Let’s say the ceramic pots in your home are sitting on the shelves idly, or maybe they are old, and you plan to throw them out. Don’t do that! You can always reuse these pots with new decorations. But can you paint ceramic pots?
You can paint ceramic pots in different ways. However, the most common ways to paint them is by hand or by spray paint. The methods involve cleaning and sanding the pots before painting them.
Only if it was that simple, but painting ceramic pots is not very difficult either. I needed to paint my ceramic pots for reuse. And what I found from my research and painting experience is what I will share today.
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What Paint To Use On Ceramic Pots?
There are a variety of paints that you can use to paint ceramic pots. Generally, acrylic, epoxy, and latex paints are used to paint on ceramic products. You can use these paints on a ceramic mug, pot, vase, tile, and many more products.
However, not all of them are highly efficient and long-lasting. So you need to be a little more observant and picky when choosing paints for your ceramic pots.
Liquid paints are handy if you want to paint pots by hand. And if you want shiny and durable paint on your ceramics, I would say epoxy paints are your best option. The only issue here is that epoxy paints are pretty expensive.
However, if you want to stick to affordable paints, it would be best to pick acrylic or latex paints. They also work excellently on ceramic wares. Moreover, acrylic paints are the best for painting small ceramic pots.
Another popular option for painting ceramic these days is spray paint. The applying process is pretty simple, and they also last a good amount of time. Besides, spray paints are affordable.
How To Paint Ceramic Pots? [Step By Step Guide]
When someone asks, can you paint ceramic pots? The answer is always yes. But how do you paint them?
There are several ways to do that. However, the two common methods you will see are painting either by hand or using spray paint. Both of these methods are equally effective and long-lasting.
Method 1: Hand Paint
Painting ceramic pots by hand is a little more challenging than spray painting. However, this method comes with a lot of fun.
On top of that, you get to explore your artistic side. So, follow the step-by-step guideline to learn how to paint ceramic pots by hand.
Things You Will Need
- Newspaper
- Ceramic pot
- Chisel
- Soft cloth
- Paintbrushes
- Small plastic bowl
- Water
- Pencil and stencils
- Acrylic primer
- Acrylic paint
- Acrylic gloss
Step 1: Prepare The Workplace
The first thing to do is to make sure the workplace is suitable for painting. Whether you are painting indoors or outdoors, spreading some newspaper on a flat surface is better.
Working on a flat surface will keep the pots steady. And the newspaper will prevent the paint from spreading anywhere else.
Step 2: Prepare The Ceramic Pot
If there are any lines or seams, use a chisel to remove them. Then soak a soft cloth in warm water and use it to clean the pot thoroughly.
If any stubborn dirt is left on the surface, wash it under your kitchen faucet and scrub it with detergent. Wash and rinse the pot inside out. This process helps the paint adhere better to the ceramic pots.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Use a soft paintbrush to apply high-adhesion primer all over the ceramic pot. Applying primer makes the painted color look more vibrant. Allow the first primer application to dry completely before you apply another coat.
Step 4: Draw On The Pot
If you want to add some design to the ceramic pot, you can draw them with a pencil. But if arts are not your thing, you can use a stencil, which is a simpler and better option.
But none of these are mandatory. If you want to skip the drawing part and use a singular color, you can do that as well.
Step 5: Paint The Ceramic Pot
If you are using a single color, apply a thin coat with your acrylic paintbrush. But if you want designs on your ceramic pots, use small thin brushes and paint on the designs you have done using pencils or stencils.
Allow the first coat of the paints to dry properly. Then apply another coat to highlight more details. You can apply more than two coats if necessary.
Step 6: Let The Pots Dry
After you are done painting them, place the pots on a flat surface on top of newspapers. Do not touch the pots when they dry and wait till they dry completely.
Step 7: Apply Acrylic Gloss
After the paint has dried, apply a thin layer of acrylic gloss on the entire pot with a paintbrush. The perk of using such gloss is that it makes the colors look shiny and protects the paints simultaneously.
Step 8: Dry And Use
Allow the ceramic pots to dry again. Finally, you can start using your newly painted ceramic pots.
Method 2: Spray Paint
Spray painting ceramics is simpler than hand painting them. But they still require following some essential procedures as many ceramic pots contain glazes.
