Given how gardening has become a hobby for most people, it is safe to say you may have a couple of clay pots or paso lying in your home. On their own, clay pots are nice. But one way to brighten up your planters is by painting them. Painting clay pots makes them look more vibrant and alive. To do that, you would need a designated paint for clay pots.
Paints for clay pots aren't as complicated or specialized as you might think. You could probably use what paint you have lying around at home. But for those who are painting their clay pots for the first time and don't know what to use, we've provided a list of our top 10 recommended products as well as a buying guide to help you select paints for your clay pots.
Quick List - Top Paints for Clay Pots
Rust-Oleum
A Primer and Paint in One Handy Spray to Make Your Paint Jobs Effortless
Tokyo Finds
Non-Toxic Paint for Your Little Ones
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
When it comes to selecting paints for clay pots, you have to take note of a few things such as the type of paint, the method it is applied, and whether the paint is quick drying or not. We’ll lay them down for you below.
Paint could either be oil or water-based. However, regardless of the type of paint, it is important to prep the clay pot to ensure that it can absorb the paint better. Still, it is helpful to know the basics about the different types of paint to know which one suits your project best.
When it comes to painting clay pots, most people reach for water-based paints such as acrylic and latex. And if you’d like a rustic effect, matte chalk paint. They are easy to use, and a majority of them are non-toxic and do not contain chemicals like lead or formaldehyde. If you make a mistake, you can easily remove it with water, so the clean-up will be a breeze.
But take note that it dries quickly, too, so the moment the paint is set, your pots are good to go. Water-based paints are not as pigmented as oil paints, so you might have to add a second or even third coat. And any imperfections on the clay pot are easily seen, so it might not yield as smooth a finish as you’d like.
Oil-based paint makes use of either a natural base such as linseed oil or a synthetic base from alkyd oil. The most common examples of oil-based paints are enamel and lacquer paints. oil-based paint is more durable because the paint hardens as it dries. It is a suitable option if you plan on placing your pots in high-traffic areas and outdoors as it can tolerate numerous weather conditions—rain or shine.
This also makes them resistant to molds, but this type of paint will take longer to dry, so you might have to let the pot set for a couple of days to avoid coming across wet paint. Oil-based paint also produces a much smoother finish, so it won’t leave brush marks or emphasize any of the clay pot’s imperfections. Lastly, they have better adhesion on dirty or chalky surfaces even without priming the clay pot.
Now that you know the differences in the types of paint, it's time to decide on how you are going to paint your clay pots. For this, you can select between hand painting them or spray painting them.
Hand painting clay pots offer a wide range of paint options. From those little jars of craft paint to large industrial cans, you have a lot to choose from. And paint cans are generally affordable, so you aren't going to be spending a fortune on them. Painting clay pots by hand requires you to use a paintbrush in order to transfer the paint.
And this is great if you want to flex your creativity as it allows you to paint various designs and even combine different colors. Each clay pot will come out unique because hand painting offers a more personal touch. However, you would need a precise hand if you want an even coating, which might be difficult to achieve if it's your first time. So you can expect to come across brush streaks or uneven splatters every now and then.
If you want an even and effortless application, then spray paint is the one for you. It is very easy to apply, simply aim the nozzle on the area you wish to paint, and press on it just like you would a can of air freshener. Spray paints could easily coat the entirety of the clay pot quicker than if you were to paint it by hand.
This is handy when you have to paint several pots. With spray paints, you get the job done much faster. However, given how spray paints disperse the paint particles, it might be difficult to go over a spot you have missed, which is especially true if you were painting your pots in different colors. And in general, spray paints tend to cost more and contain fewer amounts than typical paint cans.
Painting a clay pot with the base color is just the beginning. You could also add designs and illustrations on the pot for added oomph. And for this step in your DIY project, using paint markers is the best way to go.
Paint markers look like regular markers—from the body down to the felt tip. But instead of ink, paint flows through its reservoir. These are handy for fine detailing on your clay pots because they offer a more precise hand, and they are less messy, too.
If you are planning on gifting your pot or selling them, try to look for paint that has quick drying features. This lessens the amount of time you have to wait for the paint to dry. So that when you do give them away, the clay pots won’t leave paint marks over you or other people’s fingers.
Another thing you want to do is to look for low-odor paint. This is particularly helpful especially if you are painting indoors, so you can avoid inhaling paint fumes. Usually, the packaging or the label would indicate whether the paint has an odor or not.
