There are times when you may want to paint on ceramic. This could be for crafting purposes or to change the look of a shower or other tiled area of the home. What paint is best for this use?
Acrylic paint is the best option for painting ceramic tiles or other ceramic pieces. It sticks well to the ceramic but if you coat the area with some primer first, it would adhere much better. It is also a good idea to lightly sand the surface if you are painting glazed ceramic with acrylic paint.
As you may know, there are a number of different options available that can be used for painting ceramics properly. Some of them will simply dry on the surface and others will need to be baked on.
If you are painting ceramic with acrylic paint, don’t put it in the oven to bake it on. It will either melt or burn if you do so. Time will be needed to allow the acrylic paint to dry properly but it will dry to a good finish.
What Paint Can You Use On Ceramic? (How To)
The type of paint that is typically used for ceramic can be broken down into three different categories. They then can be used, depending upon which type of work you are doing.
Acrylic Paint – This type of paint can simply be brushed on the surface or applied with a sponge. You can also use spray acrylic for an even coat.
Ceramic Paint Pens – For those who do crafting, you can cover some of the finer details with these paint pens. They will dry to a finish over time and do not need to be baked in the oven.
Bake on Paint – This type of paint requires the extra step of baking after you are finished. It will look similar to acrylic paint but it has the benefit of being long-lasting.
An important thing to keep in mind is the type of item you are painting. If you are painting anything that is going to be eaten off of or if it is for drinking, then you should make sure that any paint you use is food grade.
Of course, if a ceramic cup is being painted further down away from where it will touch the mouth, you don’t need to be as concerned about food-grade paint. Then again, it’s always a good idea to choose food-grade paint if you are painting something that will be used for that purpose.
As you will see, it is also important to prep the surface properly. This would include cleaning the ceramic as well as scuffing the surface if you are painting over glazed ceramic.
Not all surfaces will need to be glazed and in some cases, you can use liquid sandpaper for smaller areas. If you are only doing some small crafting on a little piece of ceramic, then it is not always necessary to scuff the surface in advance.
If you do have to scuff the surface, make sure you use wet sanding to avoid any dust. You’ll have to use dry sandpaper for greenware, so wear a mask when sanding it.
Can You Use Spray Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Spray paint can be used to create an even coat on ceramic tile or other ceramic pieces. It is best to prime the surface in advance or lightly scuff the surface with some sandpaper. Apply the spray paint in several even coats for the best finish.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Acrylic paint is the best choice for painting ceramics. It can be used on any type of ceramic piece but in some cases, you may need to scuff the surface or use a primer ahead of time. Do not bake the acrylic but allow it to air dry.
Can You Use Oil Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Oil paint is an excellent choice for painting ceramic. Since it dries to a hard finish, it can be used in high-traffic areas or pieces that are used frequently. Oil paint will also hold up to moisture, so it can be used in a high-moisture area of the home.
Can You Use Enamel Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Enamel paint is commonly used on ceramic. It comes in many different forms, including paint markers, liquid paint, and even spray paint. Unless you are able to purchase enamel paint that is food safe, it should not be used on plates or anything that is used for serving food.
Can You Use Epoxy Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Epoxy is not the right type of paint for painting on ceramic. Regardless of the preparation, it will likely not adhere to the ceramic properly. It is better to use acrylic paint that is specific to that purpose.
Can You Use Rustoleum To Paint Ceramic?
Rustoleum can be used for painting ceramic surfaces. Choosing the right type of paint in the line of Rustoleum products will provide a smooth, even finish that will look great right after you are done. It is best to spray the paint on using several light coats rather than one thick coat.
Can You Use Latex Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Latex will work well on ceramic if you prepare the ceramic in advance. This would include scuffing the surface with sandpaper or using liquid sandpaper to de-gloss the surface. Afterward, you can apply a few light coats of latex paint to the ceramic and allow it to dry naturally.
Can You Use Watercolor Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Watercolor paint can be used on clay that has not been glazed. It is an excellent choice for recently fired ceramic pieces that come out of the kiln, as it will soak into the clay easily. If you are trying to paint glazed ceramic pieces with watercolor paint, you should first scuff the surface with sandpaper and apply a primer.
Can You Use Emulsion Paint To Paint Ceramic?
Emulsion paint will stick to ceramic but it is not the best choice for painting ceramic pieces or titles. It tends to come off quickly if it is not handled properly.
Can You Use Fabric Paint To Paint Ceramic?
If you choose the proper fabric paint that is made for painting on ceramic surfaces, it will do quite well. It adheres to the surface nicely. You can prepare the surface in advance by scuffing it with sandpaper but even if it is glossy, fabric paint will stick.
How To Paint Ceramic Properly
There are a number of different factors to consider when painting on ceramic. Here’s how to do it the right way.
For Painting Ceramic Surfaces (Ceramic Tiles)
Step 1: Paint Choice – You can choose a number of different types of paint, but acrylic paint is probably the best choice. Choose the paint that is going to work well in the area where the tile exists.
Step 2: Prepare – It is important to prepare the ceramic surface before you begin painting. This would include cleaning it with soap and water and rinsing it before the paint is applied.
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In some cases, you may need to remove the glossy coating of the ceramic by sanding the surface. This can be done with steel wool or with some fine sandpaper. Since there may be some harmful dust created during the sanding process, it’s best to use wet sanding if possible.
Step 3: Prime – Choose a primer that is specific to the type of paint you will be using. Apply the primer in one or two coats. This will have the benefit of offering a surface where the paint will stick more readily. Make sure that the primer is dried fully before you paint.
Step 4: Paint – Apply the paint with a brush or roller. If you are using spray paint, that can be done at this time as well. Brushes and rollers tend to leave patterns in the paint, so you may find that spray painting is the best choice possible.
Step 5: Sand – Lightly sand the first coat of paint once it is fully dry. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 220, and go over it lightly. Be careful that you don’t fully remove the paint during this process. Your goal is to remove the texture.
Step 6: Paint – Add another coat of paint to the surface. Two coats of paint will typically suffice but if necessary, repeat the steps to add a third coat of paint.
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Step 7: Finish – Use clear urethane or another type of finish to add a glossy coat. It will make the paint look fantastic and it has the added benefit of protecting the paint for the long term.
For Spray Painting Ceramic Surfaces
Step 1: Prime – Use a primer that is for ceramic and is specific to the type of paint you are using. Add one or two coats of primer, allowing it to dry between coats.
Step 2: Paint – During this step of the process, you will paint several thin coats of paint, allowing it to dry between each coat. The goal is to completely cover the ceramic and to do so evenly without any excessive paint buildup.
Step 3: Dry – The final step of the process is to allow the paint to dry. Check the instructions on the paint can to see how long it will take.
Acrylic paint is the best choice for painting on ceramic. It is versatile, easy to use, and dries quickly. You may need to wet sand the surface lightly to scuff it up prior to painting it with acrylic paint. Acrylic spray paint is also good for ceramic.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 8, 2022.