Can I repaint a glazed old-fashioned ceramic bowl & pitcher? Someone made it for me at least 30 years ago. At that time gold, orange, and avacado green were very popular colors. They are painted a (actually beautiful, almost irredesent yellow) with a rose on the bowl and the pitcher. I'm assuming it is glazed and was fired. I love it, but haven't had it out for display in over probably 25 years. I would like to have it painted just a really pretty off-white (something very neutral) and be able to display it on a buffet table along with some other items I've inherited from my grandmother. I don't want to just give it away to a charity organization. I live in Idaho (Idaho Falls area), and go to Salt Lake City, Utah several times a year. If at all possible, I would like to locate someone who is very knowledgeable about this subject to do this project for me. Please help.
Answer Dear Pat,
The irredescent effect, the gold and the decal can be burned off in a kiln. Depending on what's left after that firing, whether the glaze is quite glossy or not, it may need to be sanded or roughed up a bit prior to applying another glaze. Sometimes this works, sometimes not. You're taking a risk, but one that may well be worth it to you. If the creme glaze doesn't cover the yellow, then you could go a darker tan. An experienced ceramicist will test first generally.
There are lots of ceramics shops in your area;
A. Capital Ceramics Inc - www.capitalceramics.com - (801) 466-6471 - More
B. Color Me Mine - www.saltlakecity.colormemine.com - (801) 581-1515 - More
C. Smaht Ceramics Inc - www.smahtceramics.com - (801) 483-3100 - More
D. Abbey Ceramics - abbeyceramics.com - (801) 261-9216 - More
E. Artistic Touch Ceramics - maps.google.com - (801) 967-7186 - More
F. Jackie's Ceramics - maps.google.com - (801) 486-0291 - More
G. Pour House Ceramics-Picassos - maps.google.com - (801) 288-1740 - More
H. Stan Roberts Ceramics - www.xazbead.com - (801) 531-8371 - More
I. Ceramatec - maps.google.com - (801) 886-3275 - More
J. PSI Love You Enterprises - maps.google.com - (801) 955-0907