How to Paint a Clay Pot to Look Like a Bird

Paint the outside of a clay pot to add personal flair.

Clay pots have many household uses and come in many different shapes and sizes. Some clay pots are used for decoration or candles, while others are used for planting flowers or trees. Adding personal flair to the clay pots is fairly simple, but the pots must be prepped properly or else the artwork may fade or ruin. Painting clay pots is a family-friendly activity, and the pots can be painted to suit any taste. You can easily add a bird or other animal image to your pot.

Things You'll Need

• Water-based polyurethane sealant
• Water-based acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Sandpaper
• Soap
• Water

Instructions

1. Feel the exterior of the pot with your hand and sand away any rough patches. Wash the clay pot in warm, soapy water and allow to dry.

2. Seal the inside of the pot using a water-based polyurethane sealant. Apply the sealant evenly over the entire inside of the pot using a paintbrush. Wash the brush with soap and water when finished. If the pot is to be used as a candleholder, glaze and fire the pot to protect the paint from heat damage.

3. Designate the front of the pot, and begin to outline the outside of the pot using a water-based acrylic paint. Draw the eyes and beak large enough to cover the entire top-front of the pot, leaving room below to draw the lighter breast-feather underbelly.

4. Along the sides and back of the pot, outline the wings and tail feathers. At, the very bottom of the front of the pot, draw two small stick legs. Color in the bird outline using the appropriate color to resemble the species of bird. For example, if the bird is a cardinal, use red paint for the feathers and red, black and white paint for the face. Wash the paintbrushes in soap and water when finished.

5. Allow the pot to dry in a cool, dry place. After drying overnight, seal the outside of the pot using the same water-based polyurethane used on the inside of the pot. Wash the paintbrushes when finished.

References

• Patricia's Pots: How to Paint a Terra Cotta Flower Pot
• The Artistic Garden: How to Paint Terra Cotta Pots