When it comes to painting ceramic, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to do it and the best paint to use. If you enjoy making your own pottery and you want to paint it, you want to be sure that you use the right kind of paint so that it will adhere and look nice when you are finished.
So, can you use acrylic paint on ceramic? Yes, you definitely can! Acrylic paint is water-based, which gives it the ability to dry quickly while being able to stick to just about any surface. If you are painting ceramic that has not been glazed yet, the best paint to use would be acrylic.
However, if you are dealing with ceramic that has already been glazed, you might notice some issues with the paint adhering to the surface.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Mugs?
If you want to paint a ceramic mug with acrylic paint, you should try your best to find one that hasn’t been glazed. This will make it easier for the paint to stick to the surface of the mug and you will get a much better ending result.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
To paint a ceramic mug, the first thing you need to do is find the perfect workspace. Acrylic paint is non-toxic and odorless, but it is still a good idea to work in an area with plenty of fresh air. Acrylic is permanent, so it will stain easily. You will want to protect the workspace with several layers of newspaper to prevent stains.
Next, you will need to get your paints ready. It is highly recommended to pour the paint you want to use out onto a palette. This will reduce the risk of paint spilling and potentially causing a stain. Pouring your paints onto a palette also makes it easier to mix paints if you want.
For the best results, you will want to draw your design on the mug in pencil first. This will give you a much easier time and it will allow you to see what you are going for. If you make any mistakes when you draw with pencil, you can erase it but you can’t erase acrylic.
When you are painting, use thin layers. You can add more layers if necessary, but you can’t take layers off. The thin layers will give you more control over your design and it will help prevent cracks and chips. After you have completed your painting, let the mug sit for at least 12 hours before sealing it.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on a Ceramic Mug
To seal acrylic paint on a ceramic mug, you will want to use a sealant that is compatible with acrylic paint. Sealing with the proper sealant will increase the longevity of your design and can make the colors look more saturated.
I always use Krylon Sprays to seal all my acrylic paint projects. Sealing your paint protects it from chipping and flaking off. If you plan on placing you painted ceramic in the dishwasher, I would recommend using Mod Podge to seal it. This sealant is waterproof and can handle water pressure.
To learn more about placing acrylic paint in the dishwasher, check out this article. It’s a must read if you plan on putting your painted ceramics in the dishwasher.
Sealants are usually a mixture of solvents and resins that work to form a protective layer on top of acrylic paint. Some sealants come in a spray bottle while others will need to be applied with a paintbrush. The application process will depend on which you buy.
When using a spray sealant, the very first thing you need to do is shake the bottle vigorously before you start applying. This will ensure that everything is mixed together well to work properly. Make sure you spray evenly, in thin layers, across the surface of the mug.
When you are applying, you will need to check the nozzle to make sure the product isn’t building up and blocking the spray. Keep a rag handy so you can easily wipe the spray nozzle every once in a while. This will make for a much better application.
If you choose to go with a sealant that you need to apply with a paintbrush, you need to make sure the paintbrush is clean and free of all debris. Use even, long strokes along the surface of the mug. Apply thin layers and try your best to avoid any visible brush marks on the mug. This Sargent Art Varnish is one of my top picks for brush-on sealants.
Can You Paint Plates with Acrylic Paint?
Absolutely! You can definitely paint ceramic plates with acrylics. There are ovenproof ceramic plates that are perfect for this type of craft. The ovenproof plates come in white, making a great blank canvas for any design that you might have in mind. You can buy these types of plates at your local craft store.
New Hampshire Craftworks has a huge selection of unfinished ceramics, from plates to mugs and even home decor. I have personally purchased this Sunflower Plate, and it came out amazing.
To get started on painting your ceramic plate, first, you will need to remove any stickers that might be on the plate. After the stickers are off, dust the plate off to remove any possible dust or debris from when the plate was on the shelf at the store.
Next, you will want to wipe down the plates with rubbing alcohol. To do this, take a paper towel or lint-free cloth and dip it quickly into the rubbing alcohol. Wipe the alcohol across the plates. Let the plates dry for at least two hours before you start painting to avoid damaging your design.
Before you start painting, you will want to practice your design on paper. The more comfortable you feel with your design, the better it will turn out. You can also use stencils to write words or phrases on your plate for a neater look.
After you have finished your painting, let the paint sit for 12 hours before sealing. Letting the paint dry will protect your design from getting ruined before sealing.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Plates
Sealing acrylic paint on a ceramic plates is the same as sealing a ceramic mug. You will need a water-based polyurethane sealant. Mod Podge Sealant is recommend for plates, especially if you plan on putting them in the dishwasher later on.
Can You Paint Over Glazed Ceramics?
Glazed ceramics have a very smooth surface that can make it difficult to get paint to stick to. Acrylic paint is not the best option for glazed ceramics, but there is an option. For the best results painting on glazed ceramic, you will need Krylon Fusion. This is a spray paint that sticks to slick surfaces with ease.
To paint glazed ceramic, you will first want to lightly sand the surface with 100 grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take all of the glaze off, and you also don’t want to leave any scratch marks. With the fine 100 grit sandpaper, the goal is to not trying to remove the glaze, just rough it up a little bit.
After you have finished that, clean the surface very well. Make sure there is no trace of dust, dirt, or any other debris on the surface. Next, you will prepare to paint by taping off areas that you don’t want to be painted. I use Painter’s Tape because it is gentle and easy to remove.
Place the ceramic on a piece of flattened cardboard outside. Since you are going to be spray painting, it is important to do this outside because the fumes are dangerous. Using the cardboard will also help you turn the ceramic as you paint to get all of the sides.
To get started with the paint, shake the can for a minimum of one minute. Start spraying about eight inches from the surface of the ceramic using sweeping motions for thin layers. Wait about three minutes between layers to make sure the paint is dry.
You can also use regular acrylic paint after the Krylon Fusion has dried. Start by applying a small amount of paint to ensure it will stick to the surface. If it does, proceed to painting your ceramic mug or plate.
After you are finished and the ceramic is painted, move the piece on the cardboard inside. The best place to dry would be in the garage, but if you don’t have one put it in a room that has plenty of ventilation. It will take between 8 and 24 hours for the paint to completely dry.
As with any project, you will want to seal it with either Krylon Sprays, or Mod Podge if you plan on getting the item wet.
How Do You Bake Acrylic Paint on Ceramic?
Baking ceramic with acrylic paint is another way to seal the paint. The process is very easy and doesn’t take long at all. First, place the ceramic in the cold oven. The ceramic will need to warm up with the oven to prevent breaking, so it is important that you do not preheat the oven.
After you place the ceramic in the oven and close the door, set the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allowing the ceramic to warm up at the same time as the oven not only protects the ceramic, but it also cures the acrylic.
Leave the oven on for about 40 minutes after it reaches the right temperature. When the 40 minutes are up, turn the oven off but do not take the ceramic out yet.
The ceramic item will need to cool down slowly, which it has the ability to do inside the oven. The total cooling time will depend on your oven, but you should wait a minimum of two hours before checking the temperature of the ceramic.
Once the ceramic has completely cooled, you can take it out of the oven. Let the ceramic rest for at least three days before washing or using it.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Pots?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint on ceramic pots. You can paint a glazed ceramic pot just like stated above. Clean the pot, sand it a little bit, and use spray paint, or regular acrylic paint.
I use Arteza Acrylic Paints for all my projects, mostly because of the variety of colors and the amazing artists grade quality. Ceramic pots that are not glazed are the best candidate for acrylic paint.
Check out these Unglazed Terracotta Pots. They are great for painting and decorating your flowers and plants.
To paint a ceramic pot that has not been glazed, clean the pot by brushing it off or using a blow dryer to get rid of any dirt or dust. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
Spray the inside of the pot with a waterproof sealant to prevent moisture from leaking through the pot. This will protect the outside design.
Apply a primer to the ceramic pot and let it dry completely before painting with the acrylic paint on the pot. Paint with thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before moving onto the next. Let dry for 24 hours before sealing.
For my primer, I always use Liquitex Gesso Primer. This makes sure your acrylic paint adheres to the surface, as well as gives you a clean white background to work on.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles that are hand-painted make a great statement and add creativity to a space. Custom tiles can be incredibly expensive, but there is a way you can create the custom tiles yourself. First, wash the tiles with a degreasing soap to remove dust and oils then dry with a lint-free cloth.
If you are looking for unfinished ceramic tiles, I recommend this 12 piece set. They’re amazing quality, and made here in the U.S.A.
Pour your acrylic paints out on a palette or in a bowl for easy access. Try not to pour too much out at once because the paint dries quickly. Paint the tiles however you like. Make sure you use thin layers and allow each layer to dry before moving onto the next.
You will need to put the tiles on a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven. The directions for the temperature and baking time will be printed on the labels of the paint.
The standard is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After the baking is complete, turn the oven off but leave the tiles in so they cool down safely. Just follow the same steps that I mentioned above, and your project will turn out great.
Final Thoughts
Painting ceramic is a great way to show your creativity and can even make a great gift. This is a really fun thing to do whether you like to make your own pottery or buy unglazed ceramic from the store. When painting with acrylic paint, you should paint on ceramic that has not been glazed yet for better results.
You can use acrylic paint on mugs, plates, pots, even tile. No matter what you are painting on, it is important to seal the paint to protect your design and keep the paint from cracking or peeling. You can seal the paint by baking or with a sealant. Just make sure to follow my recommend tips and products, and your ceramic project should come out amazing.
Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!