Pottery or terracotta pots are durable, inexpensive and available in a variety of sizes. Unfortunately, the pots usually have the same appearance. With a little painting and creativity, you can make your pottery pot stand out from the rest. Painting turns ordinary pots into eye-catching pots, adds color to your home and garden, and shows your plants in a stunning appearance. This article not only contains information on how to beautifully color your pottery pots, but also about painting that will make your pots last longer. In addition, there are tips and ideas about decorating in this article that you can try.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Pot and Painting
Step 1. Choose the right place to do the painting
Since you will be using spray paint later, you need to choose a place that is well ventilated and free of dust. The best recommended place for painting is outdoors. Cover the surface of the table or floor with newsprint or plastic to protect it from spray paint.
- If you're painting indoors, make sure the windows in the room you're using are open and you need to take frequent breaks. You can also turn on the fan and shine it the other way so that the vapors and odors coming from the spray paint can be carried away by the wind.
- If you are painting outdoors, be aware that airborne dust may stick to the paint.
- Always wear a good mask while painting.
Step 2. Clean the pot with warm water and let the pot dry
New pots are often coated with a thin layer of dust. In fact, there are some pots affixed with a price tag or sticker. These things can prevent the paint from adhering to the surface of the pot properly. Therefore, start by submerging the pot in a container of warm water. Use a coarse brush or a coarse sponge to remove any sand or soil adhering to the surface of the pot. If there is a price tag stuck to the surface of the pot and it is difficult to remove, soak the pot in hot water for about an hour, then brush the labeled area. After the pot is clean, place the pot in a place exposed to sunlight and let the pot dry.
Step 3. Smooth the surface of the pot with sandpaper
Once the pot is clean, use fine sandpaper (220 grit) to smooth the surface. Focus sanding on rough parts of the pot and sharp corners. You don't have to worry if the pot isn't perfectly smooth. Real, unpainted pottery pots will never have a smooth surface as smooth as porcelain pots because pottery pots must have a distinctive texture. However, rough and jagged parts are damaged parts and need repair.
Step 4. Wipe the pot with a damp cloth and let the pot dry
Wiping is intended to remove the remnants of soil and sand on the surface of the pot. Let the pot dry completely before you move on to the next step.
Step 5. Coat the inside of the pot with varnish and let the pot dry
Shake the acrylic lacquer spray can (clear color) until you hear a hissing sound, then spray (just a light) the varnish onto the inside of the pot evenly. Make sure the bottom and sides of the pot are well coated. Pottery pots are easy to absorb liquid, so the first spray of varnish will seep into the pot. You don't need to worry because this is normal. Before you coat the inside with varnish, wait for the first coat of varnish to dry. You may need to apply two to three coats of varnish. Make sure each coat is dry before you re-spray the varnish. It is important to apply a coat of varnish to prevent moisture from seeping into the outside of the pot after planting the pot.
- You can use any type of acrylic varnish, such as matte, satin, or glossy, but make sure that the tin contains the information that the product you are using is waterproof.
- For a more stunning appearance, first paint the inside of the pot with black, then coat it with varnish after the paint dries.
Step 6. Try coating the outside of the pot with a primary color spray paint
If you want to paint the entire pot with one base color, you will need to coat it with a primer. Hold the can and set it at a distance of about 15 to 20 centimeters from the surface of the pot, then spray paint (only a light) evenly over the surface of the pot. Once the first coat of paint has dried, you can apply a second coat if necessary. A coat of primer not only helps to produce a smoother pot surface, it also prevents paint from sinking into the pot's surface.
Step 7. Try coating the outside of the pot with a matte varnish
If you want to paint a specific design but still retain the original surface of the pottery, coat the outside of the pot with a spray of acrylic lacquer with a matte effect. Hold the can and set it at a distance of about 15 to 20 centimeters from the surface of the pot, then spray the varnish (only a light) evenly. Once the first coat has dried, you can apply a second coat of varnish if necessary. Coating with varnish helps protect the surface of the pot and prevents the pot from absorbing too much paint, but still provides a proper surface so the paint can adhere well. The matte effect of the varnish will blend into the matte texture of your pottery pot.
Use this technique if you want to create a weathered or crusty appearance to your pot
Step 8. Allow the primer to dry evenly before you move on to the next step
Most primers will dry within 15 minutes. However, there are some primer paint products that dry for 2 to 3 hours. Read the product instructions on the spray can to know more about how long the paint will dry.
Part 2 of 4: Painting Pots in Solid Colors
Step 1. Decide how much of the pot you want to paint
You can paint the entire surface of the pot a solid color, or leave some parts of the pot uncolored. If you want to color only some of the areas, you will need to cover the areas you don't want to be colored with duct tape. Below are some painting pattern ideas you can try:
- Only paint the top of the pot (the lip of the pot) to give a small touch of color to the pot. You can paint the outer walls of the pot body with the appropriate colors.
- Do painting on the outer wall of the pot body only, and leave the edges of the pot lip colorless.
- Paint only half of the pot. You can choose whether you want to color the top half or bottom half of the pot.
- Make a pattern of alternating lines between the painted and unpainted parts. You can also make alternate zigzag patterns.
