FAQ's

We are open!

Our new temporary opening times are Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

We will be open for in studio painting from this date, it is essential to book ahead as we cannot accept walk-ins.

We will be offering painting sessions up to 1 3/4 hours.

We can currently only accept bookings of a maximum of 6 people (inclusive of supervisors/non-painters) inline with Government regulations.

We have reduced the amount of tables in the studio to adequately space everyone out to observe social distancing and will be staggering bookings.

Please do not arrive early for your booking as your table will not be ready for you. We will be allowing time in between sessions to thoroughly clean each section.

Hand sanitiser is available in several areas of the studio. Our bathroom will be for emergency use only - please inform staff if you need to use it.

From 24th July all visitors must wear face masks.

Upon arrival please check-in to the studio using the NHS track & trace app.

At this time we can only allow one non-painting supervising adult per booking.

We will be operating a table service protocol - Please do not touch the pottery on display, once you have visually chosen your items we will bring them to the table for you and all paints will be dispensed by the staff.

Rest assured that we will be doing our utmost to keep you safe and ensure you have a happy painting experience while you are here.

If you are displaying any of the covid-19 symptoms please do not visit the studio.

We are now able to offer take home kits for 'Click & Collect' through our website.

Orders can be placed at any time but please have your order in by the latest 12 noon on a Tuesday if you wish to collect that same week - Any order placed after this will be ready for collection the following week. 

All kits will be packed following a stringent hygiene protocol.

Once you have finished painting your items please allow to dry then repack in the tissue and bag and return along with the brushes, sponges and any remaining paints for thorough cleaning.

Your items will be glazed and fired and ready for collection one week later.

All items are subject to stock availability - if we are out of stock of any item you will be notified and offered an alternative or a refund

Do I need to book?

Please note we are currently on open for pre-booking (no walk-ins)

When things get back to normal.....

It is always best to call and reserve a session in the studio, especially at our busiest times - Saturdays, school holidays, Tuesday evenings, Christmas etc.

Sessions are for up to 2 hours (if you require longer for a larger project please let us know at the time of booking so we can allow extra time. But please note this may not always be possible on really busy days)

The last painting time is 1 hour before closing. If there are no painters in the studio after 5pm we will sometimes close early, so please call if you need to collect items after 5pm.

Booking is required for any party package sessions, and a deposit will be required upon confirmation of the booking.

Please book for all baby impressions/castings as materials have to be prepared before your visit, thank you.

How much does it cost?
There is a studio fee of £4.50 per painter, which covers the paints, glazing and firing, then plus the cost of the items you choose on top. The most popular items are priced between £7 - £18.

Can my children/I paint?
Yes, anyone can paint whatever age or ability.

How long does it take?
To paint, most people spend 1 to 2 hours but you can stay longer if you wish. On busy days like Saturdays and in the school holidays we may have to limit your time to 2 hours so everyone can have a go. We will advise you of this on the day that you book.

Works in progress

If you don't have time to finish painting your item in one session you are more than welcome to return and finish it another day. There will be no extra charge for one return trip within 2 weeks of starting. Your unfinished items will be kept for 3 months only after which they will be wiped clean and painted for our charity raffles.

When do I collect my masterpiece?  
Items are normally ready for collection 3-4 days later.  Please note that at really busy times this can extend to 1 week.

Is it toxic?
No.  All our paints and glazes are non-toxic, lead-free and food-safe.

Does it wash out?
Yes.  All paints are water-based and wash out with soap and water.

What if I'm not artistic?
It doesn't matter, anyone can paint pottery! We have lots of examples and books for inspiration, folders of stencils, stamps, sponges and expert staff to advise at any point to help you achieve something you will be really proud of.

Can I paint on my own?
Of course. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is a very relaxing pastime, but probably best if you avoid Saturdays and school holidays!

Do you hold parties?
Yes, click on the party page for details.

How do I wash the items?
To prolong the life of your masterpiece it is preferable to hand wash your item.

Can I put them in the oven?
No, they are not oven proof and we also do not recommend them for use in the microwave as they get extremely hot!

All images and samples copyright Dish Ceramics Studio 2002 - 2020

Dish Ceramics Studio