How to Repair Cracked Terra Cotta

Repair terra cotta in a few simple steps.

Outdoor gardening often involves planting flowers in a variety of containers including terra-cotta pots. Typically reddish brown in color, terra-cotta pots have long been favored by many gardeners as a container for a variety of outdoor plants. Terra cotta can be affected by freezing temperatures that can result in cracks. Repairing cracks to a favorite terra-cotta pot can be accomplished so that, in most cases, the pot can continue to be used and enjoyed.

Things You'll Need

• Cracked terra-cotta pot
• Stiff bristle brush
• Damp rag
• Small wood shim
• Silicon caulk
• Small-diameter wire
• Pliers
• Scraper

Instructions

1. Brush as much dirt and debris from the area around the crack in the terra cotta as possible with a stiff bristle brush. Wipe the surface of the terra cotta around the crack with a damp rag to remove remaining dirt. Allow the terra cotta to completely dry.

2. Insert a small wood shim into the crack in the terra cotta. Push the shim in just enough to slightly spread the crack apart without making it worse.

3. Squeeze silicon caulk into and along the entire length of the crack. Remove the wood shim.

4. Wrap small diameter wire around the terra-cotta pot. Twist the ends of the wire together with a pair of pliers to pull the two sides of the crack tightly together.

5. Allow the silicon caulk to cure completely for at least 24 hours. Remove the wire from the terra-cotta pot. Remove excess caulk with a scraper.

References

• The Artisitic Garden: Repairing Cracked Terra Cotta