Video:How to Paint a Clay Pot

Transcript:How to Paint a Clay Pot

Hi, this is Angela with About.com, and today I am going to show you how to paint clay pots.

Supplies Needed to Paint a Clay Pot

You will need:

• clay pots
• acrylic paint
• a sponge brush
• regular paint brushes
• polyurethane
• a plastic plate
• clear acrylic spray

Prep Pots to Paint a Clay Pot

First, you need to prep your pots. Clean them with warm water, and let them completely dry before painting. Next, seal the inside of the flower pot with two to three coats of oil or water based polyurethane, and let it dry. You only need to do this if you are putting a plant in it, or if it needs to be water-proof.

Apply a Base Coat to Paint a Clay Pot

Squirt the colors you are going to use on a plastic plate. You can add a little water in the paint to thin it out. This allows for a more even spread. Using a sponge brush, apply the base coat. Work the paint around the pot in broad sweeps. You can add more coats until your desired depth is met. Just make sure to let the pot dry for an hour in between each coat.

Add Details to Paint a Clay Pot

Now that you are done with your base coat, you can use your other brushes to paint on details. Once you have finished painting your pot, let it dry thoroughly overnight. Then, seal it with two to three coats of polyurethane or clear acrylic spray.

Tips for Painting a Clay Pot

If you use polyurethane, use a water-based solution instead of oil-based. The oil tends to give pots a yellowish tint. Also, use a matte finish instead of shiny finish. Matte is less distracting and intensifies the colors. You can also use stencils, stamps, or paint pens to paint your designs.

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