Things You'll Need:
- Figurine mold and/or material (ceramic, plaster, polyresin, or clay)
- Ceramic and/or craft paints
- Stains
- Overcoat spray
- Ceramic glazes
- Paint brushes
- Soft wiping cloth
- Adhesive
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Step 1
Decide what type and style of figurine is desired. Style refers to the type of decor into which the figurine must fit. This includes Victorian, Art Deco, Traditional, Fantasy, Native American and many others. Type refers to the specific kind of piece to be made such as a realistic figure of a person or animal or a modern or abstract interpretation of something.
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Step 2
Determine what type of material to use to make the figurine. Materials might include ceramics, plaster, polyresin or clay. Also decide if you want or need to use a mold to make the piece or if it can be made free form. These decisions will have an impact on the remaining steps below.
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Step 3
Determine the finish to be used for the figurine. The type of figurine chosen as well as the specific style of the piece may drive the chosen finish. Traditional figurines are usually completed in a traditional style. However, modernistic pieces might be done in metallic paints, textured finishes, or even mosaic. Most desired finishes can be achieved in a number of different ways. The ones listed within this piece are the easiest and most common.
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Step 4
Purchase the materials necessary to complete the figurine as planned. Ceramic, plaster, and polyresin figurines require molds. These can be purchased online as well as through local retailers that handle these types of arts and crafts. Some arts and crafts dealers carry a few plaster molds on hand; others will have to be special ordered. Clay, which can be used to free form a figurine, can be purchased at many arts and craft stores as well as online.
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Step 5
Paint traditional figurines with ceramic or even standard craft paints in virtually any color desired. Larger, less detailed pieces can also be finished with a pastel chalking technique for a softer, more authentic look. Whatever, method is chosen, be sure to choose shades that will fit in with the color scheme of the room where the piece will be used. Finish off each figurine with one or more protective overcoats in the finish desired (such as satin, gloss, or pearl finish).For a more antique traditional look, complete the paint job as described above. Then add an overcoat of stain, usually in a medium to dark brown color; wiping off the excess to leave the stain only in the figurines cracks and crevices.
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Step 6
Finish a contemporary figurine in one of several different ways. Choose a beautiful metallic finish craft paint such as copper, bronze, silver or pewter. Another option would be to use a texture technique such as a faux granite or marble. Still another possibility might be a mosaic technique employing glass, ceramic, or even wood. Once the texture finish is applied, it too must be finished off with a protective coating that will help to hold the texture in place.
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Step 7
Glaze a traditional or contemporary figurine with any ceramic finish desired. Glazes can be a single color such as white or black or they can be multiple colors in a banded or speckled effect (which is usually built into the glaze paint). Certain types of figurines may benefit from a pearl or opal finish. Metallic glazes are also possible as are glaze paints that simulate a type of gemstone like lapis (navy blue and gold) or turquoise (robin's egg blue and black). Keep in mind, however, that these types of ceramic finishes will likely require one or more firings, with each firing adding an additional cost into the final price of the piece.
