Upgrade plain dishware into custom creations by embellishing each slice with stenciled designs. Stenciling or painting on dishes — both ceramic and glass — needs an enamel paint especially designed to adhere to these materials. Other kinds of paint may peel off or not adhere in any way. Even though some enamel paints are non-toxic, even if you are stenciling a glass plate, stencil just the rims or the back side of these dishes to avoid food coming into contact with painted surfaces.
Wash each dish or project piece thoroughly using a mild dishwashing soap, then rinse and dry using a soft cloth.
Pour rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and wipe down all of project areas that you intend to stencil. The alcohol helps eliminate any residue or film on ceramic or glass, which makes it more receptive to paint. Allow dishware to dry thoroughly.
Cover the work surface with paper, then set the project pieces atop the paper.
Set the stencil on the project piece, adjusting it until it is aligned to your liking. Tape the edges of the stencil set up so it lies flat and doesn’t move. If stenciling a clear glass plate, put on the stencil to the exterior or underside of this plate; place the stencil on backwards so it shows the right way through the plate. Stenciling the reverse side of glass protects the layout and makes the plate more usable for meals.
Squirt a small amount enamel paint on a paper plate. Dip a stencil sponge or brush to the paint and then dab it repeatedly over the stencil cutout area, loading the sponge or brush using more paint, as needed, until the stenciled area looks consistent and opaque. Remove the stencil. Enable the dishware to wash for many days, or as recommended on the paint box. For speedier drying time, cure the piece in a warm oven, even in the event the enamel paint label advocates oven curing.