How to Paint Glazed Ceramic Pots

You can easily transform a dingy, glazed ceramic pot with fresh and vibrant paint. The evolution of primers and paints that bond with just about any surface material makes painting the least expensive way to add new life to old ceramic pots. Whether you simply want to personalize your pots or completely change the container color, you can paint its glazed surface and have the new paint adhere for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Glazed ceramic pots
• Distilled white vinegar
• Sponge
• Water-based, urethane-modified, acrylic primer-sealer
• 2-inch polyester sponge paintbrush
• Acrylic outdoor paint (100 percent)
• Glass and tile cleaner
• Colored pencil
• Small detail paintbrush
• Water-based glass and tile paint

Instructions

Painting the Pots a New Color

1. Clean the ceramic pots with a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water applied with a sponge. Rinse them thoroughly with warm water and allow them to dry 24 hours.

2. Apply a water-based, urethane-modified, acrylic primer-sealer to the glazed surface with a 2-inch polyester sponge paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for 6 hours.

3. Paint the ceramic pots with a clean polyester sponge paintbrush that you have dipped in 100% acrylic outdoor paint. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before placing a plant in it.

Adding Painted Details to Glazed Ceramic Pots

1. Clean the glazed surface with a glass and tile surface cleaner applied to a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge thoroughly under warm water and rinse the cleanser residue from the pot with the clean wet sponge. Let the pot dry for 24 hours.

2. Draw your design onto the pot with a colored pencil.

3. Paint your accent design onto the pot. Use a small detail paintbrush dipped in water-based glass and tile paint that does not require firing or heating in the oven to obtain durability.

Tips & Warnings

• You can obtain the primer and paint you need to completely paint a glazed ceramic pot at a paint store and water-based glass and tile paint at a craft store.

• Always paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.

References

• Let's Build: How to Prepare Different Surfaces For Paint
• Violtan: Lefranc & Bourgeois Glass & Tile Paint
• California Paints: Grip Coat Bonding Primer