Step 2. Cover the areas you don't want to paint
Covering the parts can help you create a thin, neat line between the painted and unpainted parts of the pot. If you use a flat paint brush or a foam brush and are able to paint steadily (your hands aren't shaking as much), you don't need to use duct tape to cover the areas you don't want to color. If you're using spray paint, you'll need to use duct tape to cover the areas you don't want to color. There are several ways you can follow to use duct tape as a color pattern maker for pots:
- If you only want to paint the rim of the pot, apply duct tape just below the rim of the pot you want to color. If you are using spray paint, cover the parts of the pot that you don't want to color with a plastic bag and tape the ends to the pot with duct tape. Duct tape attached to the pot can help create neat, straight lines. In addition, a plastic bag can prevent parts of the pot that you don't want to be colored from from being sprayed with paint.
- If you want to paint the body of the pot, but leave the edges of the pot's lip colorless, cover the edges with duct tape.
- If you only want to paint half of the pot, cover the areas you don't want to be stained with duct tape.
- Apply strips of duct tape to create a stripe or zigzag pattern. The parts of the pot with duct tape will not be exposed to paint, so it will still have the original terracotta color after the painting is done.
Step 3. Choose the paint to use
There are several types of paint that offer different finishes, and the type of paint you choose will determine the type of varnish you will use afterwards. Below are some suggestions for the types of paints you can use to color your pottery pots:
- Metallic, pearlescent, and glittery paints will give your pot a sparkling effect. After painting with this paint, you need to coat the surface of the pot with a glossy varnish to keep the paint surface looking beautiful and shiny.
- You can create a pot with a pattern that you can redraw using chalk paint. If you used chalk paint, you don't need to re-coat it with varnish. Applying varnish to the surface of a chalk-painted pot can actually make it impossible to draw or recolor with chalk paint.
- For a different finish, pot surfaces painted in solid colors can be re-coated with a matte, satin, or glossy varnish.
- Textured spray paint is also available in stores. You can give your pottery an antique look using spray paint that can produce a gritty or rocky texture.
Step 4. Prepare your paint
If you're using acrylic paint, scoop a small amount of paint into a container or palette. To reduce brush strokes, dissolve the paint in a little water until it reaches the right consistency. If you're using spray paint, shake the can for a few moments until you can hear the clatter of the beater ball hitting the can.
You can use paint for outdoor walls or craft paint. Your pot will need to be re-varnished after you have finished painting
Step 5. Apply the first coat of paint on your pot and allow the paint to dry
If you are using acrylic paint, you can use a flat brush or a foam brush. If you're using spray paint, hold the can and set it about 15 to 20 centimeters from the surface of the pot, then spray (lightly) the paint evenly. Allow the coat of paint to dry before you repaint. The paint drying process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the paint manufacturer's advice.
Step 6. Re-coat the surface of the pot with paint if necessary
After the first coat of paint has dried, you can re-coat your pot with paint two to three times. Make sure each coat of paint is completely dry before you add a new coat.
Observe whether the entire surface of the pot has been coated with paint
Step 7. Paint the inside of the pot to make it look neater
Paint the top wall of the inside of the pot at a height of about 2.5 centimeters from the lip of the pot. You don't need to paint the entire inner wall as the pot will be filled with soil so not all the walls in the pot will be visible.
Part 3 of 4: Adding Designs and Labels to Pots
Step 1. Try adding some designs to your pots
Painting makes your pots look more colorful, but adding design can make your pots look more attractive. In this section, you will get some tips and ideas for your pot design.
Step 2. Cover the areas you don't want to be colored with duct tape, and add more color to your pot
If you want to make a pattern of alternating stripes or alternating monks, apply duct tape to the pot in the pattern you want. Repaint your pot with the desired color, then remove the duct tape from the pot. Let the pot dry. You can create more shapes and patterns by applying duct tape in certain patterns, repainting your pot and removing the duct tape.
- You can also create a polka dot pattern by attaching a circle sticker or price tag to the surface of the pot. Repaint the pot with the desired color, then remove the stickers that you attached.
- If there are spots of paint that come off or come off when you remove the duct tape, cover the gaps using paint of the same color and a small brush.
Step 3. Add the design using a stencil
Buy some stencil stickers and stick them on your pots. If you can't find a stencil sticker at a local store, you can use a regular stencil and glue it to the pot using duct tape or adhesive tape. Paint the exposed parts of the stencil using acrylic paint or spray paint, then remove the stencil from the pot. You can use any color you want, but contrasting colors or metallic colors work best. Below are some design ideas for your pots:
- If you paint your pot black, try using white or gold for the design.
- If you paint your pot white, create a unique design using black or gold.
- If you're painting your pot a neon green, create a striking design using pink or orange.
- You can also use everyday objects instead of stencils, such as doilies (small patterned napkins). Tilt the pot and cover it with a doilie. Paint the pots and remove the doilies after painting is complete. When removing the doilie, do not slide it or the applied paint will rub off.
Step 4. Paint simple designs for your pots yourself
If you don't want to use a stencil, you can paint your own design using an oil-based marker or small brush.
