Expert: Leisha Hiester - 11/24/2008

Question
I bought some clay/ceramic craft pieces from Hobby Lobby to paint and give to family for Christmas.  They are the little white statue type figures, I think they are technically called bisqueware.  I painted them with acrylic craft paint, the cheap stuff, and I bought some DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze that paints on.  I was hoping to give the figures a little shine and make them smooth in appearance so they look a little more finished.  
My question is whether or not I need to bake these types of things to make them work.  If I do, what kind of time and temperature am I looking at?  
I have never done this before and I don't want to mess up all the work I have already done.  I have not yet put on the gloss, just the paint.  
Thank You!

Answer
David,
Unless you're 'glazing' them, you don't need to fire them. You can simply paint them with the acrylic paint & then seal them. To be sure & for your own confidence, always test a little first. Try a small spot of the gloss over the paint on the bottom of the piece first. Follow instructions for the gloss. :) Leisha