How to Tile a Flower Pot

Preparation

• 1

  Cover a work table with plastic or a cloth. Place all of the materials and tools needed on the table.

• 2

  Create a sketch on paper to use as a guide indicating color and size of tile and approximate placement. As an alternative, draw a design in permanent marker on the pot and place tiles accordingly.

• 3

  Place the terra cotta pot on the table with the top down. Wipe the pot down with a rag, to remove debris. This will allow the tile to stick better to the pot's surface. Set the pot aside.

• 4

  Place the mosaic tiles on the table. Gently hammer the tiles to break them into smaller pieces. Use a pair of tile nippers to shape the smaller tiles in desired shapes. The pieces need to be small enough to form a design on the pot, and large enough to hold in your fingers.

• 5

  Separate the tiles by color and shape into small containers. Set the containers within easy reach of your working space.

Tiling

• 6

  Pick up the first piece of tile to place on the pot. Cover the back of the piece in a thin layer of tile glue. Place the tile in the desired location on the pot. Hold the tile in place for several seconds before letting go. Attach a second tile to the pot in the same manner, leaving a 1/4-inch space between the tiles. Continue placing tiles on the pot in the desired pattern and design until the pot is covered. Allow the tile glue to dry thoroughly.

• 7

  Paint all of the tiles and the spaces between the tiles with two coats of tile sealer. This will protect the tile and allow it to last longer. Allow the sealer to dry.

• 8

  Mix the tile grout in a bucket, following manufacturer's instructions carefully. Put on rubber gloves, then spread the mixed grout over the pot. Fill all of the cracks and open spaces in between the tiles.

• 9

  Wipe of all the grout off the tiles with a wet sponge. This will not only clean up the tiles, it will also make them shine. Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours.