Terra Cotta Pottery Transformed

My latest transformation has come in the form of old terra cotta pots, that have been laying behind our outdoor building, waiting to be reclaimed.  By the end of my planting season, I usually have a few pots left over that I just can’t seem to fill.  Probably because I already have so many that even I, get tired of planting them, which is saying a lot.  I was buying spray paint, for a few other projects and thought, why not try it on terra cotta?

I’m very happy with the results.  Talk about going green!  Reclaimed a pot, painted it green and added plants that need very little water.

Echeveria (back/left), Sedum Burrito (right), Sempervivum (front/left), Echeveria (front/middle)

Here’s what I did.  I cleaned the dirt off and then used spray paint primer.  This step is quick and easy and shouldn’t be skipped.  The primer dries almost instantly and seals it so that once painted, it looks like the pot has been glazed.  In the past, when I painted terra cotta, the paint soaked in, leaving a dull and unfinished look.

Rust-Oleum products are excellent and I really like the ultra cover 2x coverage.  It really does require only one coat.  To get the splatter effect I sprayed the pot a solid color, then used complimentary and contrasting colors, to get the effect I wanted.  If you lightly squeeze down on the nozzle, you will get a splatter instead of a solid spray.  It’s easy and fun.

A few tips on spray paint.

1.  Use a mask!  Ventilation is very important.  Due to wind issues I sprayed inside our garage on several occasions, but with the garage door up.  I still used a mask.  This stuff is toxic, so take this precaution.

2.  Use rubber gloves unless you don’t mind getting out the mineral spirits, for clean up.  I like to use medical rubber gloves because they fit tightly and can be tossed afterwards.

~ by quinntessentiallyme on April 12, 2010.