When we talk about ceramic flower pots, we usually think of terracotta ones. They are made of clay, which hardens by cooking the jars in a high-temperature furnace. The pots are then usually baked a second time with a layer of enamel: these are the types that are normally found in gardening shops. Unglazed pots are available at craft stores. The steps below explain how to paint both painted pots you already own and want to revive, as well as unpainted ones.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Painting Glazed Ceramic Vases
Step 1. Use a pump or kitchen faucet to rinse your ceramic pot inside and out
Step 2. Rub it with water and detergent using a sponge
You can also use an old toothbrush to clean inside the rim of the jar.
Step 3. Rinse the jar thoroughly both inside and out
Step 4. Place the pot in the sun and allow it to dry completely
Step 5. Purchase interior and exterior gloss spray paint, 200 grit sandpaper, brushes, and a can of latex primer
Step 6. Put the vase on an outdoor table, preferably on a non-windy or rainy day, and cover the table with a piece of cardboard, a plastic sheet or newspapers, to protect it from paint
Step 7. Sand the vase with sandpaper long enough to roughen the glazed surface
Step 8. Clean the jar by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth
Step 9. Spread the primer with a brush and let it dry
Although latex primers adhere well to roughened ceramic, you can always apply a second coat to make sure you have perfect coverage. Let all layers dry completely.
Step 10. Read the instructions on the can before starting to paint
It is usually to be shaken well before use.
Step 11. Spray the paint inside the jar, proceeding evenly
Step 12. Let the color inside dry completely
If you don't want to color the inside, turn the vase over and proceed with the next step.
Step 13. Spray the paint on the outside of the jar
Use sweeping movements so that the color is spread out evenly.
Step 14. Let the vase dry in the sun
Step 15. Keep the leftover paint in case you need to retouch
Step 16. Wait at least 24 hours after painting before placing a plant back into the pot
Method 2 of 2: Painting Unglazed Ceramic Vases
Step 1. Buy unglazed ceramic pots in a craft shop
These shops also have a variety of paints, water-resistant insulators, finish polishes and brushes suitable for painting rough pots.
Step 2. Choose a work area that is well ventilated
Step 3. Cover your countertop with plastic or newspaper to protect it
Step 4. Remove the vase imperfections created by the mold:
use a chisel to gently scrape them or sand them lightly with a piece of fine to medium grit sandpaper. This step is necessary to have a smooth surface: the paint will adhere better if it is sanded first.
Step 5. Clean the jar with a soft brush or dry cloth, or you can wipe off dust and dirt with a hair dryer
Step 6. Clean the vase by wiping it with a damp cloth
Step 7. Let the jar dry completely
Step 8. Spray a water-resistant insulator inside the jar:
this will prevent moisture from passing through the vase, and consequently will limit the risk of damaging the external finish.
Step 9. Let the insulation dry completely
Step 10. Apply a coat of primer to the ceramic pot using a brush:
the primer covers any small imperfections or stains and will help the final layer of paint adhere.
Step 11. Let the primer coat dry completely
Step 12. Spread a thin layer of acrylic paint over the entire vase
Use the best brush you can afford - cheap brush hairs peel off regularly and stick to the paint.
Step 13. Let the paint dry
Step 14. Apply another thin coat of paint to the ceramic pot and let it dry
Step 15. Use a thin layer of acrylic enamel to protect the paint
Step 16. Allow for a drying time of at least 24 hours before placing soil in the pot
Advice
- Wash, dry and paint multiple pots at a time. Set some aside for gifts.
- Even the spray fixer used for works of art can protect the paint on your ceramic vase.
- Try painting 3 or 4 pots of the same color and group them together on your patio.
Warnings
- Never put ceramic objects in the dishwasher.
- It is best to use any type of paint, insulator or spray fixer on the outside. If you have to paint inside, make sure the room is well ventilated.
- Wear goggles and a safety mask while spraying paint or fixatives.