Painting ceramics is a fulfilling and cheap way to restore the vibrant of your home. Let us look at how you can paint your already fired ceramics. Won’t we?
Supplies Needed
- Sandpaper
- A rag
- Suitable Brush
- Paintbrush
- Oil-based paint
The initial glaze on your items protects your ceramic items from wear and tear. However, just like any other item, ceramic items are prone to harsh surroundings like scratches and many other forms of wear and tear.
With that in mind, you might want to repaint your ceramics, but you will face one challenge since ceramics are extremely smooth, it is not easy to paint over them. The question to answer then is, how do you paint an already fired (glazed) ceramic? Continue reading to find out.
Steps To Paint Already Fired Ceramic
Step 1 : Choosing The Right Paint
It is recommended to choose the most appropriate paint that will stick with much ease on your ceramic; acrylic paint works better if you are painting ceramic tiles or big ceramic items. You can use liquid paint if your ceramic item includes a surface like a wall.
Since ceramics are super shiny, you should consider using epoxy polish to give you a brilliant finish on your painting. On a positive note, both acrylic and epoxy are way cheaper than other paints, which is why you should use them. Note that if you use latex paint, it will imply no stepping on the painted surface.
Step 2 : Cleaning The Ceramic
You want to restore your piece of ceramic to its original luster, so like any other form of painting, you must prepare the surface adequately for painting. Depending on the type of ceramic you are dealing with, you need to clean the surface thoroughly either by sanding or scrubbing to remove the original layer of glaze. It would be best to use a soft cloth or sponge on ceramic items like pots and dishes because you don’t want to deface them.
Step 3 : Sanding The Surface Of The Ceramic
Sanding will remove unwanted bumps and particles on the surface of your ceramic; note that steelwool will work well on smaller ceramic items like dishes. After sanding, ensure you wipe the surface of your ceramics to get rid of dust particles that might interfere with your painting.
Step 4 : Applying Light Coats Of Primer
You will apply two layers of a recommended primer to your ceramic item. It is advisable to opt for an oil-based adhesive primer in the case of ceramic tiles.2-3 coats should be enough.
Step 5 : Paint Over Your Ceramic Item In Zigzag Patterns
Be sure to start your painting in smaller areas until you cover the whole surface. Applying your paint in a zigzag manner will ensure even an even application of paint on your ceramics item.
Step 6 : Light Sanding After The First Layer Of Paint
You will need to do light sanding after applying the first coat to remove unwanted debris and ensure that you achieve a smooth finish on your final coat. Consider using the right sanding material on each of your ceramic items. Note that you need to allow the first coat adequate time to dry before you do the sanding.
Step 7 : Adding The Second Layer Of Paint
Apply a second coat on your ceramic item using a roller if you apply over a large surface. You will need to apply your paint in an up and down motion to achieve an even layer this time around.
Step 8 : Allow Your Ceramic To Dry
You are now done with the painting, and you need to place your ceramic item in free space to dry. Allow up to a maximum of three days for your ceramic item to dry adequately. Apply a light finishing coat, preferably, a sealant to cure your ceramic item and make it more durable.
Step 9 : Applying A Glossy Finish
You want your ceramic item to be as sparkly and as glossy as possible. To achieve this look, you need to apply a clear finish such as Urethane, and you will need not more than two coats to give you the final look you want. Such finishes, additionally, help strengthen your ceramic substances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Acrylic Paint a Suitable Choice to use on Glazed Ceramic?
Although they are used to paint over already fired ceramic, acrylic paints have poor adhesive properties on smooth surfaces; they do not stick properly on already glazed ceramics. Since such paints are water-based, within a short while, they begin coming off the surface. Additionally, if exposed to water and high temperatures, acrylic paints may become pervious.
Can you polish over already fired ceramic?
The initial glaze on your ceramics acts as a protective barrier against the harsh environmental conditions of wear and tear. However, with time, the ability of your ceramic to withstand such environmental effects is greatly reduced, which is why you should paint your ceramic
What is the most appropriate paint for ceramics?
There is no specific paint that can give you the results you want. However, latex, acrylic, and epoxy paint are the best paints you can use on your ceramics to achieve your painting goals.
Is there a Specific Paint you can use on already glazed ceramic?
Fusing paints are known to do the magic when painting over glazed ceramic. You can use Krylon Fusion paint since it has good bonding properties.
Painting over an already fired ceramic can pose a big problem which is why you need the right skills to paint your ceramics. Like any other piece of painting, ceramics age, and on that note, you should be able to restore and give them a new look. You need to keep in your mind how to prepare your ceramics for painting and have the right supplies at your disposal. Hopefully, this article will be of great help.
