Painting terracotta pots is a fun way to add color to your home or garden. In this tutorial for how to paint terracotta pots.
You’ll also learn what paint to use on terracotta plant pots, how to prepare your pots for painting, and how to seal clay pots.
Tired of the traditional look of terracotta plant pots? Spice them up with a fresh coat of paint.
Add a bit of color to your garden by adding hand painted plant pots that fit your style. Or create a cute theme by painting a matching set.
You could even give a thoughtful, personalized gift by potting up a houseplant that you propagated from your indoor plants, and paint the pot to go with it.
Mix and match colors, designs, and patterns. You can do whatever your creative mind thinks up. The options and possibilities really are endless, and they are all budget-friendly.
Table of Contents
Before You Start Painting Terracotta Pots
But there are a few things to do before you start painting terracotta pots. So, before I jump into the steps, let’s talk about what kind of paint to use.
We’ll also talk about how to prepare clay pots for painting, and whether or not you need to seal your pots before painting them.
Then I will show you the exact steps I use for my method of painting clay pots. This method will work whether you want to paint large terracotta flower pots, mini terracotta pots, or any size in between.
What Kind Of Paint To Use On Terracotta Pots
The best paint to use on clay pots… well, I’m not sure if there is only one type of paint that is considered the best.
In my experience, acrylic and spray paint are both paints suitable for terracotta pots. For this project, I’ll be painting terracotta pots with acrylic craft paint.
But I have used spray paint for clay pots before too, and it works just as well. So, go with the type of paint you prefer to use, or use whatever you have on hand.
How To Prepare Terracotta Pots For Painting
The first step you will take before painting terracotta pots is to clean them.
If you buy clay pots that are brand new, run them under water and lightly scrub them with a cleaning brush or a pot brush before painting them.
You don’t want any residue or powder on the pot – the paint will look lumpy if the pots aren’t clean.
If you want to paint old terracotta pots (which is what I did), you definitely need to clean them so the paint will stick and look its best.
Clay pots can look pretty rugged if they’ve been used before. They are incredibly easy to clean though, so take the extra 30 minutes and follow the steps for how to clean terracotta pots before painting them.
Whether used or new, ensure your pots are COMPLETELY dry before starting to paint them. Terracotta clay planters really soak up the moisture, so it may take awhile.
I let mine dry overnight, but you may find it takes a day or two for yours to dry. You can set them in the sun to help speed up the process.
Do You Need To Seal Terracotta Pots Before Painting?
Sealing terracotta pots for painting is an optional step, and it’s totally up to you if you want to do it.
If you’re painting terracotta pots for outdoor use, then using a clay pot sealer first will help the paint last longer.
On the flip side, if you want your pots to get a nice aged look over time, then don’t seal them first.
Waterproofing clay pots affects their breathability. That means that the soil will retain moisture much longer than it would in an untreated pot.
Keep this in mind if you’re used to using plain terracotta pots, so that you don’t end up overwatering your plants.
Rather than sealing them before painting, you could use a paint primer for terracotta pots, which will help the paint last longer too.
Water based primers won’t completely seal the pot, which will allow it to breath better than it can when completely sealed.
Sealing Terracotta Pots After Painting
One you’re done painting your pots, I definitely recommend using spray sealer over the paint to protect your hard work. This won’t completely seal the pots, so they will still be able to breath.
It just adds a layer of protection over your paint job. You can simply use a spray on sealer, which you can get in a clear matte or clear gloss finish.
How To Paint Terracotta Pots With Acrylic Paint
Ok, now let’s jump into the steps for painting terracotta pots! For my project, I decided to paint a matching set of pots for my indoor herbs.
I have a collection of old pots that have been sitting around in my garage, so I selected four 6-in terracotta clay pots.
Then I cleaned them up, painted them, added a bit of additional decor, and voilà. The cutest set of terracotta herb pots you’ve ever seen!
Materials Needed For Pot Painting
- New or used terracotta pots
- Scrub brush or pot brush (optional)
- Foam sponge paint brushes
- Assorted acrylic paint colors
- Newspaper
- Decorations (optional): decorative twine, regular twine, yarn, beads, buttons, letter stickers, stencils, etc.
