How do I paint terra cotta planters so that the paint won't peel off?

Carolyn Klein
by Carolyn Klein

I want to make all the pots on my deck look like they are marble. I don't know what paint techniques to useso that later the paint peels off

  4 answers
  • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on Feb 26, 2019

    Also be sure to use a good sealer. :)

    • See 1 previous
    • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on Feb 26, 2019

      Oh, I am sorry to not be clear. After you paint, you can spray it with a clear sealer that will provide a barrier between the paint and the weather. You can use any spray type sealer you like, but I prefer Rust-Oleum products.


      ModPodge does make an outdoor formula too that is designed to protect from the weather, so if you use that, a spray sealer wouldn't be necessary.


      Here's a link to a post I wrote on all the different decoupage formulas:


      https://www.toworkwithmyhands.com/2019/01/decoupage-glue.html


      And here's a link to the spray sealer if you'd prefer it: https://amzn.to/2U8NGyt (affiliate link). This is the gloss version, and here's the matte: https://amzn.to/2H4l8SM (affiliate link). You can find either of these at Wal-Mart or similar stores.


      I've also written on post on a faux marble technique using paint. I did it on a wood stool, but I've also done it on terra cotta pots. I leave mine indoors so I didn't seal them, but it would be simple to add one. You could use any color combinations you like best. Here's the link to the post, and I'll attach a photo of the pots:


      https://www.toworkwithmyhands.com/2017/06/faux-marble-stool-a-thrift-store-upcycle.html


      Hope this helps! Enjoy your project, and thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with us. I hope I'm doing the very same things when I'm 83 too! :)

  • Chris Gignac Chris Gignac on Feb 26, 2019

    I’m going to say it can’t be done for the long run. Terra-cotta pots actually breathe. Any paint you put on the outside will prevent the breathing and it will also hold moisture next to the pot over time the paint will still peel. Try staining instead.

  • Hi Carolyn! I can tell you how to paint your terracotta planters with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint :)

    It is super easy to paint with Dixie Belle.

    Step one: Clean with White Lightning

    Step two: Paint one to two coats of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint

    Step three: Use Gator Hide for a water-repellent and durable finish

    You can find all of these products here https://dixiebellepaint.com/

    If you ever need help or have any questions you can feel free to call us at 813-909-1962 during business hours. We have a full staff here eager to help you!

    We have an awesome group on FB that gives you all kinds of help if you are interested. click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsWhoLikeDixieBellePaint/

  • Carolyn Klein Carolyn Klein on Feb 27, 2019

    Wow I am so impressed with all the help!!! You gals are superior. I can't wait for warmer weather to start working on them. I have a black and white theme and think the marblized planters with a touch of red will look great. If not, I'll just paint over them. Just sounds like fun. I have plants rooting now.


    Thanks a million!

    Carolyn


    Sorry, but I am not a facebook user and use a flip phone. I guess "old fashioned as well as old."