The Art of Painting on Pottery!

One of the attractive and authentic arts that belongs to the branch of visual arts is the art of painting on pottery. Painting on pottery consists of two distinct artistic parts: one is the art of pottery itself, and the other is the art of painting.

Now, with the creativity and ideas of artists, from these two separate and unique arts, a distinct artistic branch called painting on pottery has emerged, whose beauty is much greater and more remarkable. Here, we will become more familiar with the beautiful and visual art of painting on pottery.

How is painting on pottery defined?

Making and firing clay cups is only part of the creative process of pottery. When your cups, vases, dishes, or other clay works are fired in a kiln, you want to decorate them in a way that truly makes them your own. To customize pottery cups, you can use various colors, glazes, or ceramic stains on them to add much greater beauty. This creativity and beautiful art is called painting on pottery.

History of painting on pottery

The history of pottery alone goes back to very ancient times, and it can be said that the trade of pottery and pottery-making is centuries old, rooted in pre-written history. The first clay figurine found in the Czech Republic dates back to 28,000 BCE.

From ancient times until now, humans have made various vases and clay containers by firing them in kilns. Therefore, pottery and making clay vessels have always been very popular among human societies. Throughout history, considering the importance of art and aesthetics to humans, various painted pottery works have also been created.

At first, these paintings were very simple and were drawn on clay pieces using basic techniques and tools. But gradually, with the increased attention of humans to art and painting and the advancement of artistic and design techniques, various patterns were drawn on clay pieces, including paintings of animals, plants, and even images of humans and goddesses on pottery.

Today, this art has made significant progress and is no longer considered just a hobby or pastime. Enthusiasts of various branches of visual arts professionally and specializedly take courses in painting on pottery, and these works form an important part of handicrafts in many countries. Therefore, beyond entertainment, a significant part of this art is also dedicated to income generation.

How is painting on pottery done?

When potters want to create additional colorful effects on their pottery and ceramic pieces, this is rarely done using traditional paints. Thus, various techniques and methods are used for painting pottery.

In selecting techniques, tools, methods, and how the work is done, several factors should be considered. First of all, what type of pottery is ideal for painting and under what conditions the pottery piece should be fired. The next important point is choosing the type of paints and how to apply them on the work.

The paints and their application methods must ensure that the paint remains fixed on the work, does not peel off, and does not deteriorate under different conditions. Another important point is that the choice of methods and techniques somewhat depends on whether the pottery piece is only for artistic/display purposes or if it will be used practically.

Availability, ease, and feasibility of the methods considering available facilities and access will also influence the choice of painting methods on pottery. The methods that can be used for pottery coloring include:

• Under-glaze painting

• Acrylic painting on pottery

• Glazing technique

• Ceramic paints

• Acidic paints

• Slip technique

Alongside these methods, the tools used for painting on pottery are determined by the selected technique and how the work is performed. The stages of the process vary according to the nature of the paints and chosen technique.

Tools and materials used for painting on pottery

As mentioned, choosing the tools needed for painting and designing on pottery depends on the selected technique. Generally, the first step is to choose a suitable pottery piece, such as a vase or a plate. The piece can be purely artistic/display or practical. Sometimes, the goal is to repair a broken pottery piece and turn it into a beautiful art piece.

For preparing the pottery piece, tools like sandpaper and wood glue are needed to smooth the surface for painting and coloring. Next, suitable paints, brushes, and painting tools are required. For practical items, protective layers such as glaze are also needed.

Painting on pottery with the under-glaze method

One popular technique is the under-glaze painting. In this technique, the paint layers applied on the pottery surface are very thin, creating effects similar to watercolor paintings on pottery. To create more vivid looks, it’s better to use liquid under-glazes. When using liquid under-glazes, apply them in layers because many require three layers on the clay surface to gain enough strength.

Painting pottery with acrylic paints

Acrylic paints, available in many craft stores, work well on clay cups and vases. You can use acrylics for solid colors or complex designs. The key with acrylics is to wait for each layer to fully dry before adding the next.

Pottery painted with acrylic paint can be used as soon as the paint is dry, and it’s durable enough to be hand washed. Make sure to only use water-based acrylic paints, as they are non-toxic and safe for eating and drinking from painted dishes. Paints containing cadmium or heavy metals are hazardous and should only be used on decorative pottery.

Painting pottery with ceramic paints

Ceramic paints are specially designed for pottery and ceramic painting. Like acrylics, they are easy to paint and let dry. After drying, the item is ready for use. Ceramic paints are more durable than acrylics but are less commonly found and more expensive.

