How to Make Marbled Painted Plates
Supplies Needed
Drop clothRubber gloves8-inch-deep basinGlossy spray paintSkewerAssorted white plates, washed and driedClear acrylic spraySuperglueD-ringsDuct tapePicture hanging hooks
Step-by-Step Directions
Cathryn stuck to blue for this project but has experimented with multicolor versions since. One of her favorite combos involves spraying purple, gold, and green paint onto water, quickly swirling, then dipping plates as she did for these.
Step 1: Dip Plates
Protect your work surface with a drop cloth or towels. Wearing gloves and working outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, fill a basin with 6 inches of room temperature water. Mist the surface of the water with spray paint ($6, The Home Depot). Briefly swirl paint with a skewer to create a marble pattern. Immediately submerge the plate below the paint, inserting the plate diagonally and right side up near the edge of the basin.
Step 2: Dry
Carefully lift the plate to collect paint on the surface. Slowly tip the plate to pour off the water, then lift the plate out of water. Let plate dry 24 hours on a protected surface. If bubbles form under the paint, pop them with a pin once the paint is completely dry. If you want stronger color or pattern, redip the dry plates. Between each dip, remove any remaining paint from water, then remist and swirl paint. Finish with clear acrylic spray ($9, Walmart).
Step 3: Hang
Superglue a D-ring ($3 for 4, Joann) to the back of each plate, and secure with duct tape. Let dry for 12 hours. Hang plates with picture hanging hooks ($4, Lowe’s). Editor’s Tip: Dishes aren’t food safe and shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher.
