Are you looking for a fun and creative outlet? Painting pottery at home is a fantastic way to relax, express your artistic side, and create personalized pieces for your home or as gifts. This article will guide you through the best options for purchasing pottery to paint at home, covering everything from online retailers to local studios, and providing tips to help you achieve stunning results.
Finding Your Blank Canvas: Where to Buy Pottery
The first step in your pottery painting journey is sourcing the pottery itself. Luckily, there are several avenues to explore, each offering its own unique advantages.
Online Retailers: The Digital Pottery Paradise
The internet offers a vast selection of bisque pottery (unglazed, fired pottery ready for painting). Websites like Etsy provide a marketplace for independent artists and small businesses, often with unique and handcrafted items. However, as one Reddit user pointed out, some items on Etsy can be overpriced. Look for sellers with positive reviews and a wide selection. Many retailers offer ready-to-paint ceramics online.
Local Art Supply Stores: A Community Hub
Don’t underestimate the charm of your local art supply store. These stores often carry a selection of bisque pottery, paints, and brushes, and the staff can provide valuable advice and recommendations. Supporting local businesses is a great way to invest in your community. You may also find pottery co-ops or guilds that can offer some guidance. Check out this guide to pottery co-ops.
Pottery Studios: The Source of Authentic Ceramics
Many pottery studios offer “take-home” pottery kits, which include a pre-fired piece of pottery made by a potter. For example, Crockd.com, offers kits with a choice of a mug, bubble vase, or tumbler, all made by professional potters. These kits often include paints and brushes as well, making them a convenient option for beginners.
Here’s a helpful video with an update from NowWhat?!PotteryWorks about an upcoming event:
Choosing the Right Pottery and Paints
Selecting the right pottery and paints is crucial for a successful painting experience. Here are some factors to consider:
Pottery Type:
For painting at home, stoneware clay is often recommended as it’s versatile and easy to work with, especially for beginners. Stoneware is non-porous after firing, making it suitable for holding liquids without glazing, as mentioned by Soul Ceramics. Earthenware is another option, but it’s more porous and typically requires glazing to be waterproof. Porcelain, while beautiful, is more challenging to work with and best left to experienced potters. If you are looking to craft your own clay, here’s a potters guide to clay body formulation.
Ultimately, consider what you want to paint. Some ideas include polka dots, floral designs, geometric patterns, mandala patterns, ocean-themed pottery, and modern minimalist designs from Drawlish.
Paint Quality and Safety:
Acrylic paints are an excellent choice for painting unglazed pottery. They are versatile, readily available, and most brands are non-toxic, according to Classpop. For items that will come into contact with food, such as mugs or plates, it’s essential to use food-safe paints. Look for underglazes or overglazes that are labeled as non-toxic, lead-free, and certified for food contact after firing. Always check for the ASTM D-4236 certification to ensure the paints are safe for use. The Pottery Piazza confirms that all their products are non-toxic and lead-free so there are no worries about painting at home with kids and pets around!
Setting Up Your Home Painting Studio and Achieving a Professional Finish
Creating a dedicated space and using the right techniques can elevate your pottery painting experience.
Essential Tools and Supplies:
Besides pottery and paints, you’ll need a few essential tools. Brushes in various sizes are crucial for different design elements, according to Bailey Pottery. Acrylic Paint Pens are perfect for adding fine details, according to Drawlish. A sponge is invaluable for smoothing clay, cleaning up excess water, and adding texture, notes Classpop. Other helpful tools include: If you are just getting started, here’s a beginners guide to pottery tools.
- Aprons to protect clothing (Slice Products).
- Waterproof aprons are always a plus (Slice Products).
- Chamois for smoothing edges (Slice Products).
- Potter’s needles for sculpting and detailing (Slice Products).
- Wire cutters for separating clay (Slice Products).
- Fettling knife for removing mold marks and carving (Slice Products).
- Ribs and scrapers for shaping and smoothing (Slice Products).
- Ribbon and loop tools for clay removal (Slice Products).
- Banding wheel for a fluid approach (Naomi Clement).
- Squeeze bottles for controlled application of materials (Naomi Clement).
- DiamondCore sandpaper for sanding (Naomi Clement).
Sealing and Finishing:
To protect your painted pottery, sealing is essential. A clear acrylic sealer can be applied to the entire surface, including the bottom, to prevent moisture from damaging the paint job, as explained by Practically Functional. Allow the sealant to dry completely before exposing the pottery to moisture. For terracotta pots, sealing both the inside and outside is recommended (Dappled Skies and DIYs). Zinsser Shellac Spray is mentioned to hold up the best when coated on both the inside and outside of the aged terra cotta pot.
Firing for Durability:
The best way to achieve a waterproof finish is to fire the clay to the correct temperature (Big Ceramic Store). Raku and low-fire clay are not waterproof. If you don’t have access to a kiln, you can use acrylic spray sealers to protect the paint from chipping and smudging.
Easy Pottery Painting Ideas for Beginners:
Simple designs like dots, lines, and geometric shapes are excellent starting points, according to Drawlish. Polka dots are fun and easy to paint.
Striped designs can dramatically change the appearance and feel of your ceramic (Drawlish). Create a mesmerizing marble effect on your ceramics using a marbling technique.
Remember, the easiest thing to paint on pottery is simple designs like dots, lines, or geometric shapes (Drawlish). Wet your brush slightly before painting pottery to help the Drawlish Acrylic Paint flow smoothly and evenly across the surface.
With the right supplies, techniques, and a dash of creativity, you can transform ordinary pottery into personalized works of art. So, gather your materials, find your inspiration, and let your imagination run wild!