Both ceramic and acrylic paints should be sealed with ceramic sealers to increase durability. Avoid drinking from or eating from pieces painted with paints that might contain lead or toxins until you’re sure they are safe.

Painting pottery with glaze technique

Glazing is another option often used instead of painting. Potters have long used glaze to paint ceramics. Glazes are made from minerals, and after application, the pottery is fired again in a kiln. The glaze then hardens into a glassy, shiny coating.

Glaze color and location can shift during firing, so always test on a spare or hidden area first. Avoid painting detailed designs with glaze because they might blur during firing. Glazed cups and pots are safe for food and drink.

Acidic paints for pottery painting

Another category includes acidic paints (oxidizing paints). These are great for fine lines or large color areas on pottery. You can use commercial versions, which are safer and chemically stable, or simple earth oxides mixed with water.

When using acidic paints, a good glaze layer is also necessary. Some oxides are unstable and may change color significantly depending on glaze composition (e.g., chromium oxide usually green but can turn pink with tin in glaze).

Painting pottery with the Slip technique

The Slip technique uses a liquid suspension of clay particles in water to color pottery before firing. White or colored slips mixed with oxides can be used.

Mistakes are easy to erase, and this technique adheres well to clay. It can be combined with other methods like under-glaze to enhance the visual impact and beauty of painted pottery.

What is the best type of pottery for painting?

A crucial part of pottery painting is choosing the right and ideal pottery type. The term ceramic refers to any type of pottery, glazed or unglazed, painted or unpainted.

Before deciding which is best for painting, three types of ceramics are reviewed:

• Greenware: pottery in its purest form—air-dried but not kiln-fired. Very fragile and short-lived, unsuitable for painting or art, as paints do not adhere well to unfired clay.

• Glazed pottery: air-dried and fired once, then coated with ceramic glaze and fired again at higher temperatures. Waterproof and dishwasher-safe but cannot be painted afterward because paint won’t stick to the glaze.

• Biscuit (Biscuitware): the best type for painting. These are greenware fired once to become hard and porous. Because they are porous, they absorb acrylic paint well. You may need multiple layers to reach the desired color, but once dry, the paint will not peel, flake, or crack. Biscuit pottery is divided into three groups:

  • Pure white porcelain biscuit

  • Colored pottery

  • Gray stoneware biscuit

All three types can be painted with acrylics.

General steps of painting on pottery

Now that you know the techniques and important points, here is a brief summary of the process, using acrylic painting as an example:

Step 1:
Choose and prepare the appropriate pottery. Prepare the surface by sanding it smooth and removing all imperfections.

Before painting, ensure the surface is clean and dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth.

Step 2:
Select the paints you want to use and pour a small amount on a palette or plate. Avoid applying paint directly from the bottle to the brush to prevent excess paint.

Step 3:
Choose your painting tools. To add texture, you can use sponges in addition to brushes. Use different brush sizes depending on the effect you want.

Step 4:
Paint the pottery. For pieces used for dining or drinking, leave about an inch from the rim unpainted. For purely decorative pieces, you can paint right up to the edges.

Step 5:
Protect your work. After finishing, seal the painted pottery with an acrylic spray sealer to waterproof the paint. For a glossy finish, use a gloss sealer. Since acrylic paint cannot withstand kiln heat, sealing is the only way to get a shiny surface.

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Professional Training in Painting on Pottery

In this article, an effort has been made to fully explain the concepts related to the art of painting on pottery. However, the topics and chapters of this art are much broader and more diverse than what is covered here, and to learn them completely, you will definitely need more professional and comprehensive training.

Especially if you intend not only to pursue it as a hobby but also to enter this profession with the goal of earning income in the handicraft market. In visual and fine arts institutes, pottery and painting on pottery courses are taught completely with all techniques and methods under the supervision of expert instructors in this field. As a result, by attending these courses and obtaining a valid certificate from these art institutions, you can professionally step into this domain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Painting on Pottery

What is the ideal paint for pottery projects?
Acrylic paints are the best choice for painting on pottery. Since the paint is oil-based, it is very flexible and can be used to color almost anything you can imagine. Many of them dry with a matte finish, while others dry glossy. They are very durable and do not crack or fade.

Is there a difference between ceramics and pottery?
Ceramics are products made from clay that undergo transformation when heated or fired in a kiln. Pottery is simply another name for ceramics, but it particularly refers to vessels used in dining or kitchen contexts such as cups, bowls, and dishes. Therefore, the art of painting on pottery is also commonly called painting on ceramics or ceramic ware painting.