limited only by your artistic ability. To get new colors, you can mix your existing paint from the same manufacturer and the same series. For contouring, there are special contour paints. But they can be replaced with the same paint that covers the main part of the image. In this case, you need to use the thinnest brush.
The curing process, as in the case of markers, can be "cold" (under the influence of air) or "hot" requiring baking. Please note that the cup must be in the oven both during heating and cooling to avoid sudden temperature changes.