Step 5. Use sandpaper to create an antique look
Take a piece of fine 220-grit sandpaper and, gently, rub the sandpaper against the surface of the pot. You can sand in the same motion, or in a left-to-right motion, then from top to bottom to create a different effect. You can also sand in a circular motion. Continue sanding until the original texture of the pottery begins to appear.
Step 6. Add labels to the pots using chalk paint
Using chalk paint allows you to change the name of the pot when you change the plants in the pot. If you are creating a large label, you can write specific care and watering instructions for the plant on the pot you label. You can add chalk labels to solid-colored pots, or real earthenware pots lacquered with a matte acrylic lacquer. Below are several ways to add labels to your pots:
- Coat the pot with varnish first. To find out how to varnish a pot, read the steps on how to smooth and varnish the surface of a pot.
- Cover the areas you don't want to be stained with duct tape. You can also use a stencil sticker with a square, rectangle, circle, or oval shape.
- Use a flat brush or foam brush to paint the pot with chalk paint. Make sure you paint it lightly. Alternatively, you can also use spray chalk paint.
- Allow the paint to dry for 8 hours before you paint again.
- When finished with painting, allow the paint to dry completely for two to three days.
- To make it writeable, rub some white chalk onto the surface of your pot, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Your chalk label is now ready to use.
Part 4 of 4: Refining and Polishing Pots
Step 1. Prepare a place to do the work
Since you will be using spray varnish, you will need to work in a well-ventilated area. It's a good idea to do this work outdoors. If you can't work in a well-ventilated room, make sure you open the windows of the room you're occupying and get plenty of rest so you don't feel dizzy. Try turning on the fan and directing it so that the vapors or fumes from the spray varnish don't hit you. Make sure your workplace is not dirty or dusty, especially if you want to use a glossy varnish.
Step 2. Turn the pot over and place it on a tall glass or can
Make sure the glass or can you use is small enough in diameter to fit into the pot, and high enough so that the pot can lift and not hit the tabletop. Position the cans and pots as if you were installing a table lamp or giant mushroom. This way, you can coat the entire surface of the pot, including the bottom, with varnish.
Step 3. For a beautiful look, use a glossy varnish
Coating the pot several times with a glossy varnish will give the pot a glossy appearance. If you are painting your pot with a metallic, glitter, or pearlescent paint, you will need to coat your pot with a glossy varnish.
If you covered a pattern or design with duct tape, leave the duct tape on the pot until the varnish dries. Once the varnish has dried, you can remove the duct tape from the surface of the pot
Step 4. For a natural potted look, choose a matte varnish
A matte varnish will create a dull appearance, similar to the natural texture of a pottery pot. This varnish can be used to coat designs or patterns that you paint yourself.
Step 5. Choose a satin-type varnish for a neutral and subtle pot look
A satin varnish will create a slightly glossy look, but not as glossy or shimmery as most glossy varnishes do.
Step 6. Don't varnish the surface of the pot you chalked it up to
For pots with chalk paint, allow the paint to dry for 3 days, covering the entire surface of the chalk using a chalk bar to give it a base color. After that, clean the attached chalk using a damp cloth. You can now draw certain designs on the pot, or write the name of the herb or plant you grew in the pot.
Step 7. Varnish your pot using spray acrylic paint (clear color) and allow the paint to dry
Hold and arrange the spray can within about 15 to 20 centimeters of the pot, then spray paint (only a light) onto the surface of the pot. Sprayed clear acrylic paint protects the main paint from scratches, making the pot last longer and easier to clean. If necessary, apply a second coat after the first coat of acrylic paint has dried. Make sure you also spray paint on the bottom of the pot. Let the acrylic paint dry before you move on to the next step.
Step 8. Take the pot off its support and sand away any dried drops of paint on the surface of the pot
If you notice any traces of dried paint dripping along the rim of the pot, use fine (220-grit type) sandpaper and carefully sand the lip of the pot until any excess paint is removed. Be careful not to peel the main paint off.
Step 9. Spray the varnish on the lip of the pot
After sanding is complete, wipe off the dust with a damp cloth, then spray the varnish (just a little) on the lip of the pot. Make sure the top and inside of the rim of the pot are coated with varnish. Wait for the varnish to dry completely, then you can re-coat the lip of the pot with varnish.
Step 10. Allow the pot to dry for (at least) 2 to 3 days before you can place the plant in the pot
If you put the plant directly into the pot, there's a good chance that the paint on the pot hasn't completely dried. Soil moisture can cause paint to foam, crack, or peel.
Tips
- You can also paint an old pottery pot. Soak the pot in warm water for about an hour before you brush or sand the pot. If the pot is too dirty, add a little bleach to the washing water. Rinse thoroughly, and make sure the pot is completely dry before you paint.
- When basic coloring, coloring, and varnishing, coat the pot with a light layer. If the coat is too thick, the paint may pool, drip from the pot, or dry out imperfectly.
Warning
- Work in a well-ventilated area, especially if you use spray paint and varnish.
- Do not cover the drain hole in the bottom of the pot. The hole must be left open. Without a good drainage system, plants will rot more easily.
