Beautifully decorated flower pots are the perfect way to set off your new house or garden plants but they can be quite expensive to buy. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to paint a terracotta flower pot and give you some design inspiration!
Terracotta pots are made from baked clay and are porous, meaning water can pass through them. They’re a good choice for plants that don’t like to be kept moist and help to prevent root rot and other problems caused by overwatering.
Image credit: @gardenandwood
Because terracotta is a natural, pliable product, it’s used to create a range of different shaped pots, so you can choose a huge range of sizes and shapes for your painting project.
Clay flower pots provide a perfect surface for paint but if you want your artwork to last, place your plant in a plastic pot and saucer within the clay pot to prevent water from damaging the paintwork over time. Some terracotta pots are already glazed on the inside or you can varnish it yourself. Take care not to over-water your plants once the inside is sealed.
More on this: How to Get Proper Flower Pot Drainage
How to paint a terracotta flower pot
What you will need:
- Terracotta pot/s of your choice
- Clear, water-based acrylic varnish for sealing and protecting
- Acrylic paint and paint pens for finer details (you can buy weather-resistant acrylic if you’re painting an outdoor pot). You can also use spray paint.
- Brushes
- Pencil
- Stencils (if using)
- Make sure your pot is really clean before you start. If you’re using an old pot, give it a good scrub and let it dry completely before you begin painting. Terracotta is extremely porous so it may take a day or two to fully dry.
- You don’t have to seal your pot before painting, but if you do, apply a few coats of acrylic, water-based varnish to the inside of the pot to provide a protective layer and help your paintwork last longer. Make sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Once the inside of the pot has been sealed, you can begin painting! I’ve suggested using acrylic paint as it’s ideal for painting onto clay, it dries fast and it comes in an amazing range of colours, including metallics.
- If you’re following a pattern, you may want to draw it out first in pencil or use masking tape to section off different areas.
- Apply the paint with a brush, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. You may need to thin the paint slightly with water if it is too thick.
Image credit: @artisanatbyandrea
- When you’ve finished your design, apply a layer of clear varnish to protect your paintwork. You can use a matte or gloss finish, whichever you prefer.
Painted flower pot ideas
From on-trend animal print to painting your pampered pets, we’ve rounded up some of the most eye-catching flower pot designs to inspire your creations:
1. Creative calligraphy
Image credit: @aditi.designs
Take inspiration from these beautifully hand-lettered pots and get creative with the plant puns. If you’re new to calligraphy, there are many online tutorials and templates to follow. Try drawing the design on with a pencil first and then using a paint pen as it’s much quicker than using a brush.
2. Paint your pet
Image credit: @asined.garden
We love the idea of painting your beloved pet’s portrait onto a flower pot. It doesn’t have to be hyper-realistic, go for a simple, stylised design and have fun!
3. Get fruity!
Image credit: @paintingwithcait
This sweet strawberry design works perfectly on a plant pot. You could also create a watermelon, orange or blackberry pot.
4. Keep it simple
Image credit: @wildlovepots
Sometimes, the simplest designs can be the most effective. These sweet face planters would make gorgeous gifts for a loved one and best of all, this design is easy to paint! You could use a paint pen for the eyes and lips.
5. Make it monochrome
Image credit: @houseofowls
Always in style, have fun with black and white paint. You can go for simple patterns, abstract designs, dalmatian print, whatever takes your fancy! Paint a few pots and group them together to instantly brighten up a corner of your patio.
6. Paint the rainbow
Image credit: @southsideatelier
If you’re wondering what colour to paint your flower pots, how about painting a few pots in a range of hues? I love the simplicity of the above designs and you can create something similar using tape to mask off sections of the pot before painting.
7. Walk on the wild side
Image credit: @proudlypotty
Who doesn’t love a bit of animal print? These beautifully painted pots include a golden sheen to add a bit of extra pizzazz. You don’t have to stick to leopard print, try zebra stripes, dalmatian dots, cow print even snakeskin if you’re feeling really creative! Also try using different colours, red print on a pink background or mint green on white would look striking.
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What varnish would you use which is plant safe.which also protects your paint work