If you’re someone like me whose pre-pandemic weekends almost always meant a getaway with friends or a chance to go home to the province to catch up and recharge, then I understand if you’re still adjusting to the changes. These days I have to keep myself busy by trying something new, just about anything actually, to keep me sane. Other days I just lie in bed and breathe. There’s nothing wrong with that. We are all trying to live through this and we will. Just hang in there. In the meantime, while we’re taking care of our own well-being, don’t forget to check up on things that depend on us. By that, I mean our house plants. We know they can’t take care of themselves, can they?
If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, consider giving your plant a new home. Awaken the artist in you and paint those terra cotta pots! There are lots of ways to paint and personalize it, you can cut out your own design or use rubber bands and masking tape, but today we’ll be talking specifically about painting it with the help of ready-made stencils. Take notes, DIYers!
How to Paint Your Terra Cotta Pots
The first and probably the most important step is to pick songs to sing or dance along to while working. Play music that you enjoy. Of course, we’re going to need some good vibrations! Once you’ve settled with your playlist, set up your workspace, and then prepare the materials needed. See below:
Cover your workspace with old newspapers to prevent unwanted paint splashes on the table. When you’re done, start cleaning the terra cotta pot thoroughly using a clean rag. You may soak the rag in water first before wiping but make sure that the pot is completely dry when you start sanding.
Now, get the sandpaper and get to work. Sand the pot until smooth to the touch and then wipe off all the dust. Just a reminder: To avoid inhaling the dust, wear your mask. And as much as possible, make sure that no pets or little kids are running around while you’re working. The running around could end up in shattered pots and spilled paint.
Pick up your brush and start painting. Prime the pot with Boysen Permacoat Flat Latex White B-701 and wait an hour for the paint to dry. Once completely dry, take a stencil with your chosen design, and then securely tape it around the pot. Use a small brush (1-2 inches) for this project. Lightly dip it into a mixture of black paint using the Boysen Permacoat Latex Lamp Black tinting color. Or you can also use its ready mix alternative, Boysen Permacoat Flat Black B-791. You may choose other colors for the topcoat but for this project, we’ll keep it classy by using black and white. Dab any excess paint off before painting. Use the same dabbing motion to apply paint onto the terra cotta pot. Once you’re done with one side, reposition the stencil and repeat the pattern around the pot. Remove the stencil and let the paint dry for 2 hours before using it. And then that’s it!
I know you’re excited to get your babies a new home but we have to follow the proper painting system, okay? We’ll get to that later. While waiting for the first pot to dry, you may proceed to your second pot repeating the process but using different stencil designs.
If you learn best through watching, this video tutorial might help.
Terra Cotta Pot Design Inspirations
Let your imagination run wild. If you can’t find the stencil cut out that you love, you can create one yourself! Check out this easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make handmade stencils. You can also put in an extra effort by painting directly to the pot for the final touches. Here are some design inspirations for you:
What a Re-leaf
Life Would Succ Without You
Rooting for You
Once and Flor-al
With so much tender loving care, now your plant has more reasons to grow with you! If you’re looking for other projects you can do for your greeneries, try creating DIY pots or a house number plant box. Click on the links to read and watch.
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