The oldest decoration technique used by the Maastricht potteries was hand-painting. This was used for filets (fine ornamental lines), but mainly for applying the kind of leaf and floral patterns that were to become known as 'boerenbont'.

'Boerenbont' existed in many different patterns. Initially, the Maastricht factories copied patterns from English and German potteries. Gradually, however, their range was extended with their own designs and variations. The number of different patterns is estimated at five or six hundred, each coming in various colour variants.

In most cases the painting was done by women and girls. They had two kinds of utensils at their disposal: a paint brush and stamps. Brushes came in various types and sizes, depending on the pattern to be painted. Simple, recurring patterns were stamped, as this was faster and cheaper.

'Boerenbont' was common household earthenware. Only undecorated, white earthenware was cheaper. It has always been immensely popular, especially because it was affordable by people of modest means. It remained in supply until 1969, when Sphinx terminated the production of household earthenware.