Find out how to add gold luster to ceramics
3 min read
Right here is find out how to add gold luster to ceramics. Granted, this tutorial is for anybody who works with fired ceramics and has entry to a kiln. However in case you are within the course of, you may go to an area paint on pottery or ceramic studio and they’ll assist information you alongside via this course of!
Scroll all the way down to the top of this submit to see find out how to add gold to ceramics in the event you don’t have a kiln!
I’ve been working with ceramics right here in my studio for nearly 15 years. I’m at all times amazed on the various things that could possibly be executed with this artwork type. Including gold to my completed items are…CHEF’s KISS!
It’s a little bit of a course of as a result of it takes an additional firing. And that little gold bottle is fairly spendy. It’s value it. I’ve barely dabbled on this approach, however there may be numerous inspiration on Instagram!
Here is a video I made showing a recent batch
Know your gold
I’ve labored with two varieties of gold lusters for ceramics: Vivid Gold (7% gold) and Premium gold (11% gold). The latter is dearer, about $50+ for a tiny bottle, however is extra forgiving.
I recommend beginning with Vivid Gold to observe. Whenever you really feel assured along with your model, improve.
Provides so as to add gold luster to ceramics:
Completed fired ceramic piece
Gold lustre
Plastic gloves
Masks
Brush
Cotton Swab or clear fabric
Alcohol for clear up.
A kiln
RELATED CONTENT: Extra ceramic initiatives to attempt!
Instructions
Begin with a fired ceramic piece. This may be one thing you created your self.
I’m undecided you possibly can do that to ceramic piece purchased from a retail retailer.
This tutorial is usually for individuals who work in a ceramic studio and have their very own kiln to make use of.

You’ll need to put on a masks as a result of it is rather smelly. And it’s also very oily!
Resolve the place you need to add the gold in your ceramic piece.
Dip your brush into the bottle of luster after which apply to desired areas in your ceramic piece.
I wished so as to add dots, so I used a head pin from my jewellery provides to make good tiny dots.
You solely want so as to add one coat. For those who add an excessive amount of, it’ll run and presumably drip.
CLEAN UP:
Errors occur! To take away the gold luster, merely dip a cotton swab in alcohol and punctiliously wipe away what you don’t need.
For bigger areas, use a cotton ball or a paper towel.
Fireplace your piece:
Setting is Cone 018. You don’t want to stilt your items as a result of the kiln won’t get sizzling sufficient to soften the glaze that’s already on the mug.
Let your kiln cool after the firing course of is completed.
Take away and luxuriate in! Examine your items to see how one can enhance subsequent time!
And that’s it, that’s the way you add gold luster to ceramics. The chances are countless! I additionally added a pearl luster to different areas of those mugs.
It’s the similar course of, and in addition fires to Cone 018.
Issues to remember:
You won’t be able to microwave your piece after is has the gold. As with all steel in microwaves, it’ll trigger sparks!
Use a product referred to as Essence to wash the gold luster out of your brush.
Find out how to add gold to ceramics in the event you don’t have a kiln
I’d go along with one thing like this Pebeo Porcelaine 150 – oven bake gold. It’s not as everlasting as fired ceramics, however it’ll get the job executed!
Associated content material: DIY Non-fired ceramics
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