How to Paint Lawn Gnome Ceramics Tips and Tricks, DIY for beginner and advanced hobbyists

In this video I demonstrate a few miniature painting tips and tricks and apply them to the painting of a lawn gnome. I show you how to clean, repair, paint, shadow, highlight and protect your ceramic. These steps can be used on any other lawn ceramics such as lighthouses, toadstools, fairies, and so on. This video is for beginner hobbyists and painters and anyone needing a smile or a fun family craft. Children can follow along but they will need assistance on the final step.
For more detailed information and a list of materials: darkhatstudios.com/how-to-pai...
Please post any and all feedback so I can hear how I could improve. I would love to see your finished creations. Please like, share and subscribe. Thanks!
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Prepare
01:07 Repair
01:41 Painting
04:23 Shadows
06:20 Highlights
09:04 Protect
09:55 Wrap Up

[@maryveatch1]

I've been watching painting videos for hours, and this was BY FAR the most helpful. Thank you!!

[@darkhatstudios]

Thank you for the comment! I'm trying to get motivated to make more videos and your words help get me going again.

[@hopeparra1745]

Thank you for the help I did a lot of this thank you for other ideas

[@darkhatstudios]

It is so nice to hear! I very much appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment :)

[@parboot]

Really helpful video. I am glad you decided to give him back a bit of style and character. Gnomes really care about their appearance.

[@darkhatstudios]

HAHA! Thank you, he's been chilling out this summer waiting for me to paint some more, but he's been quite happy in his blue coat.

[@cherylpenn4509]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!! Outstanding.

[@darkhatstudios]

Thank you so very much! We've been working hard at making better videos but I haven't made anything around painting. I have a plan for a ceramic lighthouse and board game miniatures soon. I appreciate the kind words.

[@heidih7679]

Cool. Thanks so much

[@darkhatstudios]

You're very welcome. Your comment is helping to motivate me into learning how to use some new software for another painting video.

[@rochellelucas9107]

Thank you for the video great tips 😊

[@darkhatstudios]

You're welcome! I really appreciate the kind words.

[@Melinda_Ross]

So cute.

[@darkhatstudios]

Thank you!

[@lillomourn2238]

Wow that turned out great

[@darkhatstudios]

Thank you so much!

[@ronnieorchid499]

That was awesome! Nice job!

[@darkhatstudios]

Thanks!

[@carmenrivera5039]

Que lindo quedó

[@MrsKatB]

Thank you for your video! My plan is to make many Koroks from Zelda to display in my garden :) Your painting tips are very helpful!

[@darkhatstudios]

Thank you so much for the kind message! I would love to see how your Koroks turn out. I'm very happy this video helped you and your comment motivates me to make more content. It was my first time trying to make a video and I learned so much.

[@AnnesreborndollsandfunW]

Come see my gnomes .

[@nuxkamina]

@@AnnesreborndollsandfunW Pumpkin Patch looks amazing and I enjoyed seeing all the other ceramic friends.

[@AnnesreborndollsandfunW]

@@nuxkamina thank you .

[@mariae6942]

Great video!! Makes me want to go shopping at the Goodwill stores to find garden statues that need a re-making!! Many times I have seen gnomes, angels, and animal figures that are used of course, but who cares?? With a little effort they can be beautiful again !!!! Thanks for the inspiration. 😀

[@darkhatstudios]

Yes, your comment touched our hearts! This is an excellent point that i didn't really touch on in the video. I think used and garage sale ceramics are the way to go. I'm planning on working on a Lighthouse refurbishing/painting video that should be out this summer.

[@user-co7in2qr5j]

👍👍👍👍👍👍😄👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@raeeaves1307]

Hi I was wondering what’s the best paint for gnome faces for a smooth finish mine always looks like he’s is wrinkled in the face I want the smooth porcelain face look any brands that would help with that?

[@darkhatstudios]

I used Lewiscraft and Folk Art Acrylic Paints from a craft store. Multiple thin coats are typically better than one thick coat. It might just take more paint to fill in the texture of the ceramic. I hope this helps!

[@maddiejanescakes4761]

Hi what paint should I use for a base coat?

[@nuxkamina]

I typically use a white Games Workshop spray-paint. Any cheap white paint that goes with the paint you're using will work. Unless you're going for darker overall.

[@darkhatstudios]

I wrote an accompanying article at darkhatstudios.com/how-to-paint-a-lawn-gnome-in-3-easy-steps/ The article contains more details around the process as well as some links to materials I used.

[@angelafrazier3490]

What kind of paint are you using that you find is the best

[@darkhatstudios]

I haven't found any significant difference in the different crafters/wallmart brands for a task like this. I do find the odd paint that has seperated or was maybe on the shelf too long. I think most brands are similiar but quality can vary in specific pots of paint. I recommend giving them a little shake at the store to make sure they sound right. I just avoid paint that is too liquidy/watery or dried out. Let me know if you've found a brand better than another though!

[@sholley7]

Is the varnish waterbased?

[@darkhatstudios]

Great question! The varnish is not water based. I think that would only work indoors. I wanted to be able to have the gnome outside so I used a Polyurethane.

[@sholley7]

@@darkhatstudios Thank you!

[@zenithorton5433]

How much you charge to paint a gnome?

[@darkhatstudios]

I'd love to chat with you about this! Please message me on Instagram - @azelzor instagram.com/azelzor?igshid=MGNiNDI5ZTU=