Roof Coffee Cup

Step 7 Waterproofing and making it tough

I use clear spray lacquer on my cups.  This makes them durable, stops water from soaking into the paper and making it soft, adds some rigidity to them, and keeps them clean.  I give the inside of the cup usually only one coat, but make that coat a little heavy on the bottom to fill in the area where the bottom meets the inside cup walls.  After that's dry, I then give it a minumum of three coats of lacquer on the outside and allow it to dry between each coat.  This step is why you don't want writing on the cup.  The lacquer will make it run and look bad.  The lacquer soaks into the paper and because it's clear, it's hardly noticable until very close up, and makes it strong.  I also coat the paper holder, inside and out at least four times, because it's usually recycled paper, and softens quick when it gets wet.  I use an old spray can to help keep it's shape while it dries.  Once it dries, you're almost done.