Bisque Painting Techniques & Ideas

Bisque pottery has no finish or glaze.

A bisque finish is the initial finish of a baked pottery piece; the pottery is hardened, but it does not yet have a finished glaze. Not all pottery receives a finishing glaze. Pots and other clay items may be left unglazed, which gives them a rustic appearance. However, you can use several different finishing techniques with bisque pottery to give it a glazed and professional appearance.

Base Coat

Every painted bisque piece must first receive a base coat of paint, which is applied over the bisque with a regular paintbrush. Before you apply the paint, dampen the surface slightly to prevent the brush from dragging. Typically, the darkest color is used for the base coat. Lighter colors are added to create a dimensional design. Allow each coat to dry onto the piece for one hour before applying the next.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is the best way to add dimension to a pottery piece. Typically you do this by dipping the brush into a color lighter than the base color, then brushing the excess paint onto a paper towel. Add color to the raised areas of the piece by brushing the paint gently onto the surface. Dry brush painting allows some of the base color to appear under the dry brush. It is possible to brush a series of lighter and lighter colors to create an almost 3-D effect on the pottery piece.

Image Painting

Details and the main design of the pottery piece should be added after the base coat. These images can be anything from a holiday print, to fruit and vegetables, to a picture of a person or tree. Paint should be allowed to dry between coats to give the subject details. You may add glitter to the paint while it is still wet for a different look. Glitter adds texture and shine after painting.

Painted Sealer

Bisque pottery does not have to be fired again to retain the design. A clear paint sealer is enough to add shine to the pottery and keep the paint free of chips and scratches. Apply the sealer over the entire pottery piece when the paint is dry, then allow it to harden for 24 hours. This painted sealer does not make the pottery piece dishwasher safe, but is suitable for display pieces and anything not used for food. This is also the easiest finish to complete at home without the use of a pottery kiln.