- All-purpose craft glue (optional – used for adhering my decoration)
- Spray sealer (matte or glossy)
- Paper plate (optional)
- Water (optional)
Steps For Painting Clay Pots
Total Time – 30-90 minutes (not including total dry time)
Step 1: Prepare clay pots for painting – As I mentioned above, whether you’re using old clay pots or brand new ones, you’ll want to clean them before painting them.
Use your scrub brush or pot brush to get all the dust and dirt off, then allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Depending on the size of the pot, it can take anywhere from overnight to a few days for the pots to dry completely.
Step 2: Set up your workspace – Lay down newspaper where you will be painting terracotta pots.
Even with a careful hand, it’s hard to paint a pot without getting a little paint on the surface you are working on – you have to set the pot down eventually.
Step 3: Thin your paint (optional) – This is an optional step, but it really helps spread the paint over the pot when applying the base coat.
Terracotta clay plant pots can really soak up the paint, so thinning it out with a little water helps spread it quickly and easily.
Squirt a decent amount of paint on a paper plate. Add a very small amount of water (start with a teaspoon) to the paint and carefully mix it together using your foam sponge paint brush.
Keep in mind that the water will change the color of the paint slightly. You don’t want your paint too thin or it will run right off the pot.
Step 4: Paint your pots – Use your foam sponge brush to paint the base coat. After you have your base coat on the terracotta pot, use non-thinned paint to add 2-3 additional coats.
How many coats you use depends on the quality of your paint, if you want any of the pot showing through, and what color paint you are using.
You don’t have to wait for the paint to dry completely in between coats, but should let it dry at least 75% of the way before adding more paint. It will be sticky to the touch, but not wet.
Also, note that you don’t need to paint the very bottom of your pot since no one will see it. The inside doesn’t need to be painted either.
But if you want to paint the top inch or two on the inside of the pot, that will cover the part that soil doesn’t.
Related Post: How To Plant A Mum In A Pumpkin Step By Step
Step 5: Decorate your pots (optional) – Decorating terracotta pots is fun, and there tons of things you could do to give your pots even more pizazz.
I added some decorative twine to the top of my painted herb pots for a little texture, and adhered it onto the pot using all-purpose crafting glue.
I also added letters that I cut out with my Cricut (a hobby/craft machine that cuts materials like paper, vinyl, leather, and more) to make a matching set.
The letters are made of vinyl material that is sticky on one side. Once I cut them, they stuck perfectly on the pot…just like a sticker. Instead, you could hand paint the words, or use stencils if you prefer.
You could also come up with some fun painting designs for your DIY painted flower pots, like I did with my cute watermelon pot.
To create this design, I used two different paint colors and then added some black dots for the seeds.
Step 6: Let them dry – It’s very important that your painted plant pots are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
This might take longer than you think. Terracotta clay flower pots absorb water and paint, so give them at least 24 hours before you decide they are dry. The thicker the paint, the longer you should allow them to dry.
Step 7: Seal the paint – You don’t want all of your hard work to get chipped or scratched, so it’s a good idea to seal terracotta pots with a clear coat after painting them.
I used a matte finish for mine, but you could use one with a glossy finish if you like that look better. Spray the pot according to the directions on the can.
Related Post: How To Make DIY Scented Pine Cones
Painting terracotta pots is such a fun project to add color and your own personal style to your home or garden.
Whether you want to make super fancy terracotta pots, or use simple clay pot painting designs, the possibilities are endless!
Whatever type of decorative plant pots you decide to design, just remember that it’s an original creation, made by you. And that’s the best part!
More About Container Gardening
- How To Make An Easy DIY Tiered Planter
- How To Preserve A Carved Pumpkin & Tips To Make It Last Longer
- How To Make A Concrete Block Planter
- How To Install A DIY Drip Irrigation System For Potted Plants
- 17 Top Container Garden Flowers For Stunning Summer Pots
Share your tips for painting terracotta pots, or add your flower pot painting ideas in the comments section below.
