Permanent ceramic paint generally falls into two categories: heat-cured paints (for decorative, non-food-contact items like mugs or vases) and commercial ceramic coatings (for vehicles and home hardware).
For ceramics, the best paint to use depends on your project. Choose specialized enamel or acrylic glass paints (e.g., Pebeo Porcelaine or FolkArt Enamel) for decorative dishware, multi-surface acrylics for general crafts, or epoxy/oil-based paints for pieces exposed to the weather.
Can You Wash Acrylic Painted Ceramics in the Dishwasher? Short answer: Not recommended. Acrylic-painted pottery that hasn't been kiln-glazed is not dishwasher safe. Water, heat and detergent will weaken the paint, cause it to peel or fade, and may even damage the bisque surface over time.
To make paint permanent on ceramic, you can either bake oven-safe ceramic paint or seal regular acrylic paint. For functional dishware, specialized enamels cured in an oven are best. For decorative pieces, air-drying acrylics work if properly sealed.
Non-Fired Colors
Bisq-Stain® Acrylic, Softees® Acrylics, Pearls, Snow, Ultra Metallics, and Magic Metallics™ have creamy, vibrant colors with exceptional coverage. Can be intermixed to create an almost endless array of color tones, tints and shades.
Painting ceramics without a kiln is an accessible and enjoyable hobby that anyone can do at home. By using acrylic paints and sealants, you can create stunning, durable pieces without the need for a second firing.
For painting unglazed ceramic, acrylic paint is the easiest and most popular choice. Because unglazed ceramic (bisqueware) is highly absorbent—similar to watercolor paper—the paint adheres well. For specialized needs, you can also use ceramic or porcelain enamels or spray paint.
Yes, you can absolutely paint pottery without a kiln. To achieve durable, colorful results without traditional high-temperature firing, use specialty acrylic paints or baked-on enamel paints and seal the finished piece with a waterproof varnish.
To distinguish between ceramic and porcelain, try shining a flashlight through the piece. Porcelain is typically thinner and more translucent, allowing light to pass through. Ceramic, on the other hand, is thicker and won't let light through. This simple test can help you determine the difference.
Yes, you can absolutely use acrylic paint on ceramics! However, because acrylic isn't a traditional ceramic glaze, it is strictly for decorative use. Painted pieces should not be used for food, drinks, or placed in the dishwasher or microwave.
🪄 How to Seal Indoor Painted Ceramics:
Ceramic paint and acrylic paint have completely different compositions and durability. Ceramic paint is a high-temperature, permanent glaze that fuses to the clay in a kiln. Acrylic paint is a water-based craft paint that sits on top of the surface, meaning it cannot be fired and is best for decorative objects.
To seal acrylic paint on ceramic, first ensure the paint has fully cured (24 hours). Then, apply a clear protective sealant—such as water-based polyurethane, clear gloss spray, or brush-on. Apply 2–3 thin coats, allowing each to dry for about an hour. This adds a beautiful finish and keeps the paint from chipping.
There's a number of different types of paint that can be used on ceramics. The main type is acrylic, which works best for unglazed pottery. Acrylic paint works well because it's bright, non-toxic and fast-drying, making it easy to use.
The type of paint needed to paint ceramic depends on the finish of what you're painting. If your items is glazed (like a mug), you'll need Porcelain paint. If you'd like to use this technique on mugs or plates, be sure to use a food safe paint (Porecelaine 150 will work).
Instructions
Yes, porcelain is generally more expensive than ceramic. Porcelain costs more both upfront to purchase and for labor to install due to its increased density, durability, and more intensive manufacturing process.
Because pottery is made from clay, it tends to have a coarser finish. The texture is rougher around the surface whereas ceramics tend to have a smoother build thanks to the variety in materials. Furthermore, ceramics can also be made for engineering purposes, so it's more durable and can withstand drops or falls.
Porcelain is also referred to as "china" or fine china in some English-speaking countries, as it was first seen in imports from China during the 17th century.
The major downside of a kitchen oven is that it does not reach the temperatures required for glazing. The low temperatures can also mean that only certain types of clay (such as salt dough) will work when fired in a domestic oven, and even then the finished product may be brittle.
Whether you need to fire ceramics after painting depends entirely on the type of paint and the specific look you are going for.
For painting on plates, use acrylic enamel glass paints (like FolkArt Enamel or Pebeo Porcelaine 150) for baked-on, top-rack dishwasher-safe results. If you plan to eat off the plates, avoid the painted surface by painting only the undersides, or use food-safe overglaze and fire in a kiln.
Painting unglazed ceramic (bisque) is highly forgiving because its porous surface grabs onto paint like watercolor paper. Acrylic paint is the easiest and most common choice for decorative pieces. You can also use traditional underglazes if you plan to fire the piece in a kiln.
Acrylic paints work well for decorative pieces. For more permanent, dishwasher-safe finishes, use specialty ceramic paints that can be fired or baked.
Rust-Oleum Surface Primer Spray Paint is a quick-drying primer, designed to provide a tight bond for spray painting on bare or painted wood, metal, ceramics and more. Apply to wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic for a lasting, professional finish.