DIY Projects & Crafts

How to Paint Ceramic Vases and Bowls

A little paint is all it takes to customize plain pottery and make it look absolutely artisanal.

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Updated on January 23, 2024

Pottery is beautiful for using to decorate bookshelves, end tables, a kitchen hutch, and other areas of your home. But if your ceramics are feeling somewhat lackluster, a little paint is all it takes to breathe new life into these pieces. From abstract splatter art to subtle geometric patterns, these painting techniques will turn plain pottery into artisanal pieces you'll love keeping on display. We chose blue and pink paint for the beautiful vase and bowl pictured here, but you can choose any color palette that complements your home's existing décor.

painted pottery ceramics decor — ADDIE JUELL

What You'll Need

Materials

Ceramic bowls and vases
Newspaper
Ceramic paint
Small containers for decanting paint
Fine paintbrush
Pencil

Instructions

Pour paint into containers:

Cover work surface with newspaper. Set ceramic item on top. Pour paint into containers.
Make a splatter pattern:

For a splatter pattern, dip brush in paint and wipe on inside of container to remove excess, then flick paint onto item from above. Let dry, then flick on dots in a second color, if desired.
Make a line pattern:

For line pattern, draw lines along rim of item in pencil, then paint over them. Let dry 24 hours.
Heat set paint:

Heat-set paint and make your item washable by baking in oven on a sheet at 300 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.