How to Paint Terra Cotta Gold
Terra cotta pots and containers are porous and hold a variety of plants, decorative objects and other items. The pots and containers come in various sizes and styles and accept paint readily without the need for a special primer. You can even paint terra cotta gold if you don't like the pot's original color. Once the terra cotta contains gold paint, it is important to seal the paint to keep it from fading over time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sink stopper
- Warm water
- Latex gloves
- Stiff brush
- 3 soft, white rags or towels
- Drop cloth
- Red acrylic craft paint
- 2 plastic or old porcelain plates
- Cold water
- 2 foam brushes
- Gold acrylic craft paint
- Clear water-based acrylic spray, matte or glossy
Instructions
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1
Place a stopper in your kitchen sink and fill the sink with warm water. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands dry. Place the terra cotta pot or container in the warm water and let the item soak for 1 hour.
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2
Scrub the pot or container clean with a stiff brush to remove any price stickers or dirt. Dry it with a soft, white rag or towel.
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3
Place a drop cloth on a flat surface --- desk, workbench, table or other surface. Pour 4 tbsp. of red acrylic craft paint onto a plastic or old porcelain plate. Pour 2 tsp. of cold water into the paint, then stir the paint with a foam brush to thin it.
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Apply the paint onto the pot or container using broad sweeps with the foam brush. Paint around the item slowly, then paint an inch down into the top of the pot or container inside the rim. Do not paint the bottom of the item, because the paint might clog the drainage holes.
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Let the terra cotta container dry for 1 hour. Then pour 4 tbsp. of gold acrylic craft paint onto another plastic or old porcelain plate. Do not thin the paint with water.
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Apply the gold paint onto the item using broad sweeps with a clean foam brush. Work around the pot or container slowly, then paint an inch down into the top of the item inside the rim. Do not paint the bottom of the item.
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7
Let the gold paint dry, then apply a second coat. Apply a third coat if you want even more coverage.
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Let the pot or container dry for four to five days, then spray a clear water-based acrylic coating on the item to seal the paint. Let it dry and apply a second coat of the spray.
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Tips & Warnings
Acrylic paint dries fast, so work quickly and in a well-ventilated area to dissipate fumes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit terra cotta abstract image by Mark Grenier from Fotolia.com
