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ByErin Nutter Updated on
Painting terracotta pots is probably one of the cheapest ways to update your patio this summer. No need to buy expensive decorative pots when you can DIY! Gain inspiration for your next flower pot design.
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Terracotta, Terra-cotta or Terra Cotta?
By the way, I never know if it is terracotta, terra-cotta, or terra cotta when discussing pots. You can see Wikipedia also says it can be spelled in different ways, too.
Whenever I seem to be looking for the right answer, I will get a few different responses and spellings. However, you all know I am referring to those red clay pots that are a DIY craft person’s dream. Not only are plain terracotta pots cheap, but there are so many fun ways to makeover old pots.
How To Paint Terracotta Pots
You can use spray paint, add acrylic craft paint or use regular or metallic paint markers to help decorate your plant pots. The sky is the limit. You will be surprised how fast acrylic paint will dry.
Type Of Paint Not To Use
Just make sure you do not use tempera paint or watercolor paint as it will flake off or not stick well. Tempera paint is meant to be washable and mainly for kid crafts. If you are planning on using outside see the information below.
Can I paint plastic flower pots?
Yes, a spray paint that is meant for plastics and has a primer in it will probably be your best bet for your base coat. We love that you can makeover plastic pots and you don’t have to worry about them breaking.
How to paint flower pots for the outdoors?
If you really want your terracotta pots to last, I recommend using a shellac spray after painting or spraying with an outdoor waterproof sealant first. This will help protect your pot from water damage. You can buy the sealer on Amazon or brush it on with a different sealer from Home Depot.
Just note that it is a personal preference if you seal the pot beforehand. Sealing your clay pot will affect its breathability and you may risk overwatering your plant as your pot will retain moisture. However, if you don’t seal your painted pot, then your paint may not last as long.
We did not do this with our hydro-dipped marbled pots. While they have held up pretty well, I regret not sealing them first.
Before You Begin Painting
No, matter what design idea you are trying, starting with a clean dry terracotta pot will only help your final project. You want to remove sticker residue, grime, or dust before you start painting.
29+ Design Ideas For Painting Pots
Painted Flower Pot Ideas
No one wants to pay for designer flower pots and planters! These DIY flower pot painting ideas will help you decorate your outdoor space the way you want.
1
Painted Pots and Baskets DIY Tutorial
Photo Credit:todayscreativelife.com
We love this dry brush, but colorful painting idea. Get many creative tips for not only painted flower pots but for baskets as well. She also recommends this sealer if placing these beauties outside.
2
Faux Marble Painted Flower Pots
Have you given hydro dipping a try? You will never believe the outcome you can get on your painted flower pots by simply using old spray paint and water. Check out other reasons we love spray paint DIY ideas.
3
Handpainted Striped Terra Cotta Pots
Photo Credit:www.createandfind.com
Again, terracotta painted pots are such a great way to add to your home decor. We love the painterly stripes, burlap, and little craft letters. We totally think she pulled off her Target jar as inspiration.
4
DIY Ombré Dip Dye Pots
Use dye on terracotta pots to get a fun watercolor or ombré design.
5
Easy Tutorial for White Washed Terra Cotta Pots ⋆ Love Our Real Life
Photo Credit:www.loveourreallife.com
Create that rustic farmhouse vibe super easily. We love when DIY is easy and fun at the same time.
6
DIY Hand Lettered His and Hers Catnip Planters
Photo Credit:www.popshopamerica.com
Use a simple drawing transfer technique (like we talk about here) to help put fun lettering on your catnip planters. Just add a little black paint with a small paint brush or paint marker.
7
How to Paint a Ceramic Flower Pot
Photo Credit:confessionsofanover-workedmom.com
How fun is this paint-dripped flower pot idea? We can just imagine all the different color combos you could have. The best part is that you really don't need to have much skill level to pull off this fun project.
8
Rae Dunn Inspired Flower Pot Planters
Photo Credit:singlegirlsdiy.com
Don't pay for the real deal, when this DIY project is the perfect way to get the same look for less. Use your circuit or even hand paint words like Grow, Bloom or Sprout to complete your simple designs.
9
Faux Talavera
Photo Credit:muybuenocookbook.com
These painted pots will definitely brighten any kitchen or herb garden. We love the designs, vibrant colors and inspiration from the real Talavera pottery from Spain.
10
Cutest Painting On Plastic Flower Pots
Photo Credit:hungaricanjourney.com
If you are looking to paint plastic flower pots, this is a great idea for you. Use spray paint and paint markers to create this unique pattern and design.
11
Easy Painted Flower Pot Ideas You Can Do Right Now
All you need is a little acrylic paint to create these black and white painted flower pots. You won't need much time or an artist license to pull these flower pot designs off.
12
DIY Ombre Plant Pot
Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com
We love how these pearl paints were used to brighten up an old terra-cotta flower pot. We can imagine using all sorts of bright colors to complete a set of these pots.
13
DIY Flower Pot Garden Markers
Photo Credit:www.happy-mothering.com
Use those small terracotta pots in a unique way by flipping them upside down to create one-of-kind plant markers. We could even see involving the kids to make truly colorful garden markers.
14
Colorful Cactus Painted Pots Are Awesome Home Decor
Photo Credit:diycandy.com
These painted pots are perfect just with the bright colors but are amazing once the fun sayings were added. We see endless possibilities with these paint projects.
