How to spray paint ceramic

This post will help you to spray paint ceramic items with your desired colors and get the best results after completing the whole procedure.

Newbies are requested to follow each step in order to get a satisfactory finish without creating any mess.

Spray paint is one of the easiest and fastest ways to change anything in your home including glazed ceramics.

But it gets even easier when you use spray paint because it’s a faster application than using a brush.

This blog will look at a step-by-step process and how to use spray paint on your home decor items.

Table of Contents

How to spray paint ceramic?

Clean the surface of the ceramic

Cleaning before painting is very important to get a perfect finish. Use a high-quality cleaner to clean the surface.

Use a stiff nylon brush to get all the grinding dust out of the groves and corners. You can make a solution of a 3:2:1 ratio of water, vinegar, and salt.

Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the surface clean. You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean the ceramic surfaces.

Apply the solution only after the machine has cooled down. Cleaning the ceramic surfaces with a wet rag can result in scratches.

If you are going to paint over wood, use a primer for wood to paint over it.

Apply masking tape or newspaper

If there are certain areas that you do not wish to get painted, make sure to mask them off using painter’s tape and discarded pieces of paper.

Masking tape is the easiest way when you have to mark an exact line or area for painting.

There are many ways to apply masking tape on surfaces but I am going to describe my favorite technique.

It is very easy and saves paint. Get a cheap T-shirt. One you will not miss) buy a roll of masking tape.

Cut the t-shirt into 4 pieces) cut the masking tape into 4 pieces) roll masking tape along with the T-shirts) cut the T-shirts using a knife and then apply them on your walls and it is done.

Prime the ceramic surface before spray painting

You should use a primer for ceramic surfaces for spray paint cans. This will give the surface a flat, uniform color and smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Use an oil-based primer for clean, dry, and aged wood. Use a water-based primer for damp, aged, or new wood.

Sand the surface before primer application. The primer should be allowed to dry for at least eight hours.

The primer helps the paint to adhere. Paints are not hard to apply but it is hard to get a perfect finish without careful preparation.

Prepare the area for the painting process of the ceramic surface

To prepare the workplace for spray painting of ceramic surfaces, first of all, you need to make sure that you have adequate ventilation.

Get ready for some noise, too. It is a really loud process and your ears will suffer if you don’t plan for it.

You also need to cover all electrical outlets and switches with plastic bags or duct tape.

You will see an amazing amount of overspray, so make sure that you have an electrical fan running to clear the overspray from the area.

It is important to get all the overspray out of the area that you are working in so that it doesn’t get everywhere.

Spray painting process

First, you need to make sure that the ceramic surface is clean and needs to be dry. You can use glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the surface.

Second, shake the spray paint can for at least 3~5 minutes before using. Let the paint settle to the bottom before you use it.

Third, you should apply even, light coats of spray paint. Avoid spraying paint in one spot for a long time.

Fourth, let the paint dry properly. It may take a day or two, depending on the weather and the color of the paint.

Last, finish it up with a couple more coats of clear coat in order to protect the paint job.

How do you spray paint ceramic pots?

To spray paint ceramic pots, you will need to gather a few supplies. These include ceramic pots, spray paint, masking tape or stencils (if you want to create specific designs), and a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your workspace.

Here are the steps to follow:

Clean the pots thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime. Let them dry completely.
Use masking tape or stencils to create any designs or patterns on the pots that you want to remain unpainted.

Place the pots on the drop cloth or newspaper in a well-ventilated area.
Shake the spray paint can well, and then apply a light, even coat of paint to the pot, holding the can about 6-8 inches away.
Allow the paint to dry completely, and then apply a second coat if necessary.

Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tape or stencils and your painted pots are ready to use.

Note: It is important to use paint specifically designed for ceramics or glass, as other types of spray paint may not adhere properly or may be toxic when used on ceramic.

Do you need a primer to paint ceramic?

A primer is not strictly necessary when painting ceramic, but it can be helpful in certain situations.

Primer is designed to provide a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, and can also help to seal any porous surfaces and prevent the paint from soaking in.

If the ceramic surface is clean, smooth, and has no glaze on it, you can paint it directly without a primer.

However, if the ceramic surface is glossy or has a glaze on it, you should use a deglosser or sandpaper to scuff the surface, so the paint can adhere better.

