The best paint to use depends on the surface of your ceramic and its intended use. For unglazed, porous clay, use high-quality acrylic craft paints. For glossy, glazed ceramics or glass, use multi-surface or enamel acrylic paints, which are specially formulated to adhere to slick surfaces without chipping.
Acrylic Paints: Acrylic paints are a popular choice for painting bisque ceramics due to their versatility, quick drying time, and ease of use. These water-based paints adhere well to the porous surface of ceramics, creating a durable finish that resists cracking and fading.
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.
Yes, acrylic paint will stay on ceramic, but it requires proper preparation and sealing to prevent peeling or scratching, especially on glazed surfaces. It acts as a "cold finish" (no kiln needed) and is best suited for decorative items like vases, planters, or decorative tiles rather than frequently used, functional dinnerware.
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.
Applying primer: Once the ceramic surface is clean, you need to apply a primer. Primer is a thin, clear liquid that helps to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. Primer also helps to prevent the paint from absorbing into the ceramic, which can result in a blotchy or uneven finish.
To make sure your paint sticks to your ceramics for longer, it's best to reach for ceramic paint. You can still use acrylic paint for brighter colours, but ceramic paint will stay on for longer, thanks to the additive inside which will harden as it sets.
For ceramics, the best acrylic paints are multi-surface or enamel formulas. These are designed to adhere to slick, non-porous surfaces without peeling. Top choices include FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic and DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface.
For beginners, the easiest, most successful designs to paint on pottery rely on simple, graphic shapes rather than realistic drawings. Excellent starting designs include:
To ensure paint stays on ceramic mugs permanently, you need to use acrylic enamel paint or porcelain/ceramic paint. Standard craft acrylics will easily wash off or scratch. For lasting, durable results, these specialized paints require curing in an oven or air-drying.
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).
To seal paint (like acrylics) on ceramic, ensure the paint has completely dried (24–48 hours). Spray the piece evenly with a clear acrylic sealer or a water-based polyurethane varnish. Apply 2 to 3 thin coats, allowing the piece to dry completely between each layer for a durable finish.
To make acrylic paint permanent on a mug, let your design dry completely for 24 hours, then bake the mug in a cold oven at 350∘F for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely inside the oven. Finish by sealing the exterior with a food-safe, water-based polyurethane.
Bisque firing builds structure and strength. These are the best type of ceramics to be used if you would like to apply paint. Bisque fired clay is very porous and it is optimal if the paint soaks into the pores of the bisque fired clay for best adhesion.
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.
Specialized ceramic glues, two-part epoxies (like J-B Weld ClearWeld), cyanoacrylates (super glues), and polyurethane adhesives (like Clear Gorilla Glue) are designed to stick to ceramic. For construction or tile work, premixed Type-1 acrylic mastics (like MAPEI Type 1) are used.
Acrylic paint will stay on pottery, but it requires unglazed clay (bisqueware) for proper adhesion and must never be fired in a kiln. Because acrylic is not a true ceramic glaze, pieces painted this way remain porous, are not food-safe, and should only be used for decoration.
The three pull rule in ceramics is a simple but powerful guide. By lifting clay in three controlled movements, you build walls that are strong, even, and aesthetically pleasing.
Mastering ceramic painting as a beginner comes down to working in three distinct coats, using the right mediums, and being patient. Whether you are painting a piece at home with acrylics or using glazes at a local pottery studio, these easy foundational techniques will set you up for success.
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.
To seal acrylic paint on a ceramic plate, let the paint dry for 24 hours, then apply a food-safe, water-based varnish or decoupage sealer (like Mod Podge) in 2-3 thin coats. Hand-wash the plate gently. Most acrylic sealers are not 100% food-safe, so avoid putting food directly on the painted areas.
Choosing the right paint for your ceramics
As a general rule of thumb, acrylic paint works best for unglazed pottery including air dry clay. Whereas porcelain paint works best on glazed pottery, like mugs and bowls you might have purchased from a shop.
Prepping Ceramic So Your Acrylic Paint Sticks
Acrylic paints work well for decorative pieces. For more permanent, dishwasher-safe finishes, use specialty ceramic paints that can be fired or baked.
Bonding Primer
Some examples would be factory coated metal sidings, ceramic tile, glazed block, plastic and vinyl shutters, and surfaces with a high gloss finish. If you choose the correct bonding primer for your application you will be far more likely to get great adhesion of your finish coat to the surface.