how long and at what oven temp do I need for a "design a plate" craft?

Question

my child purchased at a school Christmas store a "design a plate" craft. The box did not contain instructions. After using the markers provided to decorate the plate, it must be heated in the oven. How long and at what temp?

Answer 1

I don't know, but I'm pretty sure there are several types of these "design a plate" kits, so instructions probably vary depending on which one you have.

Some kits contain melamine plates and some real ceramic plates... the types of "markers" may differ too.

I believe (tho' not sure) that the melamine (plastic) ones have to be sent back to the company for heating, where the ceramic ones can be heated in a regular home oven.
It's possible that the plastic ones can also be heated in a regular oven, but different plastics will begin to soften and slump at different temperatures, so if you try it I wouldn't go above about 250 degrees (for maybe 10 minutes)?? That should be enough to "set" most types of paint, but maybe handwashing would be best after that anyway.

Since you have the box, the company's name along with the state and possibly a tel. no or URL should be on it somewhere... or you could at least search for info better with the exact name of the kit plus the manufacturer's name (or find a phone number, etc.).

Kids love these things though, so I hope you get it worked out.

If not, you could also just buy glass or clear plastic (I think) plates***, then have them *decoupage* their drawing(s) or other papers or paper images onto the back side of the plates.
I'd hand wash those though --don't soak, use scratchy brushes, or use harsh detergents.
Check the links in this search for various lessons on doing that:
http://tinyurl.com/y7jrug

***thrift stores and restaurant supply stores are some good sources for inexpensive ones


Good luck!

Diane B.