To accompany the gilded plates featured in this post, Pat and I created these unique gilded cups from disposable plastic cups using the same technique.  I’m very happy with the result.  We were able to have beautiful and unique place settings at our wedding without having dirty dishes at the end!

Disposable Gilded Plastic Cups

Clear plastic cups
Protective gloves and mask
Gold spray paint – I tried numerous types and the Krylon Short Cuts are my favorite
Painter’s Tape – A thicker size, like 2 inches, will make your life easier.  I reused the tape from my gilded plates post to save money and the earth!
A large sheet of stiff paper or tagboard

1. In order to get a tight fit, cut your painter’s tape into several 1 1/2 to 2 inch sections and press around your cup near the lip.  You can vary the thickness of the painter’s tape you use to spray paint more or less of the cup.

2.  Cut circles out of the tagboard like this:

The key is to make them large enough so the cups sit with tape above and below, but not so large spray paint can get through.  You don’t actually need gloves for this part, I just had them on from making the plates.

3. Wearing gloves and a mask (unlike my husband), spray exposed part of plate with an even coat of spray paint.

4. Let dry

5.  Gently remove painters tape.