But if not, a rule of thumb to go by is that water-based paints tend to produce little to no odor, making them ideal for indoor painting. On the other hand, oil-based ones are notorious for having that prominent paint smell owing to their base being made of chemical solvents. This makes them more suitable for outdoor painting.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Project Recoveries Original Handmixed Chalk Paint | ![]() | Premium Chalk Paint That’s Proudly Pinoy-Made | |
2 | Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Spray Paint | ![]() | A Primer and Paint in One Handy Spray to Make Your Paint Jobs Effortless | |
3 | Uni Posca Acrylic Pastel Markers|Set of 7 | ![]() | Decorate Your Clay Pots With Multicolored Markers | |
4 | Tokyo Finds Acrylic Paint |for Canvas, Glass, Wood, Rock, Ceramic | ![]() | Non-Toxic Paint for Your Little Ones | |
5 | Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers|Set of 5 | ![]() | Add Vivid Details With a Quick-Drying Marker | |
6 | Montana MTN 94 Matte Spray Paint | ![]() | Low-Pressure Cap for Precise Painting | |
7 | Sanded Edge PH Pastels Chalk Paint|1 Pc | ![]() | 100% Water-Based Chalk Paint That’s Highly Pigmented | |
8 | Davies Aqua Gloss-It Enamel Paint | ![]() | Easy-to-Apply Paint With Great Color Retention Great Even for Beginners | |
9 | Liquitex Spray Paint | ![]() | Coat Your Clay Pots With Low-Odor Paint So You Don't Have to Worry About Paint Fumes | |
10 | Boysen Latex Paint | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Paint From a Trusted Brand Perfect for Mixing and Matching Colors |
If you're looking to brighten up any paso you might have lying around, look no further than Project Recoveries. They are the first homegrown brand that produces quality hand-mixed chalk paint. Chalk paint is known for its durability and good adhesion, so know that this is an excellent option for your clay pots.
Each paint they ship out is hand-mixed and only prepared upon order to ensure you receive a fresh batch every time. They offer quite a number of eye-catching colors with equally catchy names such as "Winterfell White" and "Night's Watch Black," and they take it a step further by creating custom colors depending on your request.
You'll also be pleased to know their paint is all-natural and anti-bacterial. It is also the first local paint to be internationally certified safe for children. Moreover, the paint doesn't need any priming, so you can go straight to painting your pots. Plus, it dries fast and only needs 30 minutes in between coats!
If you want an effortless way of painting your clay pots, then perhaps spray painting might be the solution. For this, look no further than Rust-Oleum’s Universal Gloss Spray. Its formula consists of both primer and paint for an all-in-one solution. This helps make your paint jobs easier.
This oil-based paint has maximum adhesion, and it will dry to a glossy finish, which gives an extra sheen to your paso, making them look good as new. And it is designed with their patented trigger technology for your optimum comfort. Moreover, the paint is fade and chip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it peeling anytime soon!
Aside from painting your clay pots with a base color, you can also decorate them using paint markers such as this one from Uni Posca. The set includes 7 felt-tip markers that can be used on almost any surface, including glass and wood. Its formula is non-toxic and lightfast, which means it is resistant to fading when exposed to light.
This way, you can display your paso outdoors without worrying about the color becoming kupas. What's more, once the paint dries, you can write over it with another marker without the paint smearing or bleeding - perfect for more complicated illustrations or details. Plus, you can also rinse the tips once you're done!
An affordable way to spruce up your clay pots is by personalizing them with your paintings. With Tokyo Finds, decorating has never been easier. Their Acrylic Paint features rich, vivid pigments to make your pots stand out—no more washed out hues! And it comes in twist cap bottles, which makes for easier dispensing.
The paint also comes in a huge array of colors and textures. You can choose between a classic and a metallic finish for that added oomph. And you can even mix the colors together! It is also non-toxic and certified safe. This makes painting clay pots the perfect activity with the kids for a nice family bonding.
When it comes to craft supplies, Sharpie needs no introduction. Their oil-based markers offer high contrast colors that stand out against dark and light surfaces. And each marker creates precise and pigmented lines. It is perfect if you want to neatly add more designs to your clay pots without the added mess.
And despite being oil-based, these markers have a quick-dry formula that resists fading, smearing, and abrasions- you won't have to worry about accidentally distorting or scratching your creation. It is also great for a lot of surfaces such as windows, scrapbooks, and even rocks!
To bring your clay pots to life, try Montana’s Matte Finish Spray Paint. It comes in over 20 colors with a quick-dry formula, so you can prevent smudges or smears. The can is also equipped with a low-pressure cap, which gives you more control so you can create precise lines in half the time.
This also prevents any drips, so you can repaint your clay pot almost immediately. The paint is opaque and dries hard. It can cover your clay pots with just a single coat, and when it hardens, it adds a layer of protection for your clay pots. This is great, especially if you want to place your pots outdoors or in high-traffic areas.
If you're fond of DIY projects, then you'll surely love Sanded Edge's Chalk Paint. They are a local brand that makes quality and pigmented chalk paints at an affordable price. Because chalk paints have a matte finish, your clay pots will have a rustic appearance that adds to their charm.
Their paints are 100% water-based, so if you find them a little too thick for your liking, you can easily dilute them with water, give them a stir, and you're good to go. And minimal prep work is required seeing as you don't need to sand or prime your pots—just make sure it has been cleaned of oil, dust, and debris.
If you