In this case, a primer can be helpful to ensure the paint adheres properly and to provide a smooth surface for the paint to go on.

Additionally, if you are painting a ceramic pot that will be used for planting.

You should use a primer specifically designed for outdoor use to ensure that the paint will withstand the elements.

Keep in mind that you should use paint specifically designed for ceramics or glass, and also the primer if you choose to use it.

As other types of paint or primer may not adhere properly or may be toxic when used on ceramic.

How do you paint already glazed ceramics?

Painting already glazed ceramics can be a bit more challenging than painting unglazed ceramics, as the glossy surface of the glaze can make it difficult for paint to adhere.

However, it is still possible to do it with some preparation and the right type of paint.

Here are the steps to follow:

Clean the ceramic piece thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime. Let it dry completely.

Sand the glazed surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen it up and create a surface to the paint to adhere to.
Clean the piece again to remove any dust.
Use a deglosser or liquid sandpaper to etch the surface and make it less glossy, this will help the paint to stick

Apply a coat of primer specifically designed for ceramics or glass, this will also help the paint to stick.
Once the primer is dry, you can paint the ceramic piece with paint specifically designed for ceramics or glass. Apply light and even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Once the paint is dry, you can seal it with a clear coat of sealant for added protection and durability, and also to give it a glossy finish.

Note: it is important to use paint and primer specifically designed for ceramics or glass, as other types of paint may not adhere properly or may be toxic when used on ceramic.

It’s also important to work in a well-ventilated area and use gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling any fumes.

Keep in mind that painting already glazed ceramics can be a bit more difficult than painting unglazed ceramics.

It may take some practice to get a smooth and even finish, but with the right preparation and technique, it is possible to achieve good results.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint ceramic

Yes, you can spray paint ceramic items. Ceramic is a non-porous material which means it absorbs paint in a different way than most other surfaces, but there is still a way to paint over it. You have to be careful though. If you have ever spray painted anything you know that the paint can make a mess. And with ceramic, one wrong move and you could ruin the whole thing. So how do you avoid that? Here is how you do it.

When painting ceramics, you need to prepare the surface first by roughening it. The rougher the surface, the more paint will stick to it. So when mixing the ceramic paint, add some water to it and mix it thoroughly. Then you can start painting.

This will depend on what you hope to accomplish by painting a ceramic surface. If you simply want to cover discoloration and surface imperfections, then an enamel paint would work. This would be the one I would recommend, as it has a much more durable finish, and is much easier to apply. On the other hand, if you are looking to add color to an item, then a latex paint would be your best bet. Latex paints adhere to concrete, ceramic and other similar surfaces without difficulty, and you can choose any color you want! Use a high-quality brand of paint, like Behr’s, and you’ll have a quality, long-lasting finish.

No. You can paint over the glazed ceramic surface without pre-priming it. The only time you need pre-priming of ceramic is if you’re going over the glaze with a paint that doesn’t stick to ceramic/porcelain well, such as oil-based paints. If you are using an oil-based paint and painting over the glaze, you will need to prime the surface first in order to get good coverage. But if your paint is water-based, you should be able to paint directly over the glazed ceramic surface without any problems.

Enamel paint does well on glazed ceramic surfaces. For surfaces that have been waxed or polished, the paint adheres well because the surface is rougher which creates a better grip for the paint. For walls with a bumpy texture, use flat paint which also sticks well to the glazed ceramic surface.

It all depends on the size of the object you’re painting, and how thickly you’ve applied the paint. I’d say you’d be looking at around 24 hours from when you initially paint it to be dry enough to touch. The paint will be dry to the touch in about an hour, but you’ll need to leave it for at least 24 hours to make sure it’s completely dry.

Conclusion on How to spray paint ceramic

This whole post is for those newbies who want to spray paint ceramic for themselves or for their clients with the best results.

Then follow each step explained in this guide in order to achieve the finish of your work. If you have any questions regarding this post.

Then let me know in the comments section for a better understanding of the solution by me which will be based solely on several years of my painting career of mine.

All in all, spray painting ceramic is a great way to give new life to old, boring, or non-functioning ceramic surfaces.

However, it’s important to remember that you’re dealing with ceramic here. It’s a fragile material.

For that reason, you need to take extra care when you prep it, as well as when you’re painting it. If you do that, you’ll have a lot of fun spray painting ceramic.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.