Schulzie Roland says
Starting a terracotta custom plant pots. Never did it before . I want mine to be very
Colorful and classy.. still confused about what kind of clear coat before painting the the clear coat after to keep them cute. I just retired. We shall see.? Any ideas let me know cause I’m going to sell them and want to look more than worth. Thanks, Schulzie
Amy Andrychowicz says
The type of sealer you use on your painted terracotta pots depends on whether you want to waterproof them or not. If you want to completely waterproof them, that means that the water won’t wick out of the pot, so it will retain moister longer (which can lead to overwatering if people are used to using unsealed clay pots). But if you don’t waterproof them first, they will age faster and the paint will I take on a more vintage look over time (meaning the paint could start to crack, chip, and/or peel, which is the look some people are after). I’ve linked to a few of the products I’ve used in the sections in the article where I talk about sealing the pots, so take a look at those for specific product recommendations.
Sue says
Where do I find the sealer for prior to painting? I am making a lighthouse snd a duck so was only painting the outside.
Thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have a link to the type of paint sealer I use on my terracotta pots in the article, but you should be able to find something similar at any craft or home improvement store.
robin yates says
Do I need to wait any amount of time before put a plant in a freshly painted pot? Dont want the fumes to hurt my plant.
Amy Andrychowicz says
The fumes will go away when the paint is dry, and then you can pot your plant without any worry.
Judy Jane Paget says
This was a most interesting article! I would be a beginner thinking of starting on two July 4th themed pots and very excited to begin this project since I read your tutorial. What a find! Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, glad to hear you found the article helpful. 🙂
Susan says
Hi I am going to make a lighthouse out of terracotta pots do I have to seal inside the pots if I am not going to paint them, only painting the out sides.thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
There’s no need to seal the insides of your terracotta pots if you’re not going to use them for plants. However, taking the extra step could help your paint job last longer, since the clay won’t be able to absorb any water. But it’s totally up to you.
Sylvia says
What was the paper plate used for?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I just use it to put the paint on, but it’s totally optional.
Wendy Lauch says
Just wondering when you first seal the pots…do you seal the bottom and the complete inside even though you don’t paint the bottom or the entire enside.. Thank you..trying to plan a project for my classroom.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It really comes down to your personal preference. You don’t need to seal the entire pot, but you certainly can, there are pros and cons to both. If you seal the entire pot, the clay will not longer breath, so it will retain moisture longer. However, if you don’t seal the entire thing, the clay will still absorb moisture, which means the paint may not last as long.
LETICIA PANTOJA says
HI, I HEARD GLOSS MODGE PODGE WAS GOOD FOR SEALING PAINTED CLAY POTS. I PAINTED A POT WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, WHEN I APPLIED THE MODGE PODGE OVER TO SEAL THE PAINT, IT MADE MY PAINT SMEAR.
WHAT DID I DO WRONG? OR IS IT YOU CANT USE MODGE PODGE OVER ACRYLIC PAINT, JUST INDER IT?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sorry but I’m not sure about using modge podge over acrylic paint on a terracotta pot, I’ve never tried that before.
Diane says
I use mod Podge over my terracotta pots and it works well. First I spray clay pot sealer then modpodge over it and then paint over midge. Then I put modpodge over that works well
Denise says
Hello, I loved you tutorial thank you. I have two question. First, Before adding the base coat can I use a spray primer and/or a spray primer with color?
Second, you mentioned how to paint terracotta pots that have plants in them. However you didn’t go into that other than saying to using the opportunity when re-potting. Or was that the only thing you can do for a potted planet?
Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can spray your terracotta pots with primer before painting them. I definitely recommend only painting pots that are empty and have been properly prepped beforehand. If they have plants in them, the paint is more likely to peel or bubble.
Wildtxflower says
Hi. I’m confused. Yes or no to prepping a clay pot before painting. I kept seeing yes and no all mixed in. I need this simplified. Please. Maybe I need it laid out yes for these reasons, no for these reasons.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, absolutely you need to prep your terracotta pot before painting them. I have the details for that in the “How To Prepare Terracotta Pots For Painting” section in the article.
ACJ says
I knew how I did my plant pots just wasn’t sure if I did it correctly sealing them off. I just needed more inspiration and just reassurance I was doing them correctly to last. This information given was brilliant and easy to understand so thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, glad you found it helpful!