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How to Paint on Terra Cotta

By: The Country Chic Cottage
June 2, 2014

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How to Paint on Terra Cotta
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Planting season is upon us and if you would like to add some flair to your outdoors be sure to grab some Patio Paint. Patio Paint outdoor makes it simple to learn how to paint terra cotta. Have you ever tried to paint a terra cotta pot only to have the paint absorb into the surface? No more! You can now paint, stencil, and decorate until you love your outdoor décor.

What exactly is Patio Paint?

Patio Paint is permanent, weather-resistant acrylic paint for outdoor decorating on concrete, wood, and terra cotta. Patio Paint is formulated for water resistance and excellent adhesion in changing temperatures.

So yes, it is formulated specifically for painting on terra cotta. Patio Paint goes on smooth and stays put even on the porous surface. The picture below is for illustration. The pot on the left has two coats of Patio Paint while the one on the right has one. Yep two coat coverage! (NOTE: That will vary depending on the color but it does cover very well.)

Now for a few more tips when painting terra cotta:

  • Apply when temperatures are between 45 and 85 degrees F.

  • Do not expose to moisture for 72 hours after painting (yes this means DO NOT PLANT for 72 hours after painting).

  • Paint terra cotta inside and out to gain the benefit of retained moisture in your pots. If you do not paint the inside and you place a plant in your pot, the water will seep through the pot and make your paint bubble up on the outside.

  • Do not use inside bird baths or fountains.

If you remember those tips, you should be ready to paint your own terra cotta pots for some gorgeous outdoor décor. Need some inspiration? Check out all of the things I was able to do with Patio Paint and some imagination.

You can use various items to create patterns on a painted terra cotta pot. The ones above use a toilet paper roll to create the pattern around the top. The ones below use a pencil eraser for a simple dotted effect.

Want more patterns and ideas? How about leaving some of the natural terra cotta effect and using the patio paint just as an accent?

The variety of colors available in Patio Paint also makes decorating outdoors so much fun.

So grab some Patio Paint get started on sprucing up your outdoor décor today. Learning how to paint terra cotta is not as hard as you thought it would be is it?

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Check out more of our outdoor projects and see all of our outdoor paints! Need something for a bigger project? Maybe even a front door? Shop our Curb Appeal Outdoor paint!

Be sure to visit The Country Chic Cottage  for more projects and to learn more about Angie.

Comments

Hello pls can you tell me what is terra cotta pot? Is it plastic type or the one made with mud

asma

March 11, 2015

It is the one made of "mud".

DecoArt

March 11, 2015

I've enjoyed painting clay pots with patio paints for a number of years. They hold up well, but you do need to make sure they aren't left with standing water in the saucer. I haven't seen any examples with reverse stamping on clay pots, which is my favorite way to paint them. I haven't painted pots in awhile, but I think I'm inspired to get the paints back out again.

Patricia D'Angelo

March 21, 2015

So I started painting terrra cotta last year, spray primer, spray paint, and rustoleum for projects have worked very well for me, but I guess I like to get a little more bang, or in this case, paint for my buck. Home depot is awesome for crafting too

Melissa

March 24, 2015

Is patio paint safe to use on a baby's foot to make footprints on a pot?

Sco

April 20, 2015

I did some wonderful terra pots little girls, dogs & a bird bath, wish i could show u guys....great therapy lol

nancy velez

July 7, 2015

Patio paint is good paint but does not last through the weather. I suggest using a water resistant clear spray paint over it to protect from the weather. My flower pots that have just the patio paint are chipped and in desperate need of repainting, there ones a used the clear water resistant spray paint over look as good as the day I painted them.

Tammy

November 2, 2016

If the pots are older what should they be clean before painting?

Charlett

March 29, 2017

Were can get good deals on the clay pots

Sandy

November 3, 2017

I have some older clay pots, what should I clean them with before painting them?

Charlett

January 9, 2018

Hi Charlett – We recommend cleaning them thoroughly with TSP to make sure all dust, dirt, and grim are completely removed. A nice scrubby brush will help too!

DecoArt, Inc.

January 9, 2018

This is my first time so am confused as to what type of paint to use. For the stand up pots for porch (5) I am using Krylon color master and for the people (1) I am going to use acrylic. Do I need to use acrylic also for the pots?

barbara Sanchez

March 16, 2018

Barbara – DecoArt Patio Paint Outdoor works perfectly for painting terra cotta pots when the instructions are followed.

DecoArt, Inc.

March 21, 2018

To clean terracotta pots, I just put them in the dishwasher. They come out great! Just be sure sure to leave them somewhere quite warm to dry them out thoroughly before painting.

Polly

May 17, 2018

I have read that you should spray arcylic sealer on the inside of the terra cotta pot to keep the moisture from watering the plant affecting the outside paint job. Is that true? If so, where can I get some? Is it labeled "sealer" on the can? Or does this Patio outside paint already have the acrylic in it that I don't have to spary the inside? Mary Ann

Mary Ann

May 20, 2018

Mary Ann - You are right that you should paint the inside of the pot too to prevent water from wicking through the pot and making the paint on the outside bubble up. It doesn't necessarily have to be a sealer since you can just use regular outdoor acrylics. Our Patio Paint and Americana Decor Outdoor Living paint will work since they don't need a sealer. If interested in a spray sealer, we do have our Americana Spray Sealer in a gloss finish and matte finish.

