Can You Paint Over Glazed Ceramic?

All glazed ceramic wares or tiles contain protective layers or coatings to keep them safe from scratches. The problem is, even the multiple-layered ceramic becomes old over time and can suffer damages. So the best way to give them a new look is to repaint them. But the question is: can you paint over glazed ceramic?

You can repaint glazed ceramic, regardless of what it is. However, the paint will not stick properly if the ceramic surface is too smooth. So in some cases, you may need to sand it a little bit. And if you are spray painting it, using primer can help the paint sit perfectly.

Talking about painting on glazed ceramic brings more questions. You need to know which paints will work on these glazed ceramics, how you should paint them, and more. Lucky for you, I have discussed them all in today’s article.

What Paint Will Stick To Glazed Ceramic?

Can you paint over glazed ceramic? The answer to that question leads us to this part. No matter how many tricks and techniques you try, it is nearly impossible to paint over glazed ceramics without the right paint.

You can sand and prime the ceramics as much as you want, but the paint will not seal well if it is the wrong one. So is there a solution to this problem?

Well, the good news is you can use multiple types of paints to repaint your glazed ceramic pieces. And in this section, I will describe each paint type so that you find the one you need.

Water-Based Paints

Water-based paints are an easy and quick-dry solution if you intend to paint ceramics. But there are few dos and don’ts with all the advantages it comes with.

Water-based paints are popular for painting ceramic surfaces because they dry within 24 hours. This paint is more suitable for use for art purposes. And if you want to paint glazed ceramics with it, you have to sand the ceramic first.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are the perfect solution for painting on glazed ceramics only if the ceramic will not get wet too often. To make the paint stick, you need to ensure the ceramic surface is clean. You have to remove any remaining dirt or particles from the top of it.

The biggest flex of using oil-based paints is that you don’t have to use any special primer before painting ceramic objects. You can use any basic primer to do the preparation work. And don’t forget to sand the surface to ensure the paint sits correctly.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are fine when it comes to painting on glazed ceramics. The acrylic will look well-set on the ceramic if you get the surface prepared with the right primer.

But there is also a disadvantage when it comes to acrylic paints. These paints have poor adherence if you apply them to ceramics. You need to get an oil-based primer and a water-based acrylic paint so that the combination becomes compatible.

Spray Paints

Spray paint is one of the popular methods of painting over various surfaces. And that includes glazed ceramics. This paint has an excellent adherence quality, making it suitable for painting ceramic with or without glazes.

But if you handle it roughly, the spray will start peeling over time. On top of that, using it with a primer can lead to cracks. So the best way to use spray paint is to clean the surface properly and make sure it is dry.

Latex Paints

One of the most challenging things about using latex paints is keeping them stuck to the ceramic. But it only happens if you haven’t done the prep work right. Since it is a water-based paint, the glazed ceramic surface has to be completely dry.

The best way to apply latex paint is using multiple thin coats. Then you can coat it with a durable varnish to help it last longer.

Epoxy Paints

If you apply epoxy paints correctly, it will give you a better result than you have expected. It ensures a study coating even on glazed ceramics.

Do you need more reason to understand why this paint is so perfect? Well, epoxy paint is known for resisting heat, water, and even acid. These qualities make it more suitable than most other paints. The only downside is that it loses its gloss and look if you expose it to harsh weather.

Chalk Paints

Chalk paint sticks very easily on ceramics, even on glazed ceramics. The best part is that there is no sanding or priming required to use this paint. The only thing you need to ensure is a clean surface.

Make sure there is no dirt or water left on the ceramic surface. Water can leave bubbles after you paint it. For best results, you can use multiple layers.

How To Paint Glazed Ceramics?

Now that you know which paints you can use, it’s time to figure out how to paint glazed ceramics. But before that, make sure you have all the essential tools and items. You can choose any paint you want.

Most of the paint works well on the sanded surface rather than glazed ones. So I have prepared a basic step-by-step guide that will work for any paint.

Things You Will Need

• Glazed ceramic item
• Cloth rag
• Sandpaper/Piece of steel or wood
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Step 1: Gather Everything

Before you start all other processes, make sure you have everything close to your hand. Prepare a workplace in a spacious area if possible so that the paint will not ruin any unwanted areas.

You can opt for gloves and masks to keep your skin and respiratory system safe. But honestly, ceramic paints are not highly toxic. So you do not need to sweat over safety materials.

Step 2: Clean The Ceramic

Start with cleaning the glazed ceramic. Whether it is ceramic tiles, dishes, or vases, you need to clean the area you will paint. Make sure to scrub off all the dirt and mud.

