Pottery Painting at The Hub: Tips for Getting Started

At The Creative Hub, pottery painting is one of our favorite ways to relax, unwind, and get creative. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, and the best part is — you don’t need any prior experience. You simply choose a piece of bisque pottery (already shaped and kiln-fired), pick your colors, and paint away! Once you’re finished, we take care of the glazing and firing, and your piece is ready to pick up a week later, food-safe and dishwasher-safe.

Whether you’re painting a mug, plate, or a fun figurine, here are some helpful tips and things to know before you start.

Pottery Painting Tips

• Choose your piece: Pick something that inspires you! Mugs and bowls are always popular for beginners since they’re both fun to paint and useful.

• Plan your colors: Lighter colors work best as base coats, while darker colors show up better on top for details and outlining.

• Use thin layers: One thick coat of paint won’t look as good once it’s fired. Instead, use 2–3 thinner coats for even coverage.

• Think about designs: Sketch an idea on paper, trace with pencil, or use stamps and stencils for patterns. Don’t worry if you’re not “artistic” — simple designs always turn out beautifully.

• Be patient: The paint may look chalky before firing, but after glazing and firing, your colors will come out smooth and vibrant.

A snapshot of our pottery room

Materials You’ll Use at The Hub

When you come to paint at The Hub, we’ve got everything ready for you:

• Bisque pottery: Unglazed, pre-fired pottery pieces in all shapes and sizes.

• Underglaze paints: These are the special paints we use that come to life after firing.

• Brushes and tools: From all size brushes to sponges and support from our staff, you’ll find everything you need.

• Glazing and firing service: We take care of the final steps so you don’t have to worry about it. We fire the kiln once a week so it's ready for pick up quickly!

A cute teapot painted by one of our customers

How to Get Started

1. Pick out your pottery piece.

2. Wipe it clean with a damp sponge to remove dust.

3. Paint on your base colors first, then add details.

4. When you’re done, leave your piece with us. We’ll glaze and fire it in the kiln.

5. Come back in about a week to pick up your finished pottery!

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Painting too thickly: Thick layers may flake or bubble after firing — keep it thin and build up layers.

• Not letting areas dry: Wet paint will smudge if you add new layers too quickly.

• Skipping base coats: If you want bold, solid colors, give your piece 2–3 coats before adding detail.

Keep Growing Your Skills

The best way to get better at pottery painting is simply to paint more pieces. Try experimenting with patterns, layering colors for depth, or using stencils for clean shapes. And don’t be afraid to try something new each time you come in — you’ll be amazed at how much you improve.

Pottery painting at The Hub is about more than just creating something pretty — it’s about slowing down, having fun, and making something personal you can keep or gift. Whether you’re here with friends, kids, or just by yourself for some creative downtime, we can’t wait to see what you create!