DIY: How to Transform Your Terra-Cotta Pots

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to keep more potted plants at my house. With half of the year already under our belt, I’m happy to report that I’ve successfully kept some herbs and succulents alive—despite my past not-so-green-thumb track record. Simple terra-cotta planters have been my go-to plant vessel so far, but it’s time these uninspired pots get a makeover. Retailers offer plenty of beautifully designed planters, but they’re often far too expensive—especially when you have a growing windowsill garden. Instead of splurging a fortune to have unique planters, why not make your own? Adding color and pattern takes these planters from bland to glam, and with the huge array of Krylon® spray paint colors available, the possibilities of creativity are endless. I started off with a simple design by just taping the lip of the planter and painting the bottom portion one solid color. Once comfortable with the painter’s tape and spray paint, I braved a more involved, multi-color design. The result? Cheery planters that bring a punch of color to my garden that I can proudly say I created myself.

MATERIALS:
- Drop cloth
- Mask
- Rubber gloves
- Tack cloth
- All-purpose spray cleaner
- Painter's tape
- Terra-cotta planters (various sizes)
- Krylon® ColorMaster™ Painter + Primer, Sun Yellow in Gloss Finish (available at various retailers)
- Krylon® ColorMaster™ Painter + Primer, Ballet Slipper in Satin Finish (available at various retailers)
- Krylon® ColorMaster™ Painter + Primer, Pistachio in Satin Finish (available at various retailers)

FIRST THINGS FIRST

To update my uninspired planters, I selected two colors that complemented each other perfectly - a vibrant yellow and a powdery pink (Krylon® ColorMaster™ Painter + Primer in Sun Yellow and Ballet Slipper, respectively), a drop cloth, mask, gloves, spray cleaner, painter's tape, and cleaning supplies. Using the tack cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the surfaces, I prepped the terra-cotta planters for application.

CUT IT OUT

Next, cut painter's tape into triangle cut-outs that are similar in size. (Don't worry if the triangles are not all exactly the same - it will give your finished pot a bit of character!)

STICK TO IT

Adhere triangle cut-outs of tape to terra-cotta planter in the pattern of your choice.

MELLOW YELLOW

In a well-ventilated area, holding the can 6 to 8 inches away from the planter and using a sweeping side-to-side motion, spray your base color to cover the exterior of the pot. For my base color, I went with a summery yellow hue.

CUT AND DRY

Allow the pot to dry for 10 minutes or until the surface feels dry to the touch. While you wait, cut out additional triangles from your roll of painter's tape. Once planter is dry, add remaining triangular cut-outs to the pot.

PRETTY IN PINK

Holding the can 6 to 8 inches away from the planter, spray your second color to cover the exterior of the pot. I used a pastel pink - Krylon® ColorMaster™ Painter + Primer in Ballet Slipper - for my second layer.

THE REVELATION

Allow planter to dry for 10 minutes or until the surface feels dry to the touch. Once the planter is dry, carefully remove all of the taped-on triangle cut-outs to reveal your multi-colored pattern.

GARDEN VARIETY

Don't leave your other plants green with envy; give them a stylish home too! Use painter's tape to create different geometric shapes and spray with complementary hues to create color-blocked pots, each unique in their own way.