How to Use Acrylic Paint on Pottery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to give your pottery a colorful, personal twist? Acrylic painting on pottery is a fun, beginner-friendly way to add your own artistic touch to mugs, vases, plant pots, or any ceramic piece you love. Whether you're a hobbyist or a budding artist, acrylic paint is versatile, vibrant, and easy to work with—even on pottery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step. And for best results, we recommend using Drawlish Acrylic Paints and the Drawlish Paint Palette, available now at Drawlish.com.

Why Use Acrylic Paint on Pottery?

Acrylic paint is a go-to for many artists because it:

• Dries quickly

• Is water-based and non-toxic

• Adheres well to porous surfaces like pottery

• Comes in a wide range of vivid colors
  

When sealed properly, your painted pottery can even be decorative and lightly functional.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials:

• Clean, dry pottery (bisque-fired ceramic works best)

• Drawlish Acrylic Paints – rich pigments, smooth application

• Drawlish Paint Palette – perfect for mixing custom shades

• Brushes in various sizes

• Water cup & paper towels

• Sealant (matte or gloss finish, depending on your vibe)
  

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Clean Your Pottery

Start with a clean canvas. Wipe down your pottery piece to remove dust, oil, or residue. This helps the paint adhere better.

Step 2: Plan Your Design

Sketch your design lightly with a pencil or map it out in your head. If you're going for something abstract or spontaneous—go wild!

Step 3: Prep Your Paints

Squeeze your Drawlish Acrylic Paints onto the Drawlish Paint Palette. You’ll love how smoothly these paints blend and how little you need for vibrant coverage.

Tip: Try mixing colors on the palette to create custom tones. The creamy texture of Drawlish acrylics makes this super satisfying!

Step 4: Paint in Layers

Start painting using light layers. Allow each layer to dry before adding another. Acrylic dries fast, so you won't wait long! Use finer brushes for detail work and flat ones for broad coverage.

Step 5: Add Highlights or Patterns

Once your base colors dry, add shadows, highlights, or patterns to give dimension. The high pigmentation of Drawlish paints really makes your details pop.

Step 6: Let It Dry Completely

Allow the pottery to dry thoroughly—at least 24 hours—before sealing.

Bonus Tips

• Want a watercolor look? Dilute your Drawlish paints with a little water on the palette.

• For a rustic, textured look, use a sponge instead of a brush.

• Practice on a test tile before diving into your main piece.
  

Ready to Paint? Grab Your Essentials

Drawlish Acrylic Paints – Professional-quality colors that glide on pottery like a dream.
Drawlish Paint Palette – Ideal for blending and organizing your favorite shades.

Explore our full range of art supplies at Drawlish.com and let your creativity shine through every brushstroke.