Things You Will Need
- Newspaper/cardboard sheet
- Ceramic pots
- Toothbrush
- 200-grit sandpaper
- Latex primer
- Spray paints
- Paintbrushes
- Clean cloth
Step 1: Prepare The Workplace
Choose the place you want to work. If you are using spray paint, you will need a wider or open space. So the best place to use is either outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
Spread a good amount of newspapers or cardboard sheets on the workplace surface. In this way, the paint will not touch unwanted spots.
Step 2: Prepare The Ceramic Pots
Wash the ceramic pots with your kitchen faucet or a hose and wash it inside out. You can scrub off any dirt using detergent and a toothbrush.
Rinse the pots properly. And keep them under the sun to dry.
Step 3: Sand The Pot
Use the 200-grit sandpaper to sand the ceramic pot and roughen its entire glossy surface. Then wipe the pot with a clean damp cloth.
Step 4: Apply Primer
Apply primer all over the ceramic pot with a soft paintbrush. I strongly recommend using latex primers as they adhere better on rough surfaces.
Make sure you have covered the entire surface with the primer. Then let the primer dry properly and apply another coat if necessary.
Step 5: Spray Paint The Pot
Pick your chosen spray paint and shake the can vigorously before you apply it. If you want to paint the interior of the pot, spray inside it using sweeping strokes.
But if you will only paint the exterior, turn the pot upside down again and spray paint all over it or wherever you want it. You can use multiple colors to paint on the pots.
Step 6: Dry The Pots And Reapply Paint
Keep the pots on spread newspaper and allow it to dry under the sun. Refrain from touching it while it dries. Then apply another layer of the paint if needed. And then dry the pots once more.
Step 7: Use The Painted Pots
After you are done painting your ceramic pots, it is time to wait until they are ready for use. Wait at least 24 hours, and then you can use your painted ceramic pots.
Best Paint For Ceramic Pots
There are many types of paints that you can use to paint your ceramic pots. But some specific paints work way better than others.
Not only are these paints long-lasting, but they also leave a smooth and vibrant look on the ceramic. Here are three such paints that you can use to paint your ceramic pots.
Magicfly Acrylic Paint Set
The Magicfly Acrylic Paint set truly comes with a magical vibe. This set contains twenty vibrant paints. There are 16 classic colors with two neon and two metallic colors. Moreover, you will get three brushes to enhance the paintwork.
The paint colors are rich in pigment, thick and creamy. These qualities work as advantages for smooth and efficient painting. They are suitable for painting on ceramics, canvases, fabrics, papers, pumpkins, etc.
Moreover, the colors blend pretty easily. And you don’t have to wait a lot of time for the colors to dry as they dry quickly. And once they dry up, the paint will not come off even during the weather. All these qualities make it the best paint for outdoor ceramic pots.
Magicfly acrylic paints are water-based. If you make any mistake while painting, you can clean it up using warm water and soap before the paint dries.
And as these paints are child-friendly, you can allow your young ones to paint ceramic pots with you and make some happy memories.
Colore Acrylic Paint Set
What I like about the Colore Acrylic paint set is its versatility. From plain to textured surfaces, you can use it anywhere you want. Thus, it makes this paint set suitable for ceramic, paper, wood, fabric, canvas, clay, nails, and many more surfaces.
The manufacturer used high-quality pigment to allow it to dry faster. The colors are vivid, vibrant and leave a long-lasting look on your ceramic pots.
Anyone from kids to adults can use these acrylic paints. In this package, you will get 24 vibrant colors weighing 12ml each. If you want to create complex colors, use your paintbrush to blend them and give the pots a more enhancing look.
The colors are smooth and easy to apply. Moreover, they are suitable for painting on large or smaller surface areas.
So be bold and paint on those ceramic pots without worrying too much. For the best result, use your acrylic paintbrush to paint with this set.
FolkArt Enamel Glass & Ceramic Paint
If you would rather opt for metallic colors to paint your ceramic pots, the FolkArt Enamel Glass and Ceramic Paint colors are your friendly option. There are many more reasons why this should be a perfect pick for painting your ceramic pots.
