Painting porcelain can breathe new life into tired dinnerware, transform flea market figurines, and allow you to customize tiles, vases and other decorative items around your home. With the right techniques and materials, porcelain surfaces can be painted to achieve stunning and durable results. This comprehensive, expert-level guide covers everything you need to know about successfully painting porcelain.
A Booming DIY Trend
Painting porcelain has become an extremely popular quarantine hobby, with Google searches for "painting porcelain at home" up over 2,500% in 2020 compared to the previous year according to Etsy‘s report on DIY trends. The global decorative paints market also saw significant growth pre-pandemic, and is predicted to reach $130.63 billion by 2028 according to Fortune Business Insights. With more people looking to personalize their homes and take on creative projects, the popularity of painted porcelain continues to grow.
Overview of Paint Types for Porcelain
When selecting paint for porcelain, you‘ll want to choose an option that is formulated to bond properly and last on ceramics. Here are some of the best choices:
Oil-Based Paint
- Ideal choice for porcelain due to extremely durable and glossy finish
- Bonds very well to slippery porcelain surfaces
- Must be used cautiously on surfaces contacting food due to potential toxicity
- Brands like Rust-Oleum offer oil-based enamels safe for ceramics
Acrylic Paint
- Adheres very well to ceramics and porcelain
- Offers vast color selection and water-resistant finish
- Less fumes than oil-based and generally quicker drying time
- Liquitex and Craft Smart carry affordable, porcelain-safe acrylics
Porcelain-Specific Paint
- Made exclusively for use on porcelain
- Provides most intense, bright colors on porcelain
- Useful for intricate designs and detail work
- Often requires firing after application
- U-238, Color Magic are top-rated porcelain paint brands
Here is a quick comparison of popular porcelain paint options:
| Paint Type | Price Range | Dry Time | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-based enamels | $8-$30 per 1⁄2 pint | 24-48 hours | Glossy, smooth |
| Acrylic craft paints | $2-$15 per 2oz bottle | 1-3 hours | Slightly textured |
| Porcelain paints | $10-$25 per 1oz bottle | 24 hours | Ultra glossy |
Must-Have Supplies for Painting Porcelain
In addition to paint, having the right prep and application supplies on hand will make your project go smoothly. Here are some porcelain painting must-haves:
- Cleaning and degreasing agents – Look for ammonia-based or orange citrus cleaners designed for grease-cutting
- Sandpaper – 120 and 220 grit work well for lightly scuffing slick porcelain
- Tack cloth – For removing dust between sanding and priming
- Porcelain primer – Provides bonding base layer; Liquitex makes a top rated acrylic gesso
- Brushes – Small rounds or pointed tip brushes for details; wider flats work well for backgrounds
- Sponges – Natural sea sponges or cosmetic wedges to dab on paint
- Paint pens – Allow finer details; Sakura Gelly Roll pens work on porcelain
- Sealant – Water-based acrylic options like Triple Thick provide durable protection
Having all your materials and tools in one place will make your porcelain painting project go much more smoothly.
Proper Surface Preparation
To ensure paint adheres properly to porcelain, thorough surface preparation is a must. Follow these steps:
- Wash porcelain in warm, soapy water using a mild detergent and rinse well
- Degrease surface with an ammonia-based cleaner or orange oil degreaser using a soft cloth
- Lightly sand surface with 220 grit sandpaper to scuff the glaze
- Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of porcelain primer like Liquitex Gesso, allowing to fully dry between coats
Properly prepping removes any waxes, oils or debris that could cause poor paint adhesion. Priming fills pores and creates a uniform surface. Always refer to the manufacturer‘s instructions for proper primer application and dry times.
Tips for Easy Prepping
- Use painter‘s tape to mask off any edges or sections you don‘t want primed
- Pour a small amount of primer into a dish instead of working straight from bottle
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator when sanding
- Use a tack cloth instead of a wet rag to pick up dust to avoid smearing primer
Application Tips and Techniques
Once your porcelain is prepped, you can begin painting. Here are some tips:
Go slowly with thin coats
Applying paint too quickly or thickly can cause drips and uneven coverage. Work in thin layers, allowing paint to fully dry between coats for smooth results.
Alternate brush techniques
Try a combination of brushwork and sponging – a small round brush works well for borders and details, while a sea sponge creates interesting textures.
Use painter‘s tape
Mask off any edges on dishes or figurines with tape for super sharp paint lines. Remove tape as soon as section is painted before curing.
Incorporate airbrushing
Airbrushing allows you to create subtle shaded effects. It does take practice, so try airbrushing on scrap pieces first.
Watch for dust
Work in a dust-free area when possible to avoid contaminants getting into fresh paint.
Applying multiple thin, even coats prevents dripping and allows more vivid colors. Take your time with each layer to ensure quality results.
