Decorative Ways to Paint Terra Cotta Planters

Painting Supplies

• Use acrylic craft paints or leftover latex house paints to paint terra cotta pots effectively. After the paint dries, apply a clear sealer that specifically lists terra cotta. Sealers come in spray and brush-on form. This is especially necessary if your pots will be used outside. The entire pot needs to be sealed, inside and outside, since terra cotta is porous. Moisture can pass through it to ruin your paint job.

Hand-Painting

• Let your creativity flow by hand-painting your pots. Give them a base coat, let them dry, and then apply decorative accents like flowers or swirls. Paint the pots according to the season, such as red-and-white striped planters for a Christmas cactus or to hold candy canes on your desk. Paint your name or house number on the pots to display by the front door, or paint them to match an accent color in your bedroom.

Stenciling

• Stencils can give your designs clean edges and shapes if you don’t possess drawing skills. Start with a base coat, let it dry, and then apply a plastic stencil with a tacky spray adhesive. Tap the paint over the stencil with a sponge paint applicator. For a simple homemade stencil, use painter’s tape to make even stripes and lines on your planter. Paper stencils can also be taped to the pot. Try stenciling pumpkin face patterns on your orange pot for a Halloween planter. Alternatively, stencil the name of your herb directly onto the pot you grow it in, or stencil a trail of vines around the lip of a planter for a country touch.

Stamping

• Rubber stamps are useful when decorating your terra cotta pot. You can use the stamp alone or as an outline to paint in the details. For less expensive options, look for foam stamps at craft stores, or make your own stamps by cutting shapes out of dry sponges. Dip the stamp into paint, and press it to a pot. Give the pot a base coat first, if desired, then stamp on the images. Overlap stamps in different colors for a mottled-style pot. Or try rubber-stamping decorative scenes 360 degrees around the pot.

Faux Painting

• By the time you get done faux painting your planter, people may find it hard to believe it started out as terra cotta. Use a faux marble or granite treatment to make your pot look like something from a classy decorating store. Alternately, paint your pot with metallic paint, and then apply a patina medium to make it look like a charming, old rusted bucket that has barely stood the test of time.