What Paint Should You Use On Pots?

When choosing paint for pottery, there are several key factors to consider including the porosity of the pottery, the intended use for the piece, the type of paint and finish, color options, needed supplies, proper surface prep, application tips, and sealing the paint. It’s important to evaluate all of these elements to select the right paint for your specific project and needs. The goal is to achieve a durable, quality paint job that brings your pottery vision to life.

This guide will provide an overview of the most important considerations when selecting paint for ceramic pots. It will explore recommended paint types, finishes, colors, tools, and techniques to ensure your painted pottery withstands use while maintaining its beauty. With the right information and preparation, you can confidently choose the ideal paint to make your pottery pop.

Porosity of the Pottery

The porosity of the pottery surface is a key factor in determining what type of paint to use. Bisque fired clay is very porous and it is optimal if the paint soaks into the pores of the bisque fired clay for best adhesion (https://justpaint.org/painting-on-ceramics-with-acrylics/). The porosity of ceramic coatings directly impacts the efficiency of thermal insulation (https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/9/10/601).

Porous, unglazed terracotta and bisqueware absorb paint, allowing it to dry quickly and adhere well. Nonporous surfaces like glazed ceramics and glass have a slippery surface that paint struggles to grip. Using the right primer or preparation techniques can help paint adhere to nonporous materials.

Acrylic, oil, and enamel paints work on porous clay as they soak into the surface. Special ceramic and porcelain paints are better choices for nonporous glazed ceramics as they are formulated to bond to the slippery surfaces. Understanding the porosity will ensure you choose a paint that adheres properly.

Intended Use

One of the most important factors in choosing paint for pots is whether they will be used to hold food or drink. If pots are intended to be functional and hold consumables like food, water, coffee, tea etc., it’s crucial to use a food-safe paint. Food-safe paints are non-toxic and formulated to avoid leeching chemicals or heavy metals into food when the pottery is used.

Standard ceramic paints may contain chemicals like lead, cadmium, or solvents that can be harmful if ingested. Using a non-food-safe paint on dinnerware or mugs creates a health risk. On the other hand, if pots are purely decorative and not used for food, standard ceramic paints are fine to use.

When shopping for paint, check that it’s specifically marketed as food-safe, non-toxic, or FDA-approved for use with food surfaces. Reputable brands will always indicate food-safe options. It’s also wise to avoid antique or vintage ceramic ware, as old paints often contain lead.

Types of Paint for Ceramic Pots

There are several types of paint that can be used on ceramic pots, each with their own pros and cons.

Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is one of the most popular choices for painting ceramic and clay. Acrylics are water-based, so they adhere well to porous clay surfaces. They dry quickly and are easy to clean up with water. Acrylics come in a wide range of vibrant colors. The downside is that acrylics can chip or scratch off over time, so they may not hold up as well on frequently used items. Acrylic paints work best on bare terra cotta or unfinished pottery. https://www.mommy-labs.com/paint-for-ceramic-pots/

Oil-Based Enamel Paint: Enamel paint provides a glossy, durable finish that adheres very well to glazed ceramics. The hard shell resists chipping and scratching. Enamel paints contain strong solvents, so they require proper ventilation during application. Clean up requires paint thinner. Enamel works great for indoor ceramics that won’t encounter heavy use or washing. https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/art/pottery/best-ceramic-paint

Spray Paint: Spray paint offers fast, easy application of color onto ceramic surfaces. The wide range of spray paint formulas (acrylic, enamel, epoxy) allows matching the paint to the pot’s glaze and use. Spray paint adheres well to smooth glazed ceramics. It can easily create drips on porous clay. Proper spraying technique is required to get full coverage without runs. Spray paints contain harmful propellants, so ventilation is a must.

Paint Finish

When choosing a paint finish for ceramic pots, there are a few options to consider: glossy, satin, and matte.

A glossy paint finish will give the pot a shiny, reflective look. Glossy paint is the most durable and stain-resistant option. It highlights the natural contours and shapes of pottery. However, glossy paint may show flaws and imperfections in the clay surface. This type of finish is ideal for both decorative and functional pots that will hold up to frequent handling and cleaning.

A satin paint finish has a soft sheen that is smooth but not completely shiny. Satin provides a compromise between the durability and stain resistance of gloss and the ability to hide flaws of a matte finish. Satin paint has enough luster to accentuate the form of a ceramic pot. It resists stains and abrasions better than flat paint. Satin paint finish is a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor pots.

Matte or flat paint finish does not reflect any light. It has more of a chalky look that masks irregularities in the pottery surface well. Matte paint is more breathable and flexible than glossy paint. It adheres well to porous clay bodies. The downside is that matte paint scuffs more easily and requires more careful handling. Matte paint finishes work best for minimally used decorative pots.

When researching paint options, look for finishes specifically formulated for ceramics and pottery. The paint needs to flex with the slight expansion and contraction of clay as it heats up and cools down. For frequently used pots, consider finishes rated for dishwasher and microwave safety.

Color Options

When choosing colors for painting pottery, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Earthy, neutral tones like browns, tans, grays and greens tend to complement pottery beautifully and give a natural, rustic look. Bolder primary colors like red, blue, yellow or bright pastels can create a fun, playful vibe. Metallic paints like gold, silver or copper lend an elegant touch. If planning intricate designs, limit the color palette to 2-3 colors that complement each other. Testing paint swatches on a pottery sample first can help visualize how colors will look.

According to https://www.classpop.com/magazine/painting-ceramics, color choice also depends on whether the pottery is glazed or not. On unglazed pieces, lighter colors show up better than darker hues which can appear muddy. For glazed items, darker colors tend to show well. Consider the purpose of the pottery too – everyday diningware may suit subdued tones while decorative vases can handle bold colors. Ultimately, choose colors you find pleasing and that enhance the natural look of the clay.

Needed Supplies

Before beginning to paint terra cotta pots, you’ll need to gather the proper supplies. Here are the main items you’ll need:

Brushes – Small foam brushes work best for painting terra cotta pots. Choose a variety of sizes for versatility. Acrylic paint brushes can also be used.

Paint – Acrylic craft paint is recommended for painting terra cotta. Make sure to choose exterior-rated acrylic paint if the pots will be used outdoors. Latex paint can also be used. Choose gloss, semi-gloss or matte finish paint based on your preference.

Sealant – A water-based acrylic sealant should be used to seal the painted pots. This helps protect the paint from damage. An outdoor rated sealant is best for pots used outside.https://www.finegardening.com/article/painting-clay-pots

Plastic plates or palettes – Use these for squeezing out and mixing paint colors.

Cotton swabs – Helpful for fixing small mistakes.

Drop cloth – Protects work surface from messes.

Paper towels – For cleaning up spills and messes.

Rags – For wiping off excess paint.

Surface Prep

Properly preparing the ceramic surface before painting is crucial for the paint to adhere correctly. The first step is to thoroughly clean the ceramic piece with soap and water to remove any dirt, dust, oils, or other residues. Use a clean sponge or rag to wash every surface.

Once cleaned, the surface needs to be roughened up a bit for the paint to grip. Lightly sand the ceramic using fine grit sandpaper, being careful not to sand too aggressively. The goal is to rough up the glazed surface, not remove the glaze. Sand just enough so the paint has something to adhere to. Wipe away any sanding dust with a dry cloth. The ceramic is now ready to be painted (source).

Application Tips

When painting ceramic pots, it is important to apply the paint smoothly and evenly for the best results. Here are some tips for proper paint application:

First, make sure to stir the paint well before and during use. This will prevent uneven consistency as you paint. Dip the brush into the paint and then wipe or dab most of the paint off on the rim of the can. You want the brush to be damp but not dripping. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes and avoid overbrushing any areas.

Work in small sections, painting just a portion of the pot at a time. Apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry before adding additional coats. Two to three thin coats tend to look better than one thick coat. If adding decorative details, use a small brush and take your time. Steady hands will allow you to paint straight lines and crisp edges.

Maintain a wet edge by brushing back into areas you just painted. Work from the top down and finish sections fully before moving to new areas. This will prevent lap marks or unevenness. If you do end up with unevenness, you can gently sand and reapply paint to problem spots.

Use spray paint for full pot coverage or acrylic paint for decorative details. Both require some finesse to apply smoothly. Follow the can directions for proper spray paint technique. With acrylics, adding a very small amount of water can improve consistency for brushing. Let the paint dry fully between coats for best durability.

By prepping your surface, using quality products, and following these application tips, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking painted finishes on your ceramic pots.

Sealing the Paint

Sealing painted ceramics is an important final step to help protect and preserve your decoration. Without a sealant, the paint is vulnerable to damage from moisture, scrubbing, oils from hands, and general wear and tear over time. Sealing helps create a protective barrier that waterproofs the paint and makes it more scratch and chip resistant.

According to a discussion on Reddit, UV resistant spray sealants designed for artwork can work well for sealing painted ceramics and ornaments: “I use a UV protect Krylon matte spray on most paintings, they make a gloss spray too. I haven’t used it for ceramic but it might work.”

Other options include tung oil or Thompson’s Water Seal which are designed to protect wood and concrete. Consult manufacturer guidelines to ensure the sealant is safe for use on ceramics and painted surfaces.