How to Seal Cracked Pots

Seal cracked pots with silicone.

Decorator or gardening pots are an expensive investment, especially when they are large, hand thrown or have a specialty finish or look. They can develop cracks as a result of use or environmental factors. Instead of replacing the pots, you can seal them and extend their lifespan. Small pots are an easy fix with silicone caulk, while large pots can require wire for support. Fix pots as soon as you notice a problem to prevent them from cracking beyond repair.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Thin shim
• Rubber mallet
• Clear silicone
• Caulk gun
• Nylon rope
• Putty knife
• Rotary tool
• 1/8-inch masonry bit
• 30-gauge copper wire
• Pliers
• Wire clipper

Instructions

Silicone

1. Wipe the inside and outside of the pot with a damp rag to remove residue from the surfaces. Let the pot dry before sealing the crack.

2. Place a thin shim into the crack and gently pry it open enough for the silicone to seep inside the crack. Use a rubber mallet to apply light pressure to the shim, if needed. Use caution to prevent breaking the pot apart.

3. Apply clear, waterproof silicone to the cracked area with a caulk gun. Press the tip of the tube against the crack to force the silicone inside. Apply the silicone to the crack on the inside and the outside of the pot.

4. Pull the shim out and wrap a nylon cord around the top and base of the pot. Pull the cord tight and tie knots to hold the crack together tightly while the silicone dries.

5. Remove the rope after letting the pot dry for 48 hours. Scrap excess silicone from the outside of the pot with a putty knife or sharp blade.

Wire

1. Use a pencil to mark dots 1/2 inch apart along each side of the crack. Line up the holes across from each other, similar to shoelace holes. These are the drilling holes for wiring the crack together.

2. Drill through each marking slowly with a 1/8-inch-diameter masonry bit. Attach the masonry bit to a rotary tool to prevent breaking the pot with too much pressure.

3. Cut 30-gauge copper wire into 3-inch-long pieces and bend them to make a hairpin-curved shape to thread through the holes. Place both ends of a wire piece through the matching holes so the curve is on the outside of the pot and the ends are on the inside.

4. Reach inside the post and twist the ends of the wire together tightly. You may want to use pliers to grasp the ends and twist. Use caution to prevent cracking the pot further. Clip extra wire on the inside of the pot and bend the remaining ends tight to the pot.

5. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone to the inside and outside of the crack to seal the area. Let the silicone dry for 48 hours before using the pot.

References

• The Artistic Garden: Terra Cotta Repair Techniques
• Garden Wise: Fixing Terra-cotta Pots