In tinting china, the best results are always obtained by using freshly mixed colors. They work more easily and smoothly. A broad tinting brush or square shader should be used for this work—one color or a combination of colors may produce a tint. Apply the color as smoothly as possible, but if it is found to be not quite even, pad it with a cloth or pad. Some colors contain more grit than others—and are more difficult to pad. In applying such colors as yellow-brown, brown-green, apple-green, dark pompadour and pink, it is necessary to dampen the pad with mixing oil. When using the smoother tints, it will only be necessary to tint the pad, by touching it to the color. The effect will be improved and deepened by a dusting of colors when the tint is about dry.

The term “flushing” is sometimes used when tinting is used for a background.