Painting terracotta pots is probably one of the cheapest ways to update your patio this summer. No need to buy expensive decorative pots when you can DIY!

By the way, I never know if it is terracotta, terra-cotta, or terra cotta when discussing pots. You can see Wikipedia also says it can be spelled in different ways, too.
Whenever I seem to be looking for the right answer, I will get a few different responses and spellings. However, you all know I am referring to those red clay pots that are a DIY craft person’s dream. Not only are they cheap, but can have so many different end results.
Here are 20+ painted terracotta pots that are sure to help update your outdoor space. First, you may want to know a few things.
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How to paint terracotta pots?
You can use spray paint, acrylic paint or paint markers to help decorate your terracotta pots. The sky is the limit. You will be surprised how fast acrylic paint will dry.
Just make sure you do not use tempera paint as it will flake off. Tempera paint is meant to be washable and mainly for kid art projects. If you are planning on using outside see the information below.
Can I paint plastic flower pots?
Yes, a spray paint that is meant for plastics and has a primer in it will probably be your best bet for your basecoat. We hope to share some newly painted plastic pots soon! We love that you can makeover plastic pots and you don’t have to worry about them breaking.
How to paint flower pots for the outdoors?
If you really want your terracotta pots to last, I recommend spraying with an outdoor waterproof sealer first. This will help protect your pot from water damage. I will say that we did not do this with our hydro-dipped marbled pots and they have held up mostly over 2 years.
I wish I would have added this waterproofing step though. We do bring them inside the garage during the winter months. You can buy the sealer on Amazon or brush it on with a different sealer from Home Depot.
You also want to make sure that you bring pots in during cold weather. If water is left in them, they will crack and all of your hard work will be ruined.
20+ Design Ideas For Painting Pots
Painted Flower Pot Ideas
No one wants to pay for designer flower pots and planters! These DIY flower pot painting ideas will help you decorate your outdoor space the way you want.
Painted Pots and Baskets DIY Tutorial
We love this dry brush, but colorful painting idea. So many creative tips for not only painted flower pots but for baskets as well. She also recommends this sealer if placing these beauties outside.
Faux Marble Painted Flower Pots
Have you given hydro dipping a try? You will never believe the outcome you can get on your painted flower pots by simply using old spray paint and water. Check out other reasons we love spray paint DIY ideas.
Easy Tutorial for White Washed Terra Cotta Pots ⋆ Love Our Real Life
Create that rustic farmhouse vibe super easily. We love when DIY is easy and fun at the same time.
Painting Terra Cotta Pots – How To Make This Easy DIY!
Again, terracotta painted pots are such a great way to add to your home decor. We love the painterly stripes, burlap, and little craft letters. We totally think she pulled off her Target jar as inspiration.
DIY Hand Lettered His and Hers Catnip Planters
Use a simple drawing transfer technique (like we talk about here) to help put fun lettering on your catnip planters.
How to Paint a Ceramic Flower Pot
How fun is this paint-dripped flower pot idea? We can just imagine all the different color combos you could have.
Rae Dunn Inspired Flower Pot Planters
Don't pay for the real deal, when this DIY project is the perfect way to get the same look for less. Use your circuit or even hand paint words (using our easy transfer technique) like Grow, Bloom or Sprout.
Faux Talavera
These painted pots will definitely brighten any kitchen. We the designs and inspiration from the real Talavera pottery from Spain.
The cutest DIY idea of painting plastic flower pots - Learn to create beautiful things
If you are looking to paint plastic flower pots, this is an idea for you. Use spray paint and paint markers to create this unique pattern and design.
Easy Painted Flower Pot Ideas You Can Do Right Now
All you need is a little acrylic paint to create these black and white painted flower pots. You won't need much time or an artist license to pull these flower pot designs off.
DIY Ombre Plant Pot
We love how these pearl paints were used to brighten up an old terra-cotta flower pot. We can imagine using all sorts of bright colors to complete a set of these pots.
DIY Flower Pot Garden Markers
Use those small terracotta pots in a unique way by flipping them upside down to create one-of-kind plant markers. We could even see involving the kids to make truly colorful garden markers.
Colorful Cactus Painted Pots Are Awesome Home Decor
These painted pots are perfect just with the bright colors but are amazing once the fun sayings were added. We see endless possibilities with these fun paint pots.
Mothers Day Flower Pot Craft For Kids
How could we create a painted flower pot list without including a classic fingerprint painted pot. This one is super cute and anyone would be lucky to receive these from a child.
How to Make DIY Herb Pots
These adorable herb-painted pots would make a great addition to your outdoor space. We love the extra addition of twine wrapped around the painted flower pots.
DIY Distressed Gold Leaf Terracotta Pots
Use gold leaf sheets and dry brush technique to create this one-of-a-kind flower pot idea. We absolutely love these DIY planters!
Simple Succulent Pots
If one thing we know, is we love when simple and DIY go together. These succulent pots have just enough design and really could be done in
DIY West Elm Inspired Succulent Planter
Use fun aged copper spray paint to paint terracotta pots. No one will know you didn't buy a real West Elm flower pot.
Green Marbled DIY Concrete Planter
This fun painted flower pot idea is a complete DIY. Learn how to make your own painted concrete to swirl into a mold for this awesome planter idea.
Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots With Napkins
Skip painting the designs on your clay pots and use this decoupage method to add unique patterns to your terracotta pots. We see infinite flower pot designs in our future.
Stubborn sticker or sticker residue stuck on your pot? Read more>>>>5 Easy Ways To Get Rid of Sticker Residue
We think we will be painting more flower pots soon and hope you enjoy whatever you plant in your pretty pots, planter boxes and garden. If you love this post, you may also want to check out 22 backyard planter ideas as well!
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Now we think you should have enough ideas for painting flower pots and it is time to start creating!