Everything a Pottery Painting beginner needs to know!
The Pottery Painting Zurich Guide: Beginners FAQ
So, you've spotted some gorgeous hand-painted ceramics and thought, "I'd need to try that!" Or perhaps you've been gifted some plain white bisque plates and have no idea how to transform them into stunning tableware. Either way, you've landed in exactly the right spot. Welcome to our comprehensive Pottery Painting Zurich guide - answering every question you might have (and even those you didn't know to ask yet).
Important note: This guide focuses on proper ceramic painting using underglazes and kiln firings -not acrylics on pre-glazed ceramics. If you're after truly durable, food-safe, dishwasher-friendly results that will last for years, this is the approach you need!
Understanding the Pottery Painting Process
Before diving into brushes and paints, let's establish some pottery basics to help you understand the journey from plain white piece to finished masterpiece.
The Three Stages of Pottery
Bisque fired objects at the Zurich Art Club
Greenware: Clay that's been shaped and allowed to dry but hasn't yet been fired in a kiln. It's extremely fragile at this stage.
Bisque: This is your starting point for pottery painting - clay that's been fired once to make it stronger but still remains porous enough to absorb paint. Those plain white pieces you see in pottery painting studios are bisque.
Glazed and fired: The finished product after painting and a second firing. The glaze creates a glassy, waterproof surface that's food-safe and dishwasher-friendly.
Understanding this process is crucial because it explains why certain materials work best at different stages and why a kiln is ultimately necessary for proper results.
Why Two Firings Matter
The two-firing process isn't just for show - it's essential for creating durable, functional ceramic pieces:
First firing (bisque firing) strengthens the clay while maintaining porosity
Second firing (glaze firing) melts the clear glaze into a glass-like protective coating that seals in your designs and makes the piece food-safe
Materials Guide: What You Need for Pottery Painting Zurich Sessions
Selection of tools needed for a painting workshop
Confused about what materials you actually need? Let's break down the essentials.
Choosing the Right Paints
When it comes to pottery painting, not all paints are created equal. The best choice for long-lasting, food-safe results is underglazes.
Recommended Underglazes:
Amaco Velvet: Smooth application with vibrant colours
Mayco Stroke & Coat: Excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats
Duncan Concepts: Great for detail work
These professional underglazes are formulated to fire at ceramic temperatures (typically cone 06-04, approximately 1,000°C) and, when sealed with a clear food-safe glaze, create a permanent finish that won't leach chemicals into your food.
What to avoid: Acrylic craft paints, even those labelled "multi-surface," typically won't withstand dishwashing or food use. They may look fine initially but will peel or scratch over time.
Essential Brushes for Perfect Results
Finding the right brush can make all the difference between professional-looking results and frustration. Here's what to look for:
Synthetic soft-hair brushes: Look for taklon or golden nylon, which hold underglaze well and release it evenly
Liner brushes (sizes 0-2): Perfect for fine lines, details, and lettering
Shader brushes (sizes 4-10): Ideal for filling larger areas with solid colour
Fan brush: Helpful for creating soft gradients and blending
Pro tip: Keep your pottery brushes separate from brushes used for other crafts. Acrylic residue can contaminate underglazes, and rough bristles from house-painting brushes can shed into your glaze.
Additional Tools You Might Need
Pencil: A regular HB pencil works well for sketching designs on bisque (the graphite burns off during firing)
Sponges: Great for cleaning bisque before painting and creating texture effects
Low-tack masking tape: Helpful for creating straight lines and borders
Water containers: One for clean water, one for rinsing
Pottery Painting Zurich: Where to Experience the Craft
Pottery painting has become increasingly popular in Zurich, with several venues offering different experiences. The best part about joining a Pottery Painting Zurich session is that all materials are provided - including the crucial kiln firing.
Studio Advantages
When you paint at a dedicated pottery studio like Zurich Art Club, you benefit from:
Expert guidance from experienced staff
All necessary materials included
Professional-grade underglazes and brushes
Kiln firing included in your session fee
No mess to clean up at home
Community atmosphere and creative inspiration
What to Expect at Your First Session
First-time painters often wonder what exactly happens during a pottery painting session. Here's the typical process:
Choose your bisque piece from the studio's selection
Plan your design (we have a dedicated Pintrest full of 10/10 Pottery Painting designs)
Select your underglaze colours
Paint your piece (usually takes 1 - 2.5 hours depending on complexity)
Leave your piece for clear glazing and firing
Pick up your finished masterpiece about two weeks later
Step-by-Step Techniques for Beautiful Results
Now let's dive into the actual painting process to help you achieve professional-looking results, even as a beginner.
Preparation Is Key
Before you apply the first brushstroke:
Wipe your bisque piece with a slightly damp sponge to remove any dust
Plan your design lightly in pencil
Arrange your colours and brushes for easy access
Have water nearby for rinsing brushes
Painting Techniques for Beginners
Creating Crisp Borders
Clean, sharp borders make your piece look professional. Here's how to achieve them:
Use low-tack painter's tape to mask straight edges
Remove tape before the piece is fired
Paint away from the edge rather than along it to prevent seeping
Apply three thin coats instead of one thick coat to prevent pooling
Building Rich, Even Colour
One common beginner mistake is applying underglaze too thinly, resulting in patchy, uneven colour after firing. For best results:
Apply the first coat in one direction
Let dry until no longer shiny (1-3 minutes) You’ll notice the change in colour!
