Porcelain paint can transform everyday ceramic items into stunning, durable masterpieces. If you’d like to try adding a new coating to your porcelain yourself, it’s a fun and creative process. To achieve the desired results as a novice, learning some of the necessary pre-treatment and professional painting & curing instructions can give you more confidence when performing the process.
How to properly apply porcelain paint?
When you have chosen the porcelain paint you like after reading a lot of relevant information. When you get it home, you look at it, then look at the porcelain you plan to paint, and fall into deep thought: Oh~ How do I start? Applying porcelain paint may seem tricky at first, but it is surprisingly easy as long as you master a few simple techniques and follow the steps. I will share everything I have learned to help you refurbish an old sink, repair a broken bathtub, or add a new layer to decorative ceramics.
properly apply porcelain paint
Whether it’s a small vase or a large bathtub with enamel paint, start by scrubbing the painted surface with a mild detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water. This step is to remove any remaining dirt, grease, and any remaining soap scum from the surface, as porcelain paint may not stick well if stains remain on the surface.
If your porcelain has an old finish, it is recommended to use 220-grit sandpaper to gently sand it to achieve a rough texture to help improve the adhesion of the new porcelain paint. The higher the grit of the sandpaper, the finer the sandpaper grain; the lower the grit, the coarser the sandpaper grain. The exact sandpaper you choose depends on the roughness of the texture you need to achieve.
If you find small chips or cracks in the porcelain during the sanding process. Use porcelain filler to fill them. After it is completely dry, sand it flat. I am sure you must not want a conspicuous bump to ruin the final product.
After we have done all the pre-treatment work on the porcelain surface, we can start the most interesting part of applying porcelain paint – painting! Before starting, you need to choose the right tools according to the size and complexity of the object to be painted. For small areas or complex porcelain (such as vases, single sinks), we recommend using a fine-neck brush; for larger tile floors or walls, it is recommended to use a foam roller or gas sprayer to balance efficiency and effect.
Apply a thin and even layer of porcelain paint. Believe me, don’t think about reaching the ideal thickness in one go. Porcelainpaint that is too thick in a single application is prone to dripping or bubbling, and takes longer to cure. It is usually a gradual build-up of thin layers of paint to achieve the target thickness.
Be sure to sand lightly with fine sandpaper after the previous layer is completely dry to remove imperfections and increase the adhesion of the next layer of paint. Wipe away dust, then apply the next layer, repeating until the desired coverage is achieved.
Time and temperature are the key to the magical transformation of porcelain paint. Fully curing porcelain paint can give us a hard, durable surface that is not easy to peel or chip. Read the instructions attached to the paint by the porcelain paint manufacturer in advance. Because porcelain paint is made of different formulas, corresponding curing environments are required to achieve the ideal effect. Some only need to air dry for a few days, while others need to be heated in a specific oven & drying room for curing.
- If air-drying, keep the paint in a dust-free environment. Avoid touching or using the item until the curing time is complete – usually air-drying porcelain paint takes 24-72 hours to fully cure.
- For smaller items, place them in an oven preheated to the temperature recommended on the can of porcelain paint (usually around 300-350°F). Always check the label carefully for the exact time and temperature required for the paint to cure.
- Those who pursue perfect results will inspect the surface for minor imperfections after the porcelain paint has cured. And polish the surface with a soft cloth or ceramic-safe polish for extra shine.
Applying porcelain paint not only adds color to your porcelain, it can also restore beauty and functionality to items that have become worn out by the ravages of time. Although the process requires a lot of time and patience, it’s worth every minute when we see the perfect finished product.
Safety Tips for Applying Porcelain Paint.
When working with porcelain coatings, safety is just as important as the end result. Little precautions can save a lot of trouble and sometimes a headache (literally). Trust me, here are my go-to safety tips to keep your project safe and worry-free:
- Ventilation: Porcelain paints often contain strong fumes. I always set up my workspace in a well-ventilated area, such as near an open window or outside if the weather permits. If you’re indoors, use a fan to circulate the air. Your lungs will thank you.
- Protect your hands: Paint and chemicals are not compatible with skin. Wearing a good pair of chemical-resistant gloves throughout the painting process will protect our hands. No amount of hand cream can beat that.
- Wear a respirator: If you use a sprayer or work with heat-cured porcelain paints, don’t skip the respirator. Don’t be ridiculous, it’s all about keeping harmful particles and fumes out of your lungs.
