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Safety And Care Information

Dry Brushing Instructions For Bisque

Dry brushing is a simple decorating technique that highlights raised textures and details on a bisque-fired ceramic piece. The method uses a small amount of paint on the brush, allowing colour to catch only the high points while leaving recessed areas untouched.

Step 1 - Prepare your materials

Items needed are:

  1. Bisque-fired ceramic piece
  2. Ceramic paint
  3. Flat or stiff-bristled brush
  4. Paper towel
  5. Pallete or disposable plate
  6. Water vessel to wash your brush in
  7. Apron or old clothes

Items 1-5 are supplied in your kit.

Step 2 - Prepare your bisque

  1. Ensure the piece is clean and free of dust
  2. Apply the base coat from your kit with a paint brush and allow to dry

Step 2, 3 and 4

2. Load the Brush
Dip the tips of the brush lightly into the white paint. A small amount is all that is needed.

3. Remove Excess Paint
Wipe most of the paint off onto a paper towel. The brush should appear almost dry, with only a trace of paint remaining on the bristles.

4. Apply Light Strokes
Using a gentle touch, sweep the brush across the surface of the piece. Focus on raised textures, edges, and decorative details. The paint will catch on the higher areas, creating contrast and depth.

Build Colour Gradually

Apply additional light passes rather than one heavy coat. Building colour slowly provides better control and a more natural finish.

Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat

Steps 5, 6, 7 and 8

5.  Colour your piece 
Choose your colours for each part of your piece and apply them as you did in step 2-4

6. Add Extra Highlights
For greater depth, use a lighter shade over darker colours or layer multiple colours allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

7. Finish
Allow the paint to dry completely. 

8. Apply the sealer
Apply 2 coats of sealer, allowing each coat to dry inbetween.

Tips For Success

  • Less paint on the brush produces better results
  • Use light pressure and multiple passes
  • Experiment with metallics, whites, or contrasting colours to emphasise texture
  • Practice on the the test tile included in your pack
  • Paint and sealer continue to harden over 24 - 48 hours.


We use Duncan Bisq-Stain Acrylics.  We are not affiliated with Duncan / Mayco products.  You can find out more about Duncan Bisq -Stain Acrylics here: 

Duncan Acrylic Bisq-Stain