How do you paint bisque ceramics without a kiln?

If you're not going to fire them or eat off them, you can use acrylic craft paints. To seal them I just use a gloss or matte clear finish acrylic sealer or Mod Podge, depending on the look I like.

The unfired bisque is too soft to work with. It has to be fired before painting - you do not have to glaze it and fire again. You can just paint and spray it with a clear coat of finish. You must start with prefired ceramics.

Here are some ideas for your project

Also you could ask someone in your area that may have a kiln to cure them for you.

https://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/2016/07/how-to-get-fire-glazed-ceramic-look.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y12CCHq74s

I've seen quite a few projects where fingernail polish was used. You might also look into chalk paint.

Painting with an acrylic paint may work for you. Nativity scenes don't get a lot of wear and tear.

If you are using acrylic paint, spray on an acrylic clear coat to protect the painted designs from scratches. No reason for a kiln. Good luck!

If they are finished bisque figurines you can paint them with craft paint and then spray them with a satin sealer.

After you decorate with paint your ceramic let it dry 24 hours then you bake in your oven for 35 minutes at 150’ don’t put paint were food will come in contact with food.good luck

After the paint has dried for 24 hours bake in your oven at 150’ for 35 min and your good

You could check around and see if pottery shops will allow use of their kiln.