How to Seal Clay Pots

Painted and sealed clay pots

It is not a requirement to seal your clay pots, but there are advantages to doing so. Clay, or terra cotta, is porous. That means that it allows air inside the pot, drying the soil more readily than with sealed pots. Watering is required more often to keep the soil moist and the plant well hydrated. Decorate clay pots with acrylic paints and seal them to keep the design from fading or wearing off.

Things You'll Need

• Clay pots
• Patio paint
• Clear exterior sealer
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Dust off your new clay pot with a cloth. Wash a reused clay pot with soap and water, scrubbing with a brush until it is clean. Place the pot out in the sun. Wait until it is completely dry.

2. Brush on a coat of patio paint for a colorful solid color pot. Paint a design on the raw clay pot or over the patio paint with acrylic paints, if you like.

3. Spray an exterior clear sealer over the painted design and inside the pot. If you only used patio paint, you do not need a clear sealer over the top, as there is a sealer already in the paint. The sealer is available in a glossy or matte finish.

4. Apply another coat of the clear exterior sealer on the inside and outside of the pot, unless you have used patio paint.

References

• Ben Franklin Crafts: Clay Pot Preparation