How to Paint Clay Flowerpots

Clay flowerpots are easy and fun to paint.

Flowerpots are a decorative addition to any garden, terrace, patio or other outdoor space. Terra cotta flowerpots, which are made of unglazed clay, are available at most gardening stores for a reasonable price and are ripe to be painted with pictures or designs. Flowerpot painting can be relatively quick, is kid-friendly and makes a lasting addition to the decor of your home. Like all painting projects, clay pot painting can be messy, so try your hand at it outside on a sunny day.

Things You'll Need

• Terra cotta or unglazed clay pots
• Sandpaper
• Liquid soap
• Newspaper
• Acrylic or latex paint
• Weatherproof spray paint
• Sponge blocks
• Rubber cement
• Water-based polyurethane

Instructions

1. Prepare your pots for painting. Sand away any imperfections in the pot's surface, using a piece of sandpaper. Wash the pots in soap and water to get rid of any dirt that has accumulated while the pots were in storage. Allow the pots to dry before painting.

2. Apply masking tape directly onto the surface of the pot in order to create a pattern, such as stripes. Spray the pot over the masking tape in a well-ventilated area with weatherproof spray paint. Alternatively, paint a background color with acrylic or latex paint directly onto the pot. In either case, allow the pot to dry completely. You may wish to do this over newspaper in order to catch any paint drips.

3. Remove the masking tape to reveal the pattern. This pot is now ready to be filled with the plant of your choice. If you have just painted the background color, use the acrylic or latex paints to make a picture, design or pattern. Use sponge blocks to print an uneven shape. If you are additionally crafty you can adhere wrapping paper to your pot with rubber cement to enhance the design.

4. Place the pot in an area to dry overnight. Seal the outside of the pot with a water-based polyurethane to ensure your painting holds up in the elements. Let the polyurethane dry according to package directions.

References

• Martha Stewart: Pots of All Stripes
• Patricia's Pots: How to Paint a Terra Cotta Flower Pot
• Kiddie Gardens: Painting Clay Pots

Resources

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Choosing a Clay or Plastic Pot for Plants