- Tidy workspace: I’ve knocked over paint cans more times than I care to admit. So, I highly recommend keeping your workspace tidy so you don’t have to worry about bumping into something mid-project.
- Avoid open flames: Most porcelain paints are flammable until they cure. Always make sure there are no stove flames or other heat sources near the paint. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Use goggles: It’s easy to ignore your eyes until something splashes into them. A similar accident happened to my former apprentice. Whether you’re sanding, spray painting, or handling paint strippers, I highly recommend that you always wear goggles.
- Test on a small area first: As an experienced painter, always test a small, inconspicuous area first before starting to paint a whole large area. This helps us check for reactions, adhesion, or unexpected problems without jeopardizing the entire project.
- Store paint safely: At the end of a day’s work, keep porcelain paint cans tightly sealed and stored out of the reach of children or pets. I’ve had a curious cat step into a paint tray before – but I rescued it quickly!
- Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or irritable while painting, stop painting immediately and get outside for some fresh air. No project is worth risking your health, and pausing doesn’t mean giving up.
These tips are not only for staying safe, but also for enjoying the process. Remember: taking care of yourself is a prerequisite for creating beautiful things.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Enamel.
Mistakes are inevitable, and learning how to reduce them is key. I’m glad you’re here today, and I’ve put together a collection of common mistakes made when applying enamel paint, what causes them, and practical tips to avoid them. Hopefully, these insights can save you time, energy, and frustration during your project.
| Common Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping Surface Preparation | Paint doesn’t adhere properly, leading to peeling or flaking. | Take your time with prep work. Trust me, cleaning, sanding, and wiping the surface may feel tedious, but it’s the secret to a professional-looking finish. |
| Applying Thick Coats | Thick layers create drips, uneven finishes, or long curing times. | Go slow and steady. Apply thin coats—it’s like building a puzzle; patience brings the best results, and it’s easier to fix any mistakes along the way. |
| Ignoring Ventilation | Strong fumes can cause headaches and unsafe working conditions. | Do yourself a favor and paint in a well-ventilated space. If that’s not possible, wear a respirator—it’s worth keeping yourself safe and comfortable. |
| Rushing the Curing Process | Paint stays soft or peels easily because it didn’t cure fully. | Follow the curing instructions like you’re baking a cake—it’s all about timing. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you see the durable, beautiful finish. |
| Using the Wrong Tools | Low-quality brushes or rollers leave streaks or uneven coverage. | Invest in good tools. A high-quality brush or roller makes the job easier and saves you from frustration. You’ll thank yourself later. |
| Skipping Sanding Between Coats | Tiny imperfections, dust, or bumps get trapped, ruining the smooth finish. | Grab some fine-grit sandpaper and give it a quick, gentle sand between coats. Think of it as polishing the surface to perfection. |
| Painting in Humid Conditions | High humidity causes longer drying times and can lead to a sticky, uneven finish. | Check the weather! If it’s too humid, wait for a better day. Painting in the right conditions saves you a ton of headaches. |
| Overloading Paint on Brushes | Excess paint causes drips and uneven application. | Dip lightly and tap off any excess paint. Less is more here—your brush doesn’t need to be dripping to get good coverage. |
| Not Testing on a Small Area First | The paint might not match your expectations or stick properly to your specific material. | Always start with a small, hidden spot. Think of it as a mini rehearsal before the main event—better safe than sorry. |
| Handling the Painted Surface Too Soon | Smudges, fingerprints, or damage occur before the paint fully sets. | I know it’s tempting, but give the paint time to fully cure. Treat it like a fragile piece of art until it’s completely set. |
You can also learn how to refinish or repair porcelain coatings in another of our blogs. In particular, it provides super practical guidance on recoating porcelain coatings and repairing cracked or chipped porcelain coatings and fading.
Can I paint a porcelain toilet?
Of course, anyone can paint a porcelain toilet, but it requires patience and proper preparation.
- Clean the toilet thoroughly to remove dirt and moisture.
- Use fine sandpaper to smooth the surface so that the paint will adhere better.
- Then, apply a primer designed for ceramic and use an epoxy paint for added durability.
- Finish with a waterproof sealer to ensure it lasts, even with daily use.
Can you use acrylic paint on porcelain?
Of course, acrylic paint can be used on porcelain. But proper surface preparation is required before painting to improve the adhesion of the acrylic coating to the underlying porcelain.
If conditions permit, sealing the acrylic paint design with a clear enamel after painting can make your work more resistant to wear and tear.