15
Mothers Day Flower Pot Craft For Kids
Photo Credit:www.theinspirationedit.com
How could we create a painted flower pot list without including a classic fingerprint painted pot. This one is super cute and anyone would be lucky to receive these from a child.
16
Make DIY Herb Pots
Photo Credit:thehoneycombhome.com
These adorable herb-painted pots would make a great addition to your outdoor space. We love the extra addition of twine wrapped around the painted flower pots.
17
DIY Distressed Gold Leaf Terracotta Pots
Photo Credit:todayscreativelife.com
Use gold leaf sheets and a dry brush technique to create this one-of-a-kind flower pot idea. We absolutely love these pretty pots.
18
Simple Succulent Pots
Photo Credit:www.dreamalittlebigger.com
If one thing we know, is we love it when simple and DIY go together. These succulent pots have just enough design and really could be done in minutes.
19
DIY West Elm Inspired Succulent Planter
Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com
Use fun aged copper spray paint to paint terracotta pots. No one will know you didn't buy a real West Elm flower pot.
20
Green Marbled DIY Concrete Planter
Photo Credit:artsyprettyplants.com
This fun painted flower pot idea is a complete DIY. Learn how to make your own painted concrete to swirl into a mold for this awesome planter idea.
21
Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots With Napkins
Photo Credit:www.wethreeshanes.com
Skip painting the designs on your clay pots and use this decoupage method to add unique patterns to your terracotta pots. We see infinite flower pot designs in our future.
22
Flower Pot People: Create These for Your Garden
Photo Credit:www.thecountrychiccottage.net
Not only do you get to have a painted flower pot, but also fun garden decor. Get the whole family involved in making these fun terracotta pot people.
23
Decoupage Napkins On Chalk Painted Pots
Photo Credit:southernhomeandhospitality.com
First, you paint the pot with chalk paint and then use Mod Podge to add an intricate design to your finished pot. There are so many different patterned napkins out there, you are sure to find one that fits your style.
24
"Aged Pottery" DIY with Paint & Terracotta Pots
Photo Credit:rouseinthehouse.co
This pot definitely does not look like your typical painted DIY project. The vintage fell really adds to this patio decor.
25
Superhero Inspired Planter Craft
Photo Credit:www.easy-crafts-for-kids.com
We know several kids that would love to have one of these superhero-painted pots. You could even add a spider plant inside!
26
Black and White Pot Painting
Photo Credit:momcrieff.com
You could use real terracotta pots or faux plastic ones to create black-and-white designs using painter's tape. We love how clean and bright these large planters look.
27
Gold Leaf Planters DIY
Photo Credit:www.makingjoyandprettythings.com
These fun gold leaf painted pots make the perfect succulent holders. We think there could be a lot of gold leaf DIYs in your future once you start this fun process.
28
Faux Chalkboard Herb Pots
Photo Credit:craftsbyamanda.com
Instead of attaching labels, why not just paint terracotta pots a fun color and add a small swipe of chalkboard paint? Super easy DIY painted pot idea that anyone can do.
29
DIY African Mud Cloth Painted Planter
Photo Credit:www.popshopamerica.com
Using a paint pen (these are our favorites) and a simple terracotta planter, you are able to create amazing designs for a fraction of the cost. Repeat lines and patterns to create a modern look (just don't try to be too perfect as the imperfect is what makes the designs).
30
Buffalo Plaid Painted Pots (with video tutorial)
Photo Credit:thesoccermomblog.com
Okay, so we all need to stock up on terracotta pots (little or big). These painted planter ideas are endless and can really add a special touch to your home or outdoor space.
31
Get the Look: Anthropologie Inspired Hanging Planter DIY
Photo Credit:www.neverskipbrunch.com
No need to spend a ton of money when you are looking to upgrade your planters. Use this detailed tutorial to learn how DIY can help you get the same look for less.
FAQS
Should you paint the inside of the pot?
We recommend only painting the part of the pot that you will see. No need to paint the entire pot.
How to prep your flower pots before painting?
Due to the porous surface of the pot, you don’t need to do too much to prep. If putting outside, consider using a clay pot sealer. Otherwise, make sure to wipe the surface with a damp cloth to ensure it is free of dust and grime.
Why would you not want to seal a clay pot before painting?
Sealing your clay pot will affect its breathability and you may risk overwatering your plant as your pot will retain moisture. However, if you don’t seal your painted pot, then your paint may not last as long.
How to protect your finished pots?
Depending if your painted terra cotta pots will be outside you can use a variety of materials like spray shellac or outdoor Mod Podge to help protect the outside of the pot.
How do you make sure that your paint pots last?
Add a waterproof sealer before painting and a protective clear coat afterward. Bring them inside the garage during the winter months. You also want to make sure that you bring pots in during cold weather. If water is left in them, they will crack and all of your hard work will be ruined.
More Outdoor Projects
- Large DIY Raised Garden Box Tutorial– see how to build large planter boxes on a hill.
- 22+ Creative Backyard Planter Ideas
- DIY Playset For Your Backyard
Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
Now we think you should have enough ideas for painting flower pots and it is time to start creating!
Erin Nutter
Erin Nutter is the DIY enthusiast, writer and photographer behind TheDIYNuts.com. She loves sharing her passion for do-it-yourself projects along with her husband, Eric. As an artist, mother, and lover of all things DIY she hopes to inspire you to be creative to make a life and home you love.
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I like your ideas
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Thanks for Michelle! I hope you have fun with your painted pot project.
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