Can you paint air dry clay before it is dry?

If you paint wet clay with any kind of paint, the paint will not absorb into the clay body. Acrylics would burn off in the firing. (you could paint them on after)

Typically the first firing is the Bisque Fire. This is where the Greenware(dried clay not fired). Comonly fired at cone 06 the clay is sturdy and has a high viscosity (it can absorb glaze/paint). cone o4 is used for underglazes which are a different type of paint for ceramics.

The second firing (Glaze Fire) is at cone 6. After the piece is glazed/painted it is fired and the surface is glassy. The piece is finished

If you want clear/bright colors I would suggest using underglaze. You paint it on after the clay has dried and before it is fired. It only needs to be fired once.

Bisque Fire: cone 06 approx.1,800 degrees F.

Bisque Fire (for Underglazes) cone 04 1900F

Glaze Fire: cone 6 approx. 2200F

*Make sure that nothing is more than an inch thick. Less if possible. If there is a bubble in the body of your piece, when it's fired the air will expand and the piece will explode. (taking out everything on the kiln shelf with it.-this is the voice of experience.)