You can buy ovenproof ceramic plates at craft stores or art supply stores.

Be sure to remove any price or barcode stickers from your plates.

Rubbing alcohol will also remove any sticker residue from your plates. [4] X Research source

Wash your hands after handling rubbing alcohol.

If your stencil letters are narrow, you’ll need a paintbrush with a fine tip or a ceramic paint pen to fill them in. [8] X Research source

Shape stencils can be used to create patterns of stars, arrows, hearts, flowers, or diamonds.

Pairing bold colors like blue, yellow and red will create a pop art design. [11] X Research source

Start with one color first, then choose another to splatter on top. Different splatter colors add even more texture and interest.

Some paints are more durable and scratch-resistant. If you know the plates will be used often, choose a quality paint that will last. [15] X Research source

You can cover areas you don’t want to be painted with painter’s tape. Painter’s tape will help guide your painting hand and create clean, painted lines. If you’re layering or using different colors on one area, let each paint application dry for a few hours first before applying the next.

If you make a mistake, carefully wipe the paint before it dries and try again. To prevent further mistakes, you can also let an area dry for a few hours before painting an area close to it.

Be careful not to touch any paint you’ve applied while removing the tape.

Let your plates dry in a safe place away from kids or pets to make sure they’re not disturbed.

You can put your plates on a baking pan or directly on the oven racks.

If your ceramic paint instructions suggest a different temperature or baking time, follow that instead. [22] X Research source

Most ovens will beep when the chosen temperature has been reached, so set a timer at that point.

Be patient and don’t touch the plates while they’re still cooling in the oven.

Hand wash them for the first time. While washing them, you can check your painted designs and make sure the plates were not damaged while baking in the oven.