Saturday, January 12, 2013

Painted China Will Add Style And Class To Your Home

By Noemi Wallner


Painted china is very appealing. Some striking effects are possible by using different techniques and materials. Many people enjoy the activity as a hobby. Decorations can be added to functional items or artworks can be created to frame and hang on the wall. Once a piece has been fired the color is very durable.

Producing painted china is considered an art. Porcelain artists use varying techniques to add beauty to common, everyday objects. Kiln-firing sets the paint. Articles are fired after each coat of paint is applied. Each time the item is painted and fired the colour intensifies.

A good handicraft store will stock china painting supplies. There are many brands and varieties of brushes, paints and chinaware. It is worth paying a little extra for high quality paints. When starting out, it is useful to attend workshops or groups so that you have someone to ask for advice.

Porcelain originated in Asia and was made from kaolin clay. Later, as techniques were improved in England and on the continent, crushed animal bone was added to the product to create bone china. The original intention of adding color and decoration was to hide any little blemishes.

Some paints come in powder form and need to be mixed with oil. Although the consistency is thick, it must be applied thinly or it will chip. Several thin layers with a firing between each will give good results. Translucent or opaque effects are possible. Additives give lovely metallic finishes and/or iridescence.

A design or pattern is first sketched on the object with special markers. These markings burn off in the kiln. Brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are squared or tapered for special techniques. Brushes must be cleaned between colors to prevent contamination. When finished for the session, a special cleaner is used to thoroughly clean the brush.

The oil used in the paint varies, depending on the article being decorated. The oil chosen should wet the brush and allow the paint to flow. However it also needs to dry off a little before firing so that the colors don't run in the kiln. Suppliers can provide premixed mixing and painting mediums.

Some decades ago, the popular approach was very formal and restrained as was the subject matter. Today, it is similar to painting with oils. Thin washes of color and emphasis on light are prominent. Colors are often blended. Whatever your choice of style, painted china will be a satisfying and absorbing hobby.




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