Terra cotta clay pots are an affordable and durable staple for gardeners… but they all look the same. If you sometimes crave a little variety, try making terra cotta painted pots! This tutorial will walk you through how to paint a clay pot so you can add some fun color to your porch or garden.
Painting Terra Cotta Pots
Terra cotta pots are my go-to gardening (and sometimes crafting) item because they're predictable, reliable, durable, and affordable for any budget.
The downside to terra cotta pots is that they're extremely uniform, which can sometimes feel boring.
However, I have an alternative! You can easily transform your terra cotta clay pots into works of art that will delight you and everyone else who sees them. How? By painting them!
Believe it or not, making terra cotta painted pots is easy to do.
Note: If you want to see some of the amazing things you can create from painting a terra cotta pot, check out our solar lights for a walkway, tiered planter, and customized planters!
How To Paint Clay Pots
I love outdoor decor, but let’s face it: the cost can add up quickly! With many pot designs, the colors, styles, and sizes are limited – especially if you are on a budget.
Recently, I “rediscovered” terra cotta. I have always used them in crafting and (in limited ways) outdoors, but the little clay pots just seemed so bland compared to the beautiful, shiny options many garden stores provide.
But after I learned how to paint terra cotta pots, a whole new world of possibilities opened up!
It’s amazing how a coat of paint can bring new life to an outdoor space. This project is super simple and gives you plenty of flexibility with colors, shapes, and sizes.
Supplies Needed To Paint A Clay Pot
- Terra cotta pots or clay pots – Generally speaking, clay or terra cotta pots will work well for this project. Choose the size and shape you prefer, because any will work.
- Patio Paint – Use any color that fits your style and space. If you can't find patio paint, look for outdoor paint that says it will work on clay. (See more info below in the FAQs section.)
- Paintbrushes
Step 1: Paint Clay Pot
Apply paint to your pot either in a single color or mix and match paints for a marbled look.
Note: I find that I need at least 2 coats on any clay pot. For lighter colors, you may find that you need 4 or more coats for adequate coverage.
Pro Tip: Since terracotta draws moisture away from the soil, paint the pot both inside and out to retain more moisture for your plants. Skipping this step may result in moisture seeping through and bubbling the paint on the outside.
Step 2: Allow Paint To Dry
Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
Note: You can also add decorative paint on top of your first base coat. Consider adding patterns or even faces to make plant people!
Step 3: Set Pots Aside For 72 Hours
After painting, make sure the pots aren’t exposed to moisture for 72 hours. That means no planting until the 72 hours have passed! This will ensure that your paint lasts a really long time.
That's it! The process is super simple. For best results, please check below for answers to common questions readers ask as well as some of my top tips.
Tips For How To Paint Clay Pots
Did I mention you can reuse clay pots? If you want to decorate a pot you have already used, just make sure you clean out any dirt or critters first. Then, allow them to dry completely (24-48 hours) before painting.
- Apply patio paint when temperatures are between 45 and 85 degrees F.
- Terra cotta is great for colder climates as it draws away moisture from the plant and prevents “freezing” the soil.
- Because it is porous in nature, plants in clay pots may require more frequent watering.
- Do not paint inside birdbaths or fountains, as the paint is toxic for animals and humans if consumed.
FAQs About How To Paint Clay Pots
Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about painting clay pots. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!
What Is Terra Cotta Made From?
Terra cotta is a clay-based porous material that is used in sculpting and in flower pots. You'll most often see it unglazed with a dull brownish-orange color. This porous material can really soak up paint, so be aware of that and follow recommendations for the best paint to use on them.
Typically, these pots are inexpensive in comparison to “designer” brands found at big box home improvement stores. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles for all of your planting dreams.
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Terra Cotta?
There are two options for paint: patio paint or spray paint.
Personally, the best product I have found for terra cotta projects is patio paint because it's specially formulated to work on porous surfaces and will generally cover a pot well with just two coats (depending on the color). This method is best for clay pots that will be outdoors.
If you are looking to paint terra cotta for indoor craft projects, grab some spray paint or regular acrylic paint! It will cover well and give you a quick surface to make your crafts.
What Types Of Projects Can I Make By Painting Clay Pots?
As you begin dreaming up a new design for your space, challenge yourself to think outside the box with a number of possibilities.
Perhaps a tiered planter would give a corner some height for that trailing plant, or maybe a family of flower pot people would add a little more personality to the back deck. You can even give them a marbled design. The sky is truly the limit with this outdoor DIY project.
Crafts made with terracotta make adorable gifts and decorations, like Easter gift baskets, Santa Clauses, and we've even turned them into gumball machines!
Get creative with this project to spruce up your space. I can’t wait to see the designs you create. Grab your Patio Paint and start on some great projects for your home today. Painting terracotta pots is such an easy project that can yield some incredible final results.
5 More Terra Cotta Planter Crafts
Did you love learning how to paint clay pots and are looking for more terra cotta planter crafts? Then check out the projects below!
Duh! When have painted terra cotta pots, never thought of patio paint and used to use it so much. Glad it’s still being made. What I had and hauled here with other paints is dried up long ago so would need to get some more. Enjoyed all pot projects, great ideas for all. You always show cutest easy doable projects.
When we repainted our outdoor bench in front yard we used patio paint as that’s what I had then, no money to buy paint for bench but bench needs painting again. Have few pots to paint to give porch some color so will get some patio paint and snazzy up our front porch.
Hope you/family had great July4th.
I’ve always wonder about painting my clay pots! As a base would spray paint work or should it be patio paint for outside. Tthank you for all of your tips, you’re a rock star :)!
I think that would depend on your spray paint. Personally, I would use the patio paint because I know if you follow the process it will last longer! Thanks for being here 🙂 have fun crafting!