Clay Pot Preparation (Oct. 05)
Information courtesy of Jeson Enterprises

Basic Supplies
Clay Pots
Foam Brush
Sealer of Choice
- Patio Paint
- Exterior Varnish
- Terra Cotta Sealer
- Spray Sealer

Preparation
Make sure that your pot is clean and dry before painting or sealing.

Methods of Use
There are several ways to seal your clay pots. Choose one of the following methods, depending upon what you will be using your clay pot for.

Outdoor Use:
- Patio Paint by Deco Art is the best paint to use if your clay pot will be used outside or with live plants. Patio paint contains a sealer in the paint that seals the terra cotta and helps the paint adhere to the surface.
- There is no need to use a sealer over Patio Paint; however, if you want a glossy finish, you may use Patio Paint Clear Coat over the top.

Decorative Purposes:
- If your clay pot is strictly for decorative purposes, you can use acrylic paint (such as Ceramcoat, Americana) without any sealer.
- This method can only be used if the clay pot will not be exposed to water.
- To protect your painted surface, you may want to use a spray sealer over your painted design.

Live Plants
Terra cotta is porous, so water will come through the pot unless one of the following methods is used:
- Patio Paint (see above)
- If you want to paint the pot with acrylic paints, first seal the inside of the pot with Exterior Varnish or Terra Cotta Sealer. You may then paint the outside of the pot with acrylic paint. For best results, varnish the outside with Exterior Varnish after painting.

Fountains
- If you are using terra cotta for the water-holding container in a fountain, you must paint the inside of the pot with two coats of exterior varnish. Be sure to cover the entire inside surface of the pot.
- If you want the inside of your fountain to be painted, use one coat of exterior varnish, the Patio Paint, then another coat of exterior varnish.
- If desired, use Patio Paint to paint the outside of your pot. For extra protection, follow with a coat of exterior varnish.