How to paint porcelain balls that are on an old bed post

Brenda
by Brenda
I have porcelain balls on an old iron bed post that I would love to paint. I have no idea how to do this.
  8 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 20, 2016
    Are they removable?
  • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on May 20, 2016
    Michaels has craft paint designed for painting porcelain and I would imagine other stores that stock craft paint would also carry it
  • Debi53 Debi53 on May 21, 2016
    Many porcelain paints require baking in the oven to cure them. If your knobs are not removeable, make sure that your paint does not require an oven cure. Your other option is to use primer and paint. I have copied and pasted these directions for you: Using Primer and Paint 1Apply an oil based primer to the knob or knobs you wish to paint. Oil based primer will adhere better to the glossy surface of a porcelain knob and will be more resistant to scratches.Look for a primer designed for use on glossy surfaces.Avoid using latex primer, as it may scratch off the surface of the knob.Apply primer using a paintbrush or small foam roller. Apply a light coat to ensure a more even coat and smoother results.2Allow the primer to dry. Follow the directions on the primer container to determine the number of hours required for the primer to dry completely.3Apply an additional coat of primer if needed. Allow the primer to dry. A second coat will cover any spots you may have missed while applying the first coat of primer.4Paint the knob using your chosen paint.Apply solid colors using either a paintbrush, small foam roller or spray paint.Use a paintbrush to add detail of your pattern or design if desired.Sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper after the first coat of paint if you are painting the knob a solid color and want to achieve a smooth texture.Apply a second coat of paint.5Allow the paint to dry completely.6Apply a clear varnish to the painted knob. Varnish will protect the painted surface from damage.Choose a varnish compatible with your paint. Use water-based varnishes for latex or acrylic paint and varnishes especially for oil paint if you used oil paint.Consider what type of finish you want when choosing your varnish. If you want your porcelain knobs to have a glossy sheen, choose semi- or high-gloss. Matte will produce a flat finish and satin will give the knobs a slight sheen.
  • Kathy Bitzan Kathy Bitzan on May 21, 2016
    Since this is already glazed and not raw porcelain I would think to prime it first to make sure any paint application will stick to the surface. I'm not a fan of painting shiny surfaces because at some point it will start to show scratches and wear and tear on the surface. But all you can do is try to see what will work.
  • Tin2989363 Tin2989363 on May 21, 2016
    I paint on glazed porcelain all the time and have never had a problem with it scratching or coming off easily. The trick? Put a quick coat of PermEnamel Gloss over the top of the painting. Works every time. It dries super fast, so I use a big brush, and never keep going over it to try to remove the brush strokes. Leave it alone and voila', the glaze is self leveling. In a minute or two, the surface will be gorgeous and shiny smooth. Watch for runs while it's doing its thing too, and keep those mopped up with a toothpick. I've painted over oil paints, Genesis Oils, acrylics, guache, and even watercolors! Yes, I said watercolors. I just give the dried watercolor painting a fine spritz of Workable Fixative first. Let that dry good, and it holds up beautifully to a super quick brushing of the PermEnamel. The only color I have found that wants to "wake up" and travel a tiny bit is the purple, but the Workable Fixative stops that too. I've done porcelain and ceramic lamp bases with watercolor, and the ones I did clear back in 1999 are still as beautiful as the day they were created. PermEnamel is my best friend! It can be found at nearly any craft store in the craft/glue/varnish isle. Have fun painting those knobs!
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    • Kim Souder-Satterfield Kim Souder-Satterfield on Feb 23, 2017

      simply goreous!! how did you get so talented? special classes?

  • Martha Felgar Martha Felgar on May 22, 2016
    If you mean to paint over the porcelain I can tell you what I did. I used spray paint in hammered bronze on some porcelain pulls about six years ago and they have held up beautifully.
  • Mary Todd Hurt Mary Todd Hurt on May 22, 2016
    I was talking toa painter about this very thing this week and he told me to do a light sanding over it first to remove any residue and then spray paint it. I have a porcelain lamp I'm getting ready to paint white.
  • Sue c. Sue c. on May 24, 2016
    First thing, take the frame apart. There is a rod that runs from top to bottom holding it together. Once apart it is easy to paint the individual parts without messing any other parts( like the brass) up. And from the looks of that porcelain ball it is not very old- 80"s maybe.