Painting ceramics

[Sharky]

Hello, I'm new to ceramics (my background's in fine art) and was wondering if anyone can help with a question I have...

I have a second-hand ceramic piggy bank which I want to paint a detailed image of a dog on to (as a special gift). A friend has given it a matte base coat but I'm stuck on what type of paint to use.
I'm unsure whether to use ceramic paint because I don't want to heat seal it as I'm worried it could crack (it needs to still function as a money bank).
I'm wondering if acrylic paint could work on the matte base, but unsure if it would dry fully & be durable.

Can anyone help?

[Louise88]

It's not my area of expertise, but my first thought was acrylic paint too :)

[Sharky]

Thank you for your response.
I might try acrylic on a very small area using a pale colour (so it can easily be painted over, if it goes well or not!).
Thanks again!

[Critchley]

You can buy paints that harden in the domestic oven at very reasonable heat settings. You can get them from most craft stores - dare I mention Hobbycraft. they used to be about £2 a small bottle but I have'nt bought any for years so could be dearer.

[Scorch]

If you dont want to heat it (and if you've already painted it with ordinary paint, that's a good decision!) then acrylics would be what I'd recommand too. I'm sure they'll paint over a matte coat, as good acrylics will stick to almost anything. They're pretty durable in themselves, and you can always give the whole thing a coat or two of clear varnish/lacquer afterwards...

[Sharky]

:DThank you all so much for your help!

I think acrylics will be the way forward - thanks for the reassurance!
I like Scorch's suggestions of a final coat of varnish/lacquer to seal it- thanks!

I'll be off now to paint a pig!;)
Thanks again!

[autumn rose]

Dont forget to show us when you have finished it:)