How do I bring out the color on a vintage cookie jar?

Hi Tina, is your water generally high in calcium? Do you normally see cloudiness on your dishes? If you do it may just be a calcium film. I would try spot cleaning it with a soft rag and little white vinegar and see if that works.

Do you have a picture of it so we can see it?

If it truly needs repainting, I would try some craft paints. It may not have a baked on glaze finish. Good luck and stay safe!

A photo would really help! But maybe a high gloss clear spray paint could help?

Hi Tina, Unfortunately, if it is vintage and the water did something to the paint you would either need to repaint it and loose the vintage value/look or enjoy it with it's new finish. Does it feel like the clear coat came off when you washed it? Did you use anything other than water?

No No No Don't repaint. First try the vinegar on a cloth and see if that helps. If not use Rustoleum Clear gloss spray paint or clear spray glaze from Michaels. Three light coats should do it.

I totally agree with William and was going to tell you the same method. Except add a drop or two of Dawn to the vinegar and water mix. Rinse well then get Rustoleum gloss paint or clear lacquer gloss spray paint. Let dry completely before using.

Hello Tina,

Try painting it with Art Acrylics, or maybe Sharpies? Good luck!

It looks faded just from washing it? Is the color on the cookie jar painted on? Or is it part of the ceramic? See if the image is part of the ceramic or if it is a film. It might just be a film and wasn't supposed to be washed. It's weird it would do that. I have seen that happen on mugs but only over time when it has been used in the microwave.

What is the cookie jar make out of? I know they sell restoring sprays and finishes for ceramics.

Tina

Is it a solid color or does it have items painted on it? any time you need to wash antique pieces never use anything but warm water and one drop or two of Dawn blue dishwashing detergent that is what antique dealers use on their items.

Hi there. This is a very thorough article and it does mention paint that fades when washed called cold paint. It's paint that was applied after an item was fired and glazed. https://muggseyandmae.wordpress.com/tag/cleaning-cookie-jars/ and another http://www.inherited-values.com/2010/12/lessons-in-cold-paint-from-the-pirate-duck/

They don't say how to restore them, but if this is indeed what they were it may help you to know how to bring back the shine.

I have a pig cookie jar from my mom ...was a wedding present. It was well used but all the color gone. 1940s ....how do you maybe restore color? No chips cracks either

They make restoration products for cars would that work here?