How to Transform Ceramic Items with Spray Paint

Did you know you can spray paint ceramics? Yes, you can, and today I’ll show you how easy it is to transform old ceramic items with spray paint!

Before we get started, I have a confession to make!

Sometimes I find it hard to purge items when I’m organizing.

Do you find it hard to donate or sell items you no longer need or use? 

The truth is, I have not used this pitcher or serving tray once since we moved, two years ago, and they’re taking up precious space!

They match a set of dishes I had during my “Tuscan” decor phase.

We sold the dishes before moving to Florida, but I kept those pieces.

So now, I have a decision to make…

Put them in my donate box or paint them a different color?

Since we moved, I have been collecting white dishes, so I think I’ll try painting them!

WILL SPRAY PAINT STICK TO CERAMICS?

I already painted some of my old home decor items white! I used chalk paint and wax, you can see them here!

They turned out amazing, but I want these items to look ceramic.

To get the smooth, shiny look I want I will use spray paint.

I wondered if that was even possible.

I was concerned that spray paint would scratch off the surface!

So I did a little research and guess what I found out?

Spray paint will stick to slick ceramic pieces!

But, you must do the proper prep work!

You need to sand, clean, prime, and then paint!

So many people want to skip the sanding step, but it’s important if you want the paint to stay on the item!

However, there is one way to skip a step. Now they make spray paint that has the primer built-in. If you want to skip a step, buy that spray paint!

Now let’s jump into this project!

I can’t wait to transform these items!

steps TO Transform CERAMIC items with spray paint

Gather

Gather or purchase the following items for this project:

• Ceramic item(s)
• Sandpaper-I used 120 grit
• Dishwashing liquid
• Spray primer/paint-I used Rust-oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer White Semi-Gloss
• Lazy Susan (optional)
• Foil (optional)

Prep

Cover your work surface. I used an old sheet!

Then, I pulled out a couple of wood blocks to elevate my trays.

Recently, I saw that someone used a lazy Susan to spray paint an item. I thought that was genius, so I’m going to give it a try! I put aluminum foil over my lazy Susan to protect the surface.

sand

Lightly sand your ceramic item(s) with 120-grit sandpaper. You don’t want to press hard on the sandpaper, give the item a light scuff!

clean

Clean your ceramic item(s) with soapy water, rinse well, and dry.

Prime/paint

I am using a paint that has the primer mixed in. If your paint does not have primer added, then prime the items first!

Hold the can twelve to sixteen inches away from your piece. I sprayed the front of the pitcher, using short, back-and-forth strokes, and slowly turned it around until each side was covered.

When painting stationery items, slowly move the can back and forth as you spray a very light coat.

After first coat

After the first coat, you will still see the pattern underneath!

That’s ok! It’s best to do several light coats to prevent drips!

In fact, let’s take a moment and talk about preventing drips!

how to Prevent drips while spray painting!

The only problem I have ever had with spray paint is drips!

Dripping spray paint is no fun to deal with!

If you get a drip, let it dry, sand it down, and start over!

Here are some tips to prevent drips from happening!

1. Hold the can twelve to sixteen inches away from the item you will paint. The closer you hold it, the heavier the paint will go on, and the more likely it is to drip. It’s better to do light coats, even if that means painting it a couple of extra times!
2. You must keep the can in motion while spraying. Move slowly in either a horizontal or vertical direction. Do not hold the can in one spot!
3. Be patient and use short bursts of paint as you move back and forth. Don’t get in a hurry and try to paint the whole item in one continuous motion!
4. If you use a lazy Susan, do not spin it around fast because the paint might make a drip line!
5. Let the item dry to the touch before you paint the next coat. I waited 45 minutes between coats.

My transformed ceramic items

Here are my items after three coats of spray paint! They are no longer food-safe, so I won’t use them to serve food or beverages anymore. Now they are strictly decor pieces!

Here’s a reminder of what they looked like before!

Such an amazing transformation!

Do you want to see how I’m using them in my house?

They work beautifully in my bathroom!

The small tray is the perfect size to hold hand towels or jewelry!

I used the large tray to hold a simple vignette with functional canisters!

Tulips add a lovely touch of Spring and look fabulous in the pitcher!

I am so glad I painted these items white! Instead of sitting in a cabinet, taking up space, I can proudly display them in my home!

Do you have ceramic items around your house you can transform with spray paint? If so, let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoy the blog, please sign up for our email so you never miss a post!

Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!

Blessings, Donna and Rich

Pin It For Later

More DIY paint Inspiration

• Update Old Decor Items with Paint
• Chalk Paint a Kitchen Table and Chairs
• Steps to Transform a Worn-Out Cornhole Set
• How to Paint Upholstery
• Paint Your Living Room Tables

Get the look

Rust-Oleum Spray Paint, Semi-Gloss White, 6 Pack | Multi-Purpose Sanding Paper