Apply the second coat perpendicular to the first
Let dry again
Apply a third coat for intense colours
Adding Details and Texture
Once your base colours are applied, you can experiment with different textures:
Sgraffito: Apply a solid colour, then scratch through to reveal the white bisque beneath
Sponging: Use a natural sponge for texture effects
Spatter: Flick paint off a stiff brush for a speckled look
Stencilling: Use simple stencils for repeating patterns
Troubleshooting Common Pottery Painting Problems
Even experienced painters encounter challenges. Here are solutions to the most common issues:
Colour Issues
"My red paint disappeared after firing!"
Some colours, particularly reds and hot pinks, can fade if fired at too high a temperature. Check the manufacturer's recommended firing temperature (cone) and ensure your kiln operator knows this.
"My colours look dull after firing"
This usually happens when:
Not enough coats were applied (3 is optimal)
Clear glaze wasn't applied evenly
Kiln temperature was incorrect
Technical Problems
Pinholes and Bubbles
Tiny bubbles or holes in your glazed finish usually occur when:
Dust was present on the bisque before painting
Underglaze was applied too thickly
Air bubbles formed in the clear glaze
Cracking or Crazing
Fine cracks in the glaze can happen when:
The bisque and glaze aren't compatible
Piece was cooled too quickly after firing
Glaze was applied too thickly
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques
Once you've mastered the basics, you might want to explore more advanced techniques.
Working with Metallics
Gold, silver, and copper accents add luxury to your pieces. These are typically applied as "luster" glazes after the main glazing and firing:
Complete your underglaze painting and clear-glaze firing first
Apply metallic luster with a soft brush
Fire again at a lower temperature (approximately 730°C)
Note: Metallic finishes are somewhat more delicate - hand washing is recommended.
Special Effects Worth Trying
Bubble Technique
Create fascinating organic patterns by:
Mixing underglaze with a few drops of dish soap
Blowing through a straw to create bubbles over your piece
Letting the bubbles pop naturally on the surface
Crystal Glazes
Some studios offer specialty glazes that form beautiful crystal patterns during firing. These are unpredictable but create stunning one-of-a-kind effects.
Design Ideas for the Inspiration-Challenged
"But I can't draw!" is one of the most common concerns we hear. Good news - you don't need traditional artistic skills to create beautiful pottery.
Easy Design Approaches for Non-Artists
Pattern-Based Designs
Simple dots, lines, and geometric shapes can create stunning modern designs when arranged thoughtfully.
Nature-Inspired Simplicity
Leaf prints, simple flower silhouettes, and other natural elements are forgiving and beautiful.
Stencils and Transfers
Many studios provide stencils and silk-screen transfers that can be burnished onto bisque for perfect images every time.
Beyond Plates: Other Items to Paint
While plates are popular canvases, consider these alternatives:
Mugs and cups
Serving bowls
Tiles (great for trivets or wall art)
Pet bowls
Planters and vases
Holiday ornaments
Children's money banks
Practical Considerations: Safety and Longevity
Food Safety Essentials
When creating pieces for food use, safety is paramount:
Always use underglazes and clear glazes marked "AP Non-Toxic"
Ensure your pieces receive a food-safe clear glaze coating
Follow manufacturer's instructions for maximum temperature resistance
Avoid very old glazes, which might contain lead
Caring for Your Finished Pieces
With proper care, your pottery creations can last generations:
Most properly glazed and fired pieces are dishwasher-safe
Handwashing is recommended for pieces with metallic lusters
Avoid sudden temperature changes that could crack glazes
Microwave safety depends on the specific materials used - check with your studio
Long-Term Display Considerations
Direct sunlight can fade some colours over many years
Extremely fragile details may benefit from display rather than regular use
Consider the piece's function when planning your design
Making Your Creations Last
Choose appropriate bisque for your intended use
Apply sufficient coats of clear glaze for durability
Follow care instructions from your studio
Ready to Try Pottery Painting in Zurich?
If you're feeling inspired to try pottery painting for yourself, why not join us at the Zurich Art Club? Our weekly Pottery Painting Zurich sessions are perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike.
We provide all the essentials:
High-quality bisque pieces in various shapes and styles
Professional underglazes in dozens of colours
All necessary brushes and tools
Expert guidance from our friendly staff
Clear glazing and kiln firing
Best of all, you'll leave with a beautiful, functional piece that you created yourself - perfect for gifting or proudly displaying in your home.
Interested in exploring your creative side? View our upcoming pottery painting workshops and book your spot at Zurich Art Club Pottery Painting Sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pottery Painting
Do I need any prior experience to try pottery painting?
Not at all! Our sessions are designed for participants of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced painters. Our staff provide guidance throughout.
How long does it take to complete a ceramic piece?
Most painters spend 1-3 hours on their designs, depending on complexity. The firing process takes about two weeks before your piece is ready for collection.
Can children participate in pottery painting?
Absolutely! Get in touch for a family-friendly session where children can paint alongside adults. For younger children (under 8), we recommend booking a special children's pottery painting workshop.
What if I don't like how my piece turns out?
Part of the charm of handmade pottery is its uniqueness! However, many "mistakes" can be fixed before firing. Our staff can help with touch-ups and corrections.
Whether you're looking for a creative night out, planning a unique birthday celebration, or simply want to try something new, pottery painting offers a wonderful blend of artistic expression and practical results. We hope this guide has answered your questions and inspired you to pick up a brush!
Remember, every ceramic artist started somewhere - usually with the exact same questions you have now. We look forward to welcoming you to our Pottery Painting Zurich community soon!