Creative Painting Techniques for Porcelain
Once you‘ve got the basics down, there are many creative painting techniques you can try on porcelain:
Stenciling
- Lay painter‘s tape or a store-bought stencil over surface
- Dab on paint with sponge, removing stencil immediately after
- Build up layers, allowing paint to dry between applications
Stamping
- Cut custom stamp shapes from foam sheets or eraser material
- Dip stamp into paint, then press firmly onto surface
- Great way to quickly decorate mugs or plates
Sponging
- Cut a sea sponge into different shapes
- Dab or drag sponge through paint and onto surface
- Creates natural, mottled textures
Drip designs
- Allow paint to drip down the surface for abstract effects
- Can tilt piece to control drip direction
- Requires slow drying acrylic or enamel paints
Resists
- Coat surface with glue, then paint over it
- Once dry, remove glue to reveal design underneath
- Crayons or rubber cement work as good resists
Don‘t be afraid to get creative and experiment – that‘s part of the fun of porcelain painting!
Sealing and Protecting Painted Porcelain
Sealing your painted porcelain helps protect it from damage, fading, and wear over time.
- Use an acrylic sealer or glaze designed for porcelain
- Apply 2-3 thin, even coats with a soft brush
- Allow sealer to dry fully, at least 24 hours between coats
- Avoid dishwasher or submerging until cured for 2 weeks
- Reseal every 1-2 years for optimal longevity
Top-rated sealers like Triple Thick glaze can help even handwash-only pieces last years with minimal fading or chipping.
Painting Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles require extra preparation but can be painted to refresh old floors or walls.
- Scuff glazed surface with 120 grit sandpaper and clean thoroughly
- Apply bonding primer designed for tile and porcelain like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3
- Use acrylic paint formulated for interiors from brands like Behr
- Roll on paint in thin layers using a high density foam mini roller, allowing to dry fully
- Seal painted tiles once fully cured with three coats of acrylic sealer
- Avoid foot traffic or replacing fixtures for 2 weeks to allow complete curing
Painting porcelain tile is doable but does require patience. Area rugs, runners or mats help protect your painted tiles from shoe scuffs.
Painting Porcelain Dishes and Mugs
Customize tableware with painted designs. Here are some pointers:
- Wash and degrease dishes thoroughly with hot water and ammonia
- Use low-tack painter‘s tape to mask off sections for sharp lines
- Acrylic craft paints like FolkArt Enamels work well for dishware
- Allow paint to cure completely for at least 7 days before use
- Handwash only to preserve painted designs, avoiding abrasive scrubbers
- Seal painted pieces with food-safe acrylic sealer made for ceramics
I like to paint the bottom of mugs I gift so the design lasts longer. Just be sure to allow extra drying time before using.
Painting Porcelain Figurines
Figurines, statues and decorative pieces can be transformed with paint.
- Clean each piece before starting by dusting and washing with mild soap if needed
- Use painter‘s tape to mask off any areas you don‘t want painted
- Acrylic paints like FolkArt mixed with glazing medium works well
- Alternate brushwork and sea sponge techniques for dimension
- Work slowly and allow paint to dry fully between layers
- Finish with 2-3 coats of acrylic sealer spray once cured
I love finding discounted porcelain figurines at thrift stores and giving them new life with paint. The possibilities are endless!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As a home renovation expert, I‘ve seen all kinds of paint projects gone wrong. When it comes to porcelain, here are some key mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping proper cleaning and prep – paint won‘t adhere without it!
- Applying paint too quickly and thickly causing ugly drips
- Not allowing adequate drying time between coats
- Forgetting to seal painted porcelain items leading to chips and fading
- Handwashing dishes before paint is fully cured, even for just a quick rinse
- Using non-porcelain safe paints that can peel or rub off over time
- Mixing water-based and oil-based paints which won‘t bond together
By taking your time, prepping properly, and using paint formulated for ceramics, you can achieve stunning painted porcelain. Patience and care will lead to great results that last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What‘s the best way to remove dried acrylic paint from porcelain if I make a mistake?
Gently scrape off any excess paint with a plastic scraper, avoiding any sharp metal tools. Then use a chemical paint remover formulated for ceramics and porcelain. Do a spot test first and follow directions. Xylene or paint thinner may also help dissolve acrylic paint. Work in a ventilated area and use gloves.
Can I use Sharpie or permanent markers to decorate porcelain?
Yes, oil-based Sharpie pens work wonderfully on ceramic mugs, plates, and tiles! Allow the marker to cure fully for at least 3 days before washing, and handwash gently to preserve designs.
What type of primer should I use before painting porcelain with acrylics?
Look for a water-based acrylic primer made specifically for use on ceramics and porcelain. Liquitex makes a highly rated gesso primer that provides excellent adhesion and a perfectly smooth finish.
How long should I wait before using dishes or mugs after painting them?
It‘s best to allow porcelain paint on dishes and tableware to cure for 5-7 days before use. I recommend handwashing only for the first few uses to avoid damaging painted designs. Reapply sealer every month or so if heavily used.
Can I use latex wall paint on porcelain tiles?
Interior latex paint may work, but it‘s specially formulated acrylic paints that really adhere best to slick surfaces like porcelain tile. I‘d recommend a bonding primer followed by specialty tile paints.
Painting porcelain can allow you to refresh, customize, or transform many surfaces in your home. With proper prep and care, your painted porcelain can last for many years. Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m happy to help!
