Porcelain Painting Techniques
The tradition of porcelain painting is long established having first become popular back in the 7th or 8th Century in China itself when plates and bowls were decorated with intricate designs. It was much later in the 18th Century that the idea of adding porcelain paint was adopted across Europe but it tended to be more for religious items and was something that only the wealthy could do.
Luckily today anyone can enjoy porcelain or china painting and it is a very popular activity. How funny that china painting started in China.
Just about everyone will have something made from porcelain decorating their house. Look around you we bet you’ll see something! The reason that porcelain items are so widely used and ideal for painting activities is that porcelain itself is a strong and durable product due to having kaolin added during the manufacturing process.
What kind of paint do you use on porcelain?
You must use porcelain paint to get a good finish on porcelain or ceramic items. You can always mix two colours together such as yellow and blue to make your own shade of green.
Top Tip
Add a little white paint to your coloured paints as it will help to make the colours brighter.
Check out our Porcelain Painting supplies.
Do you need to bake porcelain paint ?
You may not need to bake the porcelain or ceramic item you are decorating but if you want the porcelain paint to be both permanently set and waterproof, you will need to bake it once you have finished decorating. The amount of time required for this will depend on the size of the item but generally you’ll need to heat the oven to approximately 160°C . As a guide a coffee mug will need about 90 minutes. There is no need to pre-heat the oven and always remember the paints will be hand wash safe but NOT dishwasher proof!
Can you use porcelain pens?
Porcelain paint pens are a really great idea as they offer the ability to add fine detail and effects to your work. Use on their own or alongside porcelain paints to create great designs. Likewise they will also need to be heat fixed at 160°C for a similar time and again will be hand wash safe only.
What is the best way to paint porcelain?
It is really easy to get started which makes this a great activity for all ages and abilities. Simply:
- • Apply your paint in a single layer
- • Leave to dry overnight
- • Add a second coat if you wish
- • Add extra detail with porcelain pens
- • Seal with acrylic varnish
If you hop over to the Creative Station section of the Baker Ross website, you’ll find lots of great porcelain painting ideas to make for yourself or even use a special gifts for family and friends. Have fun and don’t forget to send us some photos of your work.
Our Porcelain Painting Ideas are the perfect way for you to showcase your creativity. Our simple tutorials guide you through creating your own porcelain painting masterpiece. Step into the world of porcelain painting and express your artistic vision!
