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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

HOW TO PAINT CERAMICS



I've been looking for a garden stool (that didn't cost an arm and a leg) forever!  So, when my sis sent me a picture of this one that she came across at Ross, I jumped at it.  Although I think the blue is pretty, I didn't really like the brown glaze on it, and the color doesn't work in my house.  That didn't really matter to me, though, because I knew painting it would be a breeze!


Even though ceramics have a smooth, glossy finish, they are simple to paint successfully.  Here are a few tips that I think are key to getting a good result when painting ceramic items.

*Use a primer.  I don't always use primer on items I'm spray painting, but on something with a smooth glossy finish it's essential.  I used Rustoleum's spray primer for this project.


*Spray several very light coats.  I'm always tempted to paint with a heavy hand and only do one coat, but it's so much better to do several coats of almost a mist.


*After finishing priming, wipe your piece down lightly with very fine steel wool or sandpaper.  This will smooth out any grit that may have formed with the primer.  Usually, if you find the primer is gritty, it hasn't been shaken enough before you started spraying.  Wipe dust clean.


*Spray 3-4 light coats of color.  I used glossy paint hoping to achieve a finish that didn't LOOK like I had spray painted it!  Glossy paint is the most durable, and after the paint has cured should hold up well to normal usage.


That's it!  So, if you come across a great deal on a ceramic item, but the finish is not quite your taste, scoop it up anyway and paint it!


To see more about this little corner, go here.

I got a little happy with my can of glossy white with some more thrifted finds...







and my giant shell was a bit more yellow than I cared for, so it got a fresh coat as well.


How about you?  Have you tried painting smooth ceramic items and had good results?

Linking up with:
Titus 2 Tuesdays at Cornerstone Confessions
Thrifty Decor Chick

Would you like to comment?

  1. i love that stool! and i always prime ceramics, too- i love to use zinnser shellac based for it. ceramics might be one of the harder surfaces to work with!

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    1. Great tip on the Zinsser primer, Cassie. Thanks! I'll have to try that one.

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  2. The power of spraypaint is amazing! I've spraypainted so many things in my house white! Love your new stool :)

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  3. It looks so great, what a happy find! Love that you got trigger happy and painted a few other unsuspecting pieces as well :)

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  4. Fun find! What on earth would we do without spray paint ~ can't even imagine! :) Love your fresh 'new' accessories!

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  5. I love the power of paint! Looks great Jennifer!

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  6. I am going to have to do this! Thanks for the tip!

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  7. Paint!! It makes lots of things possible. Luv the newly painted stool.
    Cheers, Gee

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  8. I love it, and such a useful tip, I have a very heavy hand when spray painting, I guess I just don't have that much patience ;). Love all of your other pieces too, especially your giant shell, I have been eyeing one for a few months now, but have yet to get the courage and hit buy.

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  9. I have spray painted so many things in my house white that I can't even count them anymore.
    Love the stool in white.

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  10. Looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing the tips ~ I would not have known. Now I will rethink any ceramic finds. :) The shell is gorgeous!

    xo
    Pat

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  11. I want to repaint the inside of a glazed pot and I think it would be difficult to spray. Have you ever used a brush to paint on a primer? If so, what primer would work best?

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    1. I've used a brush when priming walls, but I don't think I have on any objects. Will something be planted in your pot? If there will be water in it I would think you would need a heavy duty oil-based primer. I don't have one to recommend but I'm sure the people at Lowes or Home Depot could help you out.

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  12. do you have to sand before primer or painting?

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