Most people think ceramic painting must be very hard to do, but there are no secrets and in fact it's very easy. The ceramic paints I use are the same as the ones available here on my website, the Porcelaine 150 range from Pebeo.
 | They are fixed by baking in an ordinary domestic oven, you do not need a kiln. | ||||||||
| They are all water based. | ||||||||
| They have excellent resistance to dishwashing. | ||||||||
| They can be used on any of the following things:
|
There are just 3 steps to follow:
Step 1
Prepare the item you are going to paint by cleaning the surface thoroughly with soapy water, or better still alcohol, to remove any grease and to make sure the paint sticks. If you want you can mark out a pattern with a soft pencil, which you can paint over or wipe off once the paint is dry.
Step 2
Apply the paint with a brush, a synthetic brush will do, vary the type of brush to get different effects. Alternatively you can use a sponge, natural or synthetic, to sponge the paint on for a stippled effect. If you don't like to draw why not try using a stencil or a stamp.
The paints can be mixed together to make other shades, but do not dilute with water as the paint will not adhere as well. If you want to make more pastel shades then mix the paint with the gloss medium. Beware a little goes a long way, so don't mix too much or you'll find you are wasting paint.
Remember if you don't like what you have done you can wash it off at this stage with plain water. Small mistakes can be removed with a damp cotton wool bud or piece of kitchen roll, if dried on and stubborn to remove try a little alcohol, or nail varnish remover.
You will find that the paints are touch dry after about 10 minutes, but should be allowed to dry completely for 24 hours before going on to step 3.
Step 3
To fix the paint to the surface and to make it permanent the finished article must be baked in the oven. Do not worry your china, or even glass, is not going to crack. Bake as follows:
| Place the article in the cold oven, on a baking sheet if it makes it easier, as with egg cups or smaller items. |
| Set the oven to 150°C (300°F) or gas mark 2. |
| When the temperature is reached time for 35 minutes. |
| When the time is up turn off the oven and open the door and allow to cool down before removing your finished article. |
If you are in any doubt about the accuracy of the temperature dial on your oven, double check it using an oven thermometer.
If you have any difficulties you'll probably find the solution to your problem in my 'Frequently Asked Question' (FAQ) section, so click on the button below.
