How to Paint Terracotta Pots: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Paint Terracotta Pots: Step-by-Step Guide

Read on for step-by-step painting tips and tricks!

Looking to add a pop of colour to your garden or home décor? Painting terracotta pots is an easy, creative DIY that lets your personality shine through. Whether you're going bold and abstract or soft and floral, here's everything you need to know to get started.

 

What You’ll Need:

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Clean your pot: Wipe off any dirt or dust with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely.
  2. Sand the surface: Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface for better paint adhesion. Wipe away dust.
  3. Prime your pot: Apply a coat of white acrylic gesso or primer. This helps the paint colours pop and stick better. Let it dry fully.
  4. Plan your design: Sketch it out on paper first, or use painter’s tape to mark off areas for patterns.
  5. Paint! Use acrylic paint or paint pens to bring your pot to life. Layer colours as needed and let each layer dry before adding details.
  6. Seal your design: Once dry, coat the pot with a clear outdoor varnish or sealer to protect your artwork from the elements.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Paint inside the rim to prevent visible terracotta when plants are added
  • If you plan to use the pot outside, seal both the inside and outside to prevent moisture damage
  • Use a light pencil sketch on primed pots as a guide for tricky designs
  • For crisp lines, remove painter’s tape before the paint is fully dry
  • Let your pots cure for 24–48 hours before adding plants

Inspiration Gallery

We've sourced some images of beautiful painted pots from around the web to inspire your creativity! Here are the original artists you can check out for more ideas:

 

Watch the Tutorial

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