How to Finish a Piece of Pottery

To finish a piece of pottery means to apply paint or glaze to make it a usable and decorative piece at the same time. Firing the pottery after it's been glazed is the only way to showcase the array of colors used. If you don't own a kiln, you can use paint instead. While the finished piece will not be as shiny as a glazed piece, it will still be functional and beautiful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pottery to be finished
• pottery paint or glaze
• clear coat (sealant)
• paint brushes
• kiln

How to Finish a Piece of Pottery

1. Before applying paint or glaze, apply a clean coat glaze to help seal the pottery. Place the pottery in a kiln for at least a day to dry and harden the pottery and the glaze. You can purchase pieces of pottery that have this first coat if you don't own a kiln.

2. Purchase pottery paint when not using a kiln. Pottery paint is available is a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. If you have a kiln, you can choose to purchase pottery glaze, paint or both. Purchase paint brushes, sponges and other application supplies as well.

3. Apply pottery paint using small and medium paint brushes. If decorating with both paint and glaze, apply the glaze first and fire the pottery a second time. Once the pottery is removed from the kiln, you can apply pottery paint.

4. Allow your piece of pottery to dry for at least a day before applying a second coat or moving the finished piece. Add other decorative elements only after the paint has dried.

5. Apply a clear gloss over pottery paint to help it last longer. Allow clear gloss to dry overnight. Your pottery piece is now considered finished.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't own a kiln, you can visit local pottery shops to see if they will finish your pottery for a small fee.
• Never open the kiln while it is finishing pottery. You could severely injure yourself or others.