How to Glaze A Terra-Cotta Pot

By glazing your own terra-cotta pots, you can coordinate any colors or styles. In this how-to you will find step-by-step instructions on how to glaze your own terra-cotta pots!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• terra-cotta flowerpot(s)
• concrete water-proofing sealer
• latex exterior house paint
• clear shellac
• two paint brushes
• fine-grit sandpaper
• soft rags

1. Before you begin, make sure that you have gathered all the materials listed in the 'Things You'll Need' box. You should also be aware that you must be patient, as you will have to allow the pot to dry several times in between steps. To begin, rinse the pot well, inside and out, in warm water to remove any dust or dirt and allow it to dry.

2. Depending on the size of the pot, select a brush that will be easy to use inside of the pot. Apply a thin coat of a concrete water proofing sealer to the inside of the pot and allow it to dry. A second coat is not necessary, but is recommended depending on the thickness of the first coat.

3. After the inside is dry, apply your first coat of latex paint to the outside of the pot, using a brush that is size appropriate to the pot you are painting. If you are going to paint a stripe of a different color, no extra steps are needed at this point because this is your base coat. Allow the paint to dry for twenty-four hours.

4. After the first coat is dry, sand lightly over the pot and rub over it with a soft rag to remove the dust. If you are doing a solid color pot, apply two more coats of paint, sanding and wiping after each coat has dried for twenty-four hours. If you are applying a thin stripe of a different color, complete the two coats and apply the stripe directly over top of the dry paint with a thin brush. If you are wanting a wide stripe, you can alternate coats of the two colors until both your base color and stripe color have two to three dry coats.

5. To seal the dry paint, apply a thin coat of shellac only to the outside of the pot. After the shellac has dried completely, lightly sand over and wipe down the pot. Repeat the process at least once more. For good measure, it is best if you apply a total of three coats of shellac. You now have a personalized treasure that matches your style. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• To coordinate your pots with your home, use leftover home paint on the pots. ie., paint from gutters, shutters, trim, door facing, mailbox post, etc.
• Even though shellac is 'clear' multiple coats can dry with a slight yellowish tint. If you are using a white or light color of paint on your pots, stick to only one coat of shellac.