The invention essentially relates to the use of ceramic powders whose surface has been rendered hydrophobic to produce fine-particle dispersions having a high solids content and a low viscosity. The invention further relates to specific ceramic powders whose surface has been rendered hydrophobic, and methods of producing them. Ceramic powders whose oxidic surface has hydroxide groups possessing a basic or amphoteric character can be rendered hydrophobic, for example, through the effect of a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. Acidic oxides are rendered hydrophobic through treatment with metal-containing hydrophobing agents which are, however, also suitable for rendering ceramic powders hydrophobic that have a basic or amphoteric character.