First of all, FolkArt comes in a huge variety of colors. It is up to you to choose which ones you need. The shades are variable, vibrant, and vivid. So even if you are keeping the painted pot in the corner of your room or house, it will make heads turn.
These premium quality paints are creamy, which makes them perfect for blending and shading. That’s why I would say these are some of the most eligible paints if you want to DIY paint any ceramic wares.
But how about harmful chemicals in paint? Well, the paints are toxic-free as they are child-friendly. Moreover, they are water-based colors. If you need to make any corrections, you can easily remove the paint before it dries on the ceramic.
Tips And Tricks For Painting Ceramic Pots
Do you know the secret of creating a vibrant look on ceramic pots with painting? No? Well, don’t be disheartened if you don’t know. I’m about to share a few tips anyway.
- Always consider your ceramic pot’s design before choosing a spray paint finish. If it has raised flower patterns, using a glossy or semi-gloss finish will highlight those areas.
- Consider the working area environment as it affects the paint’s drying time. If the workplace is too hot, the paints will dry pretty quickly. On the other hand, the paints will dry slowly in a humid environment.
- It is safer to paint in outdoor areas, especially if you are using spray paint. But if you have to work indoors, make sure the room is sufficiently ventilated.
- Always be prepared to repaint the ceramic pots. It gives you the freedom to change their colors and designs once you get bored with the current one.
- Wear safety glasses and masks when using spray paints. It will protect you from any unexpected occurrences.
- Avoid placing the ceramic under the direct sun while drying. It can damage the paint. Also, putting the freshly painted ceramic where dusty wind blows can get dust stick on the paint.
- If you are using spray paint, shake the can at least for a minute before applying it.
- Never wash your painted ceramic pots or other painted ceramic wares in the dishwasher. Always hand wash them with dish soap and water.
Why Does Spray Paint Crackle, And How Do You Prevent It From Crackling?
As surprising as it may sound, but it is not unusual to find that your spray paint on the ceramic has cracked. Not only does it ruin the beautiful appearance, but it also means you need to fix it. That just doubles the pain.
But why does it happen? Spray paint crackles for a few reasons. And one of the most common reasons is not being at the right temperature and applying in the wrong way.
If the temperature is too high, the solvent in the paint will keep evaporating. At one point, the paint will shrivel up and crack. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, it will affect how the paint adheres to the ceramic surface.
Another reason why the spray paint can crack is because you may have painted too much at one go. As a result, even though the top layer has dried up and looks perfect, the layer underneath can still be wet. So, when the paint underneath moves for some reason, the top layer cracks.
So, can you paint ceramic pots with spray paint and prevent the paint from cracking? Yes, you can prevent the paint from cracking by following these tips.
- Always read the instruction on the paint can. Some paints need a longer break before recoating, while the others require a shorter time.
- Apply the spray paint in an environment where the temperature is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While spray painting, hold the paint can at least 6-8 inches far from the object. Then move it horizontally to paint it.
- Always apply a thin coat at first. You can apply a second coating after a specific time.
- Keep the ceramic pots in a cool and dry place after you are done painting and drying them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can You Paint Glazed Ceramic Pots?
Yes, you can paint glazed ceramic pots. However, you have to sand the pots properly to roughen up the surface before starting the painting procedure. Otherwise, the paint will not stick on the glazed ceramic surface.
Q. Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Ceramic Flower Pots?
Yes, you can paint on your ceramic flower pots using acrylic paints. Acrylic paints are one of the paints that experts recommend for their effectiveness on ceramic wares. There are various such acrylic paints available in the market.
Q. What Type Of Spray Paint Works Best On Ceramics?
Many spray paints come with a label that says they are suitable for ceramics. That’s why I always urge users to go through the instructions first.
It is best to avoid high-gloss spray paints as it ends up highlighting the imperfections as well. Semi-gloss spray paints work better on ceramic wares.
Final Words
Ceramic pots are already beautiful enough to be on your desk, at the corner of your room or house. But the idea of giving it an entirely new look sound tempting. That’s when people ask, can you paint ceramic pots?
You can paint ceramic pots with most paints. But it is safe to choose the appropriate paint that works best on ceramics. They are long-lasting and saves the cost of frequent reapplying.
And don’t worry about ending up with something that looks imperfect. These are your ceramic pots. Paint them however you like.
