How To Achieve A White Porcelain Finish

[Bob D.]

I have a wood vase I made to be used for dried flower arrangements that I want to finish to look like it is white porcelain.

Not sure how to go about it. Can I coat with the color paint I want then overcoat with a hard clear gloss or should it be a gloss finish paint and no overcoat.

Spraying I am OK but not good at. Brushing seems to be the only alternative to reach down on the inside which is about 1.5" square and 9 inches deep. I am thinking it will take multiple light coats especially on the vertical surfaces which is 90% of the piece. Sanding the interior seems like it will be almost impossible because it's not flat and follows the exterior curve. So reaching the bottom sides will be tough.

Since the piece is so small it will take very little paint. I was thinking one of those half pint size sample jars that you get a SW or other paint stores would be enough. But I have no idea what type of paint to use to get that hard ceramic look. This does not have to hold water, I just want it to look like ceramic or porcelain.

I have about 6 days to get the finish applied.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Porcelain is hard, smooth, and shiney. To recreate the effect I would definitely spray. First a few coats of white paint, and finish with a few clear coats. And you need to polish between coats and after the last one. And no waterbased paint, that stuff is dull. Use oil based high gloss paints.

 

[Packard]

FPE (Fine Paints of Europe) sells an oil-based paint that will self-level to an extremely smooth finish, whether brushed or sprayed.  It also has the highest gloss rating of any commercially available paint.  But note that it is expensive and works best over FPE's primer (which is also expensive).  Use a good quality, natural bristle brush. 

Hollandlac 98 is the paint I am referring to: https://www.finepaintsofeurope.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1344

 

[AlexThePalex]

ROFL, HollandLac, I bet that isn't available here. In Holland.

 

[Packard]

Actually, it is made in Holland and imported to the USA.  By all reports, it is the best oil-based paint in the USA.

It probably goes under a different name in Holland.

I found this:  Fine Paints of Europe coatings are manufactured in Holland by Wijzonol, the largest privately owned paint manufacturer in Europe. Wijzonol invented product specific tinting in 1975!


Of course I cannot read a word of it: https://www.wijzonol.nl/

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks all.

Alex when you say clear coat what product are you thinking of. It would need to be compatible with whatever color coat I use I know.

Is there a kitchen cabinet coating that might work for this, Kem-Aqua plus White followed by Kem Aqua Plus Clear maybe?

Never used either of these and I only need small quantities which I'm betting I won't be able to get.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Alex when you say clear coat what product are you thinking of. It would need to be compatible with whatever color coat I use I know.

Sorry, I can't recommend any specific products to your locale, as we have totally different brands than you do.

I always use Sikkens Yachtpaints Super Gloss when I need a superior clear coat. Generally needs 5 coats. I don't know if that's available in the USA.

I found this:  Fine Paints of Europe coatings are manufactured in Holland by Wijzonol, the largest privately owned paint manufacturer in Europe. Wijzonol invented product specific tinting in 1975!

Yep, one of the big three here. But I never use it because 1 & 2 are better.

 

[afish]

I routinely finish MDF with 2x urethane automotive base coat clear coat.  Works good for hard long lasting high gloss finish on cabinet doors.  Problem is by the time you buy everything primer, base, clear, reducer, activators etc. its going to be cost prohibitive for such a small one off project.  I think I would try and coat it with epoxy that is tinted white.  You can build it up pretty thick sand it smooth and polish it.  Just make sure to practice on some scrap first.  I think there are some craft people that make epoxy mugs which is fairly similar I would watch some YT videos and try to get some tips and tricks first.  I know some even make a motorized spinner so the epoxy hardens with less chance of runs or sags while building thicker coats.

 

[Bob D.]

I routinely finish MDF with 2x urethane automotive base coat clear coat.  Works good for hard long lasting high gloss finish on cabinet doors.  Problem is by the time you buy everything primer, base, clear, reducer, activators etc. its going to be cost prohibitive for such a small one off project.  I think I would try and coat it with epoxy that is tinted white.  You can build it up pretty thick sand it smooth and polish it.  Just make sure to practice on some scrap first.  I think there are some craft people that make epoxy mugs which is fairly similar I would watch some YT videos and try to get some tips and tricks first.  I know some even make a motorized spinner so the epoxy hardens with less chance of runs or sags while building thicker coats.

Thanks, I was wondering about epoxy tinted white, then finish off with a gloss coat of clear. I think that may be the best way to get the small quantity I need.

I will have to get some product and test it out. Only I don't have another vase like this to try it on but I'll figure out something.

 

[Bob D.]

"Sorry, I can't recommend any specific products to your locale, as we have totally different brands than you do."

My fault, I forgot you're across the ocean. Sometimes I lose track of where everyone is.

 

[Cheese]

Is there a kitchen cabinet coating that might work for this, Kem-Aqua plus White followed by Kem Aqua Plus Clear maybe?

If I remember correctly, I think Kem Aqua is a spray only product and it's only sold in 5 gallon buckets.  [sad]

 

[tjbnwi]

KA+ is available in gallons.

I have shot KA+ black at a 95 BGR. Think the shiniest black car you’ve ever seen.

The KA+ clear gloss is an 85 BGR.

BGR is measured on black glass reflection.

If you want to purchase KA+ you will need to find the SW Products Finishes store for your area, they may or may not sell it to you.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

Not sure where you’re at in NJ, this is the NJ store. There may be a store closer to you in another state.
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/store-locator/product-finishes-facility/wallington/nj/794350

Tom

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks, there is a SW store about 15 miles from me.

I need such a small quantity and I can't think of anything else I might want it for in the future so getting a gallon seems wasteful and expensive for this small project.

I am going to try some white epoxy on a test piece and see how that goes.

 

[bertv]

Alex when you say clear coat what product are you thinking of. It would need to be compatible with whatever color coat I use I know.

Sorry, I can't recommend any specific products to your locale, as we have totally different brands than you do.

I always use Sikkens Yachtpaints Super Gloss when I need a superior clear coat. Generally needs 5 coats. I don't know if that's available in the USA.

I found this:  Fine Paints of Europe coatings are manufactured in Holland by Wijzonol, the largest privately owned paint manufacturer in Europe. Wijzonol invented product specific tinting in 1975!

Yep, one of the big three here. But I never use it because 1 & 2 are better.

Hi Alex, I am curious: who are numbers 1 and 2?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Sikkens and Sigma.