The surface of terra cotta flower pots is the perfect texture for using a variety of art media. You can choose what art form you like best, including painting, decoupage, stenciling and mixed media. The smooth surface welcomes most crafting media, making it fun for all ages to decorate. There are a few things to know about preparing your pot to receive your artistic touch.
Cleaning Used Terra Cotta Flower Pots Before Painting Them
If you have a clay pot you’d like to repurpose, it needs to be cleaned first. After it’s clean, you can seal and decorate it. Using a wire brush, remove any residue on the pot. Once the debris has been removed, it needs to soak for 24 hours in a soaking solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. This kills any bacteria left behind. Once the pot has soaked, rinse it well and let it dry completely.
Preparing a Pot for a Painting Project
Once the clay container has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, use a cloth to wipe away dirt or dust. Apply two coats of sealer for clay pots. Coat it inside and out. Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second one. The container is ready to be painted once the sealant has dried.
Tips for Painting on Clay
Unglazed terra cotta flower pots are not waterproof. Painting on an unsealed or unglazed clay pot can cause the paint to blister. Sealing it prevents the painted design from blistering and other issues. Inside the pot, it helps seal it so the soil remains moist. To paint on the outside, use a brush-on paint. Choose a matte, satin or gloss finish. For outdoor products, you’ll need a polyurethane based paint. After you’ve finished painting, let the artwork dry and cure. Then add another coat of sealer.
If you’re looking for beautiful terra cotta flower pots, contact us to see what we offer.
