In the technique of painting over the glaze, used at Augarten, the enamel paint is applied with the finest brushstrokes or with a pen on white wares that have already been fired twice. This technique makes it possible to attain the fine, delicately shaded and artistically excellent pattern in the tradition that has distinguished the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory Augarten.

For painting special colours are used to merge with the glaze in firing at 820 °C.

The virtuous substance in the paint fuses with the glaze and firmly adheres to the surface of the porcelain. As many as six firings are required for multi-colored patterns to achieve the over-all artistic effect.

In manufactory porcelain there are three different painting techniques.
- Overglaze technique: the enamel is applied on top of the glaze.
- Inglaze technique: the enamel sinks into the glaze before firing.
- Underglaze technique: the enamel is applied underneath the glaze.

Painting tradition

Painting on white porcelain is done to pre-existing patterns by artists specialized in certain types of motifs. Painting is done by hand, making each piece different and one-of-a-kind.

There are three groups of specialists among porcelain painters;
A) color painters (floral patterns, genre scenes, landscapes and hunting scenes)
B) edgers and ornament painters
C) figure painters

Each porcelain painter has his or her own number, which is painted on the bottom of the new porcelain product. This is the artist’s signature.

Gilt and colors

Frequently the colors attain their true strength and brilliance only after firing.

For gilding, 24 carat gold dust is mixed with a liquid. Firing gives it a dull golden color. Polishing with sea sand and agate brings out the beautiful shiny finish.