How to paint clay pots

Clay Pots are durable, inexpensive, and available in a variety of sizes. But the downside is that they tend to look the same. However, with a little paint and creativity, you can make your clay pots stand out.

There are 2 steps to color clay pots

Step 1

Preparation for coloring of clay pots

1) Choose an appropriate working environment.

Cover the work surface with newspaper or plastic sheet to protect it. If you work indoors, be sure to open the windows. If you work outdoors, be careful of the dust in the air, they may stick to the paint.

2) Wash the clay Pot with warm water and let it dry.

Brand new jars are usually covered with a thin layer of dust. Some even have price tags and labels attached. Use a coarse sponge to wipe off the grit or dirt on the surface. After washing, put the jar in a sunny place to dry.

3) Use sandpaper to smooth the surface. After the jar is cleaned, smooth the surface with fine sandpaper. Pay attention to the rough places and sharp edges.

4) Wipe the jar with a damp cotton cloth and let it dry. This will remove all remaining dust and grit.

5) Spray sealant inside the pot and let it dry. Make sure that the bottom and sides of the clay pot are sprayed.

To make the flowerpot look better, you can paint the inside black before spraying the sealant.

Step 2

Coat the clay pot with a solid color

1) Determine which parts of the clay pot you want to color.

You can paint the whole pot in a solid color, or leave some areas unpainted. If you choose the latter, you have to cover the uncolored areas with masking tape.

2) Cover the parts you don't want to color

Doing so can make a beautiful and clear dividing line between the colored area and the uncolored area.

If you want to color the can body, but keep the edges of the original color, you can use masking tape to cover the edges.

3) Choose paint

The paint has different finishing effects. If you plan to apply a coat of sealant after painting, the type of sealant you should use will depend on the type of paint you choose.

4) Prepare to paint

To reduce brush marks, dilute the paint with a few drops of water until its consistency is close to that of cream. If you are using a spray can of paint, just shake the spray can a few times and hear the ball click.

You can use outdoor paint or craft paint. After painting, the painted surface will be sealed again.

5) Apply a layer of paint first and wait for it to dry

If you are using acrylic paint, you can use a flat paint brush or foam paint brush to paint. If you are using spray can paint, hold the spray can and place it 15 to 20 cm away from the surface of the clay pot and spray a thin and even layer of paint.

6) If necessary, apply a few more layers

After the first coat of paint is dry, you can apply the second or third coat. Be sure to wait for the previous layer to dry before applying the next layer.

You should be able to see if the whole can is painted.

7) In order to make the shape of the clay pot more complete, you can also paint the inside of it. Paint the top two to three centimeters of the inner surface of the clay pot. There is no need to paint the bottom, because the clay pot will be filled with dirt.

There are 2 tips for coloring clay pots

1. Work in a well-ventilated area, especially if you are using spray can paint and sealant.

2. Do not block the drain hole at the bottom of the tank. You must keep it open. Otherwise, the earthenware pot cannot drain normally, and the roots of the plants are easy to rot.

Come and color your clay pot by yourself. You can use it as a birthday gift for your friends.