DecoArt

May 21, 2018

I am confused about the painting on the inside part... what about the ones that are not painted completely to show the color of the pot too? You still have to paint the entire pot with patio paint on the inside?

Melanie

May 30, 2018

Melanie - If you're painting a terra cotta pot that will be used for plants and needs to be watered, you should paint the entire inside of the pot to make sure your outside design (even if it doesn't cover the entire outside) is protected from the water that can wick through.

DecoArt

May 30, 2018

I am currently painting pots to build a lighthouse. I used a primer, and regular arts and craft paint, with a clear glossy sealer. I will, after reading these coments use the sealer on the inside also.

Lisa

July 12, 2018

You can buy 8" terrace cottage pots at the Dollar Store for 1.00 each in Orange County, Ca.

Margo

July 27, 2018

Please where can a person buy the patio paint?

Joann

September 29, 2018

Hi Joann - You can purchase our Patio Paint at Beverly's, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Anns, Michaels, and in our online store at shop.decoart.com.

DecoArt

October 2, 2018

What type of glue is best when using clay pots? Is a glue gun sufficient? Thanks.

Ann

October 7, 2018

Hi Ann - If you're wanting to glue things to your pot for decoration, we recommend using our Americana Decou-Page Outdoor Glue.

DecoArt

October 8, 2018

To seal inside of terracotta can you use Multi-Purpose Sealer or is there another sealer that you have to seal the inside rather than using DecoArt Patio Paint? I also have Patio Paint Clear Coat. Is that a sealer also? Thank you Pat

Pat Gaddis

November 13, 2018

Hi Pat - You can use a multi-surface paint or Patio Paint or any type of sealer on the inside of the terra cotta pot. Those will all protect your design on the outside of the pot since they will prevent water from soaking through the pot.

DecoArt

November 14, 2018

Why can't you use the Patio Paint to make a bird bath? Is it toxic to the birds when filled with water.

Mary J Winsor

January 15, 2019

Mary - None of our paints are toxic; however, our paints are not considered food safe, which is why we say not to use them in bird baths.

DecoArt

January 16, 2019

I have been painting terra cotta pots for years. I do soak my pots in water for at least 8-12 hours & then take out of water, let dry for at least 24 hours in the sun. Might sure they are 100% dry, before painting, inside & the outside. Soaking my pots, seem to seal them. I have never used a sealer, will check that out, plus the soaking. I have used a glue gun, but I use the cooler cooler gun, not hot glue gun. Have fun everyone. Thank you for your helpful hints.

Cher

March 19, 2019

Asma,terra cotta is a clay then ciln dried.

Melanie

May 1, 2019

I find these questions and answers very helpful as I'm about to seal the inside of my terra cotta pots before planting and was wondering what to use. Thank you.

Diane

June 22, 2019

So what paint do you use for a birdbath??

Lisa

August 1, 2019

Hi Lisa - For a birdbath, you should use a food-safe paint since it comes into contact with the birds' water source. Unfortunately, we do not carry food-safe paint.

DecoArt

August 5, 2019

I can’t seem to get the patio paint to not peel on the terra-cotta plates. I use a stencil to paint designs and when I pull up the stencil, the paint comes up also. Any ideas to help stop this?

Debbie

August 13, 2019

Hi Debbie - Patio Paints are designed to adhere and last on terra cotta, so the only thing that we can think of is that the paints are being allowed to dry to the stencil, so when you pull up the stencil, the paint is coming with it. We always recommend removing stencils right away while the paint is still wet.

DecoArt

August 14, 2019

What kind of glue do you use when gluing the terra cotta pots together.? Thx so very much. Brenda

Brenda Beary

April 29, 2020

I’m using a sealer on the inside as I want to put a plant in the pots. Would it help to seal he outside also to stop any rain water from getting into the pots ?

June Fletcher

August 10, 2020

A sealer is not necessary when using Patio Paint since it is formulated to stand up to the elements outside. However, if you wish to make the pot watertight sealed, you may want to consult a local hardware store for a waterproof sealer formulated for use with water-based acrylic paint.

DecoArt

August 10, 2020

I want to paint my Terra Cotta pots Red, White,and Blue. what design would you suggest

Cathy

September 24, 2020

Will the paint bubble if you only paint small portions of the pot surface? Like the polka dots design? Or does it not happen since there would be other surface area for the moisture to escape?

Lauren Dao

December 17, 2020

Thanks for the question Lauren! You shouldn't have a problem with the paint bubbling.

DecoArt

December 22, 2020

Thanks alot for all this reply it was really helpful . Kindly I want to how can I attache 2 pots together and if I do that .. can the plant still breath or no

Lubna

June 12, 2021

Hey Lubna, you can see the instructions for our tiered pots over on the decoart project gallery. Just search "tiered pot accents"

DecoArt

June 16, 2021

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