How to Create a Metal Look on Ceramics

Build layers of paint to achieve a convincing metallic luster.

Unless you are a skilled alchemist, turning ceramic into gold may seem like an unrealistic project, but the right paints allow you to accomplish that goal. Ceramic is easier and cheaper for manufacturers to produce than metal objects, which means a wider array of ceramic objects is available in the marketplace. When you couple the wide variety and low cost of ceramics with the convincing finish of metallic spray paint, the result is gold- and silver-hued decor that appears to be metal through and through.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish soap
• Fine-grained sandpaper
• Newspaper
• Painter's tape
• Indoor/outdoor spray paint primer
• Metallic spray paint

Instructions

1. Wash the ceramic item with warm water and mild dish soap to remove any dirt, oil or residue on its surface. Sand rough edges or visible seams gently with fine-grained sandpaper to achieve the smoothest surface possible.

2. Cover your work surface with newspaper.

3. Block any areas of the object you do not want to paint, if necessary. For example, turn a mug upside down on the paper to keep from painting the inside. Apply a strip of blue painter’s tape down the center of a dish to leave a contrasting strip across the middle.

4. Set the object on the newspaper. Shake a can of indoor/outdoor spray paint primer for two to three minutes to mix the contents thoroughly. Position the nozzle 6 inches away from the ceramic item.

5. Apply a coat of primer to the entire surface of the ceramic item. Move your hand in slow, circular motions to achieve an even application. Allow the primer to dry for at least 30 minutes.

6. Shake a can of metallic spray paint for two to three minutes to mix the contents thoroughly. Position the muzzle 6 inches away from the primed ceramic object.

7. Apply a coat of metallic spray paint to the ceramic object. Move your hand in slow, circular motions to apply the paint evenly. It should not pool or drip on the surface. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes.

8. Apply another coat of paint to the object. To build a rich metallic luster, use two or three coats of paint. Allow each coat of paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying more paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Ceramic dishes, figurines, lamp bases, vases and frames are ideal items for this alchemy-like transformation.

• Primer increases the paint’s ability to adhere to the surface. You can paint a ceramic object without it, but its final appearance is more uniform and lustrous if you use primer.

• If you must turn the object on various sides to paint the entire surface, paint one side and let it dry for at least 30 minutes before painting the other side.

• Work in a well-ventilated room when you apply spray paint or primer.

References

• Michael's: Antiqued Metal Accents