Then use a dry rag to wipe the area until it is completely dry. You should not leave any wet area as it may create bubbles after you paint on the area.

Step 3: Sand The Surface

If you plan to repaint glazed ceramic tiles, you need to sand them with a 180-200 grit sander. But if you are painting ceramic pots or vases, you can use a piece of wood or steel to do the job.

Sand the areas carefully because you do not want to overdo the sanding part. Your goal should be to remove the glazed part. Sand off any uneven areas or design if necessary.

Step 4: Apply Primer Coating

Primers are meant to bond to the ceramic, so the paint sits well. You can use an oil-based primer or a spray primer to do the work. Applying a new layer of primer after each paint layer will strengthen the bond between the ceramic and the paint.

But if the primers start looking gritty, try sanding the surface with a piece of wood. You need to wait around 24 hours after applying the primer to continue the next step.

Step 5: Paint The Ceramic

Now dip the paintbrush in the paints of your choice to repaint the ceramic. You can use any oil-based paint for better results. The best way to get a better-painted ceramic is to move the brush in the same direction rather than zigzag motions.

Step 6: Sand Over The Paint

After the paint layer dries, use 220-grit sandpaper to sand over the paint. You don’t need to use a sander to do that. Gently sand the areas that have paint drips or look rigid.

It would be best if you used wood to sand ceramic dishes rather than sandpapers. Do not sand until the paint is completely dry. Sanding on wet or half-dry paint will make the paint smear everywhere.

Step 7: Paint Another Layer

Apply one more layer of paint, but this time, apply in small strokes. It will help you paint evenly and get a smoother result once it dries. Using this method ensures a durable painting result, and the surface looks pretty appealing.

Step 8: Let The Paint Dry

The paint needs to dry completely before using the ceramic item. Wait at least 24 hours before touching the paint. But do not start using it right away. You need to wait at least another day or two before you use the ceramic.

Step 9: Additional

If you have repainted ceramic tiles, here is one more option for you. You can add layers of urethane and epoxy to get a glossy finish. The best part is that these are inexpensive and will give your hard work a better look.

You can apply two coats of urethane, but wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying another. Applying one or two coats of epoxy will give the paint a more durable finish.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Glazed Ceramic?

When it comes to painting on ceramics, most of us immediately think of acrylic paints. This paint is water-based and dries pretty fast, making it more suitable for painting on any surface. So if you are wondering if it is possible to use acrylic paints on glazed ceramics, the answer is yes.

Though the smooth surface of a glazed ceramic makes it challenging to paint it with acrylic paint, there is a way to ensure the paint sticks. You can remove the smoothness of the glazed ceramic with sandpaper.

Use sandpaper with your hand to remove the glaze. It will rough up the surface enough for the paint to set. But before you start painting, make sure to wipe the ceramic surface with a dry rag. It will help remove the sanding dust and any other particles.

Can You Use Chalk Paint On Glazed Ceramic?

Yes, chalk paints are suitable to paint on glazed ceramics. They are easy to apply and can even ensure a durable finish if you know how to do it.

Generally, you don’t have to sand the ceramic surface to apply the paint. However, sanding the surface and removing the paint can give a better result.

I would say 100-grit sandpaper will work fine as you don’t need to sand deep. Then use a rag to clean the surface you want to paint.

Using broad paintbrushes works better to cover more areas easily when using chalk paints.  After you paint with the first coat, wait around an hour before you apply a second coat.

Can You Spray Paint Over Glazed Ceramic?

Another easy way to paint ceramics is using spray paint. This paint hardly requires much effort. Well, unless we are talking about glazed ceramics. Yes, you can spray paint over glazed ceramics, but it also needs to go through a few necessary steps.

If you are covering smaller areas, you can go with acrylic spray paints. But it is best to choose latex or epoxy paints for larger surfaces.

You need to sand the ceramic to remove the glaze. Then clean the surface first with a dry fabric. Make sure you remove all the dust, dirt, and water before moving to the next step.

The proper way to ensure durable spray painting is to use a primer before applying the paint. Do not sand too deep, but enough to remove the glazed smooth surface.

Final Words

Painting over ceramics is not a challenging job. But if the ceramic is glazed, it rises a few questions. So, can you paint over glazed ceramic? Of course, you can, and the reasons are pretty obvious now.

I have been experimenting with various paints and types of ceramic items to find which combination works better. To be honest, the result is pretty much the same because the magic trick lies in your skill and patience.

So, sand the glazed ceramic, clean it well, use primer if necessary, and the ceramic will be ready for the paint you have chosen. Just make sure to give everything enough time to dry before you touch or use the ceramic.