Hey Moms I am trying to figure out how to "fix" the terra cotta planting pots so that my little girls class can put their hand print on them with paint. I bought the Crayola washable paint but thinking about the whole process I'm wondering if you have to paint the pot with a base paint first. Or are there pots already made to be painted on? I've heard conflicting stories today and just thought that some of you might have attempted this or something similiar before. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanx in advance!!!!
From past experience ... washable paint will rub off when the plant is watered. The only way around that is to spray seal the inside and outside completely so the clay won't be able to absorb any water.
You have to use paint that is not water proof since you will be putting plants in them and the terra cotta absorbs the water. Start off with acrylic paint, like in the little bottles at wal-mart, usually $1.00. paint and seal with spray glaze or sealant in the paint sections. the sealant comes in a spray can. or you can use a clear polyurethane spray in the same section.
i have had some pots with the paint and unsealed, and they have worked just fine, but the paint doesn't last as long.
So either way, you can't go wrong. But I wouldn't use the crayola paint. It is to washable. The acrylic is water/soap washable, but will stain clothing if not immediately rised from the fabric. If allowed to dry it won't come out.
Good luck,
L.
I think you should call a pottery place! I know my awesome, wonderful, funny daughter went to a painting place that they were able to paint and it didn't have to be fired! I bet they will know. Or ask your neighbor, she knows everything! :)
Michaels sells paint made just for Terra Cotta pots. My son and I just made flower pots for his teachers and they turned out really cute. We painted the pots a solid color before decorating with his fingerprints (in form of a flower). We used Acrylic paints too.
Happy Painting!
Hi Shelie,
If your talking about the terra cotta pots you buy in crafts stores, or home improvement stores, they can just be painted on.
Some colors are harder to see of course, because of the burnt orange coloring. {If you don't like orange like me, you can spray paint the pots first, the pots are very textured and the spray paint sticks really well.} Then add the paints.
Feather boas, stickers, rhinestones, glitter glue, ribbon, etc. make nice embellishments. The possibilities are endless, so are the uses for the pots.
The girls can match the pots to their rooms, or to moms taste.
I use to teach preschool and this was one of my activities.
Sorry so lengthy, I love to do crafts and got on a roll. :)
Feather boas, stickers, rhinestones, glitter glue, ribbon, etc. make nice embellishments. The possibilities are endless, so are the uses for the pots.
Your girls will have so much fun, I'm happy your expanding their creativities.
Happy crafting, R. :)
