Can You Shade on Ceramics?

When it comes to shading ceramic pieces, you can get quite creative.

Whether you are working with a handcrafted ceramic piece, a premade figurine or trying to resurface some old ceramic tiles, you have plenty of options on how to approach the project. When you are painting the ceramic surface, you are not limited to just one base layer or a single color. If you want depth or dimension, you can implement some shading and layering techniques to get you there.

Ceramic Tile Preparation

Clean the ceramic tiles thoroughly with a commercial tile cleaner that contains a mild abrasive before you start. This will clean the area and break down the shiny exterior so you can add paint for shading that will stick. Sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to further prepare your ceramic to receive paint. Wear a face mask and safety goggles when dusting to prevent dust from getting into your face, nose and lungs. Clean the sanding dust thoroughly with a damp washcloth when you are done. Get all the dust off before proceeding. Use painter's tape to protect any areas you don't want covered with paint.

Products for Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles need specific products to get the best results. Apply high-quality primer to the entire ceramic surface with a paintbrush and allow it to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Semi-gloss or high-gloss oil-based paint is best for ceramic tiles. Water-based paints will flake and peel off ceramic tiles. Finish the project with a couple of coats of clear-water based urethane.

Ceramic Piece Preparation

Your ceramic piece must be completely dry before trying to paint or shade it. If you have created the piece yourself, make sure it is fired and cooled properly. Use a slightly damp washcloth to wipe down the entire surface of the ceramic piece. Dust is the enemy when painting and shading this material.

Products for Ceramics Pieces

If you are working with ceramic pottery, you will use a glaze. Read the product instructions thoroughly before use. Use a base glaze for the first layer. This base glaze can be clear or you can add some colored additives to make it any color you want. You can use the colored base glaze for subsequent layers or you can purchase a completely different glaze for coloring and shading the piece. Ceramic paints will also work for ceramic figurines and things like that.

Shading Techniques

If you have a stencil for the design you want to shade, lightly sketch it on the ceramic surface with a pencil. Mark the areas where you want shading. If you don't have a stencil, just paint and shade areas freehand. Do the first layer of color and allow it to dry according to the product instructions. Do subsequent shading areas layer upon layer to obtain a darker color in those areas. If you want unshaded areas to be lighter in color and not so drastic, you can thin the paint a bit with paint thinner or thin glaze with water. For shading over these thinned layers, use regular strength paint or glaze in the shaded areas only. Thorough drying time between coats is vital.

References

• Ask The Builder: Painting Ceramic Tile
• Sherwin Williams: Painting Techniques FAQs
• Décor Resource: Painting Ceramic Tile
• Refinishing Online: Refinishing Repairing Painting Ceramic Tiles
• "The Craft of the Potter; A Practical Guide to Making Pottery"; Michael Casson; 1979.