We’re back with the final tutorial from our recent R. Home column on reinventing thrift-store finds: painting terra cotta pots. You may have seen this makeover in the magazine, but below is a clear, step-by-step guide for anyone who wants an easy, affordable update for plain clay pots.
Supplies
- Terra cotta pots (an inexpensive mix from thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army works great)
- Thompson’s Water Seal (an affordable sealer formulated for terra cotta — it makes the pots paint-ready)
- Exterior latex paint (we used high-gloss exterior paint)
- Sponge (optional — useful for stamped or striped patterns)
- Plants (essential for finishing the project)
Step-by-Step
1. Seal the inside of each pot with Thompson’s Water Seal. Spray or brush a few thin coats on the sides and base to lock in moisture so it won’t seep through and make the paint bubble or peel. The product soaks in as it dries, so pots won’t look glossy or noticeably darker once sealed.
2. Paint the outside with exterior latex paint. Use a brush to apply one or two coats depending on coverage. We painted some pots a soft yellow and added a darker accent color below the lip on a few others. Many pots only needed a single coat, so this step can be very quick.
3. Add a simple striped or stamped pattern if you like. Cut a sponge into sections to create a stamp strip, then lightly load it with paint using a brush and press evenly against the pot to create repeating stripes or dots. This is a fast way to add texture and interest.
4. After the paint is fully dry, apply one or two additional coats of Water Seal to both the inside and outside of the pot to protect the finish before adding soil and plants. This final sealing step helps your paint last when pots are used outdoors or watered frequently.
Here they are finished and ready for planting. The toughest part for our shoot was tracking down seasonal flowers well ahead of publication, but once spring arrives it’s easy to find suitable plants. This whole project is budget-friendly: thrifted pots, a small can of exterior paint, and a bottle of sealer — total cost can be under $35 depending on what you already have on hand.
If you have an hour this weekend, you can easily complete this project and brighten a front porch, patio, or windowsill. Try a few color combinations to match your outdoor decor — soft pastels, bold solids, or subtle two-tone accents all look great.
Looking for more projects? Visit the How-To resources for other tutorials on simple home updates and decor ideas.