Painting Terracotta Pots

Are plain terracotta pots just too plain for you? Feeling a bit arty and want to do your own thing? Well how about decorating your own terracotta pots? A simple, fun and unique activity for all ages.

Equipment required:

Plain terracotta pot
Paint pens eg: POSCA pens
Paintbrush to apply the varnish
Outdoor varnish - either Gloss or Satin depending on your preferred finish

Step 1

First select your terracotta pot to paint. Make sure the surface of the pot is clean and dry.

Step 2

Next select the colours of paint pens that you want to use. We have used POSCA paint pens to paint the pots in these examples. You can get POSCA pens from your local craft shop or online. They come in various colours and with different sized tips. Yellow, white and pink pens show up particularly well on terracotta.

Step 3

Draw whatever design that takes your fancy onto the pots. The paint dries very quickly so you can add colour on top of colour for different effects.

Step 4

Find a clean paintbrush to apply a layer of varnish.

Step 5

To make your artistic endeavours permanent paint a layer of outdoor varnish over your designs. You can use either an outdoor gloss varnish for a shiny finish or an outdoor satin varnish for a semi-glossy look. Be careful not to leave fingerprints in the varnish. Leave the varnish to dry overnight then apply a second coat. Apply additional coats as required. Clean your brushes with white spirit after you have finished.

Step 6

The completed pots have been sealed with an outdoor satin varnish. The pots are now ready to be planted with your favourite plants and can be placed outside. The varnish helps to protect your design from the changeable British weather.