How to Decorate Plate Sets
Create a customized set of decorative plates for your next dinner party. Clear glass plate sets are inexpensive and can be transformed with etching cream. Using etching cream, permanently adds your personal style to an otherwise plain plate. Customize the look of the plate sets with geometric, whimsical or classic design patterns. It only takes a few household items, and basic craft skills to decorate glass plate sets.
Items needed
- Glass plates
- Newspaper
- Etching cream
- Stencils
- Masking tape
- Mild soap
- Vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Sponge brush
Instructions
- Select a stencil, or make your own. Decide the theme for the dinner plates. Common themes include geometric patterns, whimsical dots or swirls, fruit and monograms. Make your own stencil using static-cling vinyl. Trace the design with a marker, and cut it out with an art knife. Visit a craft store for a vast selection of pre-designed stencils.
- Clean the glass plates with mild soap and warm water. Remove stickers attached to the plates. Rinse and hand dry. Wipe the entire surface with a lint-free rag, dipped in vinegar, to remove fingerprints and hand oils. Allow the plates to dry completely.
- Spread newspaper over the work surface to protect from the etching cream. Place the plates face down on the newspaper. Lay out the stencils on the back of the plates and adjust the pattern as needed. Secure the stencils with masking tape or blue painter’s tape.
- Brush the etching cream across the stencil. Decide what you want the finished product to look like. A light coat will appear transparent when dry; a thicker coat of etching cream dries opaque. Wear gloves while working with the etching cream.
- Allow the etching cream to set for at least 15 minutes, or the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. Remove the stencil after the designated drying time. Rise with warm water until all the etching cream comes off the plates. Allow the plates to dry completely before using.
- Keep the decorated dinner plates beautiful by hand washing them after each use. Stack plates with a coffee filter or paper towel between each plate to reduce the chance of damage to the etched area.