Acrylic, tempera, or poster paints will give you a solid bright color. Oil paints will also work for basic coloring, but they’re harder to clean. If you want a really deep, vivid color, try artists’ quality acrylic or oil paint. Food coloring or icing coloring will give similar results as acrylic and tempera. If you want a pastel or very light color, try pastel chalk. You can also buy readymade clay colorants, but they come in limited colors and can be expensive.
If you are using a solid colorant like pastel chalk, add a little bit of dust to the clay.
For store-bought sealants, follow the package instructions for best results. If you’re using nail polish, apply it in a well-ventilated area. Paint slowly and carefully, making sure each side is dry before you turn it over.
Watercolor and oil paints can work too, but they are much more difficult to handle and won’t have the same effect as acrylic.
Auto detailing brushes are great for painting fine details onto clay. Make sure that your paintbrush is in good condition. An old or damaged paintbrush can shed bristles that smear your design!
Be sure your hands are clean before and during the painting process!
Clear nail polish is a good universal sealant, but it may be difficult to apply to a larger piece. If you use this, apply it in a well-ventilated area, and be sure to wait until it’s dry to start another side.
