Homemade gifts and personalized items are always on my preferred list and these Marbled Coffee Mugs check all the boxes. I am always on the hunt for the quick and fun DIY that is also easy on my pocketbook. This project comes almost entirely from the Dollar Tree with supplies totaling $ 11.00. This week my daughter, her bestie and I played with the marbling technique to create one of a kind coffee mugs. 

Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug

Supplies

Before you get started you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

  • Coffee Mugs
  • Nail Polish (2-3 colors per mug)
  • Containers for dipping
  • Warm Water
  • Clear Gloss Sealer (find one here from Amazon or pick one up at your local Michaelsremember to use the coupon!)

Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug

Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug

Our local Dollar Tree did not have any plain white mugs so we chose to use these fun accent mugs!

Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee MugDollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug

First, fill each container with warm water. Next, dribble the fingernail polish around the water. After trial and error, we found that less polish worked the best during application. Once your design is ready dip your cup into the water, rolling it through the paint. Work to not double back in the paint. Although, if you do we found it easy to manipulate the paint directly after application. Once it dried it was not as easy. 

Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug Dollar Store Hack - Nail Polish Coffee Mug

Sealant

Once your paint is applied, let stand on a paper towel and allow to fully dry (at least a day). Once dried I used fingernail polish remover on a Q-tip to remove paint from unwanted areas, i.e. inside the rim, on the bottom or stray marks throughout. Next, I applied the Gloss Sealer to the painted area (only) using a foam brush. It is important to not apply the sealer where you will put your mouth. Also please note that these mugs are not dishwasher safe – please handwash for best results.

 

Have you ever tried this dipping technique? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks.

xo,

C