Simply put, ceramics are crystalline solids formed by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Ceramics, as objects of art, were used from, as early as, the Paleolithic era. The origin of ceramics is credited mainly to Asia, with the earliest work of pottery work being found in China. Ceramics found wide usage throughout the world, because of its beauty and durability. Ancient ceramic vases are the most priced and sought after. Other than art, ceramics has huge usages like tiles, utensils, semiconductors, electrical appliances, etc. In households, ceramic products like vases and tiles can be made very attractive by painting on them. In this way, a simple ceramic tile or vase can be converted into a work of art. Easy and enjoyable, it is also a very constructive hobby. Read the article below to know more on how you can paint on ceramics.
Ceramic Painting Tips
Prepare The Ceramics
The ceramics must be extremely clean. Remove the seam lines on the ceramics that are formed due to the mould. Use a scraping tool to gently scrape the lines. Erase the lines completely. Now use a sponge, and after dipping it in water, wipe the ceramic tile or pottery. Ceramics are quite delicate so handle with care. If the ceramic surfaces are not cleaned properly then the paint won’t stick to it. Since, ceramic surfaces are glazed, it is very difficult to get the paint on them. Treat the shiny surface with a mild abrasive, which not only removes the dirt and grease but also makes the surface a little rough. You can also use the sandpaper as an extra measure. This also removes the dirt and roughens up the surface without leaving any marks. Then thoroughly remove the dust using a wet sponge. Let it dry completely.
Drawing
Draw the outline of the image you are going to paint. If drawing is not your forte then you can trace the image on the ceramic. Place a carbon paper onto the ceramic surface and on top of it place the image. Now using a fine pencil trace the image onto the carbon paper and this in turn will form an outline on the ceramic surface. Drawing the outline is not required for people with a good hand at painting. This is also not necessary if you only want to paint the surface without any images.
Priming
Use a high adhesion primer as a base, on which the paint should be applied. Ensure high quality, otherwise, the paint will peel off in a short duration. The primer is very good in forming a bond between the paint and the ceramic surface. If you are using an oil-based paint, then the primer should also be oil based. Taking a roller, apply the primer on the flat surface, and use a brush for the sides. Paint the primer evenly, and set it for drying. Once dry apply a second coat of primer, and again leave it for drying. If you see, any small burrs on the surface, then using sandpaper slightly brush it, taking care not to leave any scratch marks on the primer.
Painting
Use paints of the best quality. It is better to use acrylic ceramic paints, for painting ceramic surfaces. Also, buy a wide range of brush sizes. Keep a number of rags handy to wipe the paint drippings and missed brush strokes. Paint the design and leave it for drying. While drying take care that no dust or other debris falls on it. If you are not painting any design, but only giving it a simple paint, then it is better to give three coats of paint. Always wait for the paint to dry in between coats.
Glazing
Unless the paint is glazed, it will appear dull. After the paint has dried thoroughly, apply acrylic gloss over the entire object. Gloss not only adds shine to the painting, but it also protects the paint. It is better to apply three coats of gloss for better effect. Leave for drying.
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