Painting a Valentines Tea Kettle?

Question

Hi

Today, I bought my Girlfriend a Le Creuset Tea Kettle for Valentines Day. The Le Creuset Website said that it was a "sturdy carbon steel and finished with a vibrant porcelain enamel finish".

I am planning on adding a personal note to the outside using paint or another means of marking

I was wondering what sort of Paint I should use to personalize it, considering that it will be used to brew hot tea and thus will reach considerable temperatures on its surface?

Thanks to all

Answer 1

It's a good idea, but I'm not sure it's a doable idea. You can get high temperature paints, of course, but they're mostly drab colors made for furnaces, etc., and in spray cans. Why not go to one of those paintable pottery places and make her a special coffee/tea mug to go with the kettle? They may be able to get your piece fired in time for the big day. Otherwise, a handmade card, a special blend of tea or coffee, a box of gourmet chocolates to go with would make your very kind gift extra special.



If you do want to paint the tea kettle, you'll need to sand the area you intend to paint. You have a little leeway with the temperature since the kettle is unlikely to get a lot hotter than the boiling water (if she takes it all the way to boiling). It may, a little bit, since the top portions of the kettle will be exposed to steam. You could try an enamel designed for car painting (they come in small bottles for touch-up). Personally, though, I wouldn't paint it without having time to experiment on similar surfaces that I don't care so much about.



Kudos to you, doing your best to bless her. I hope you both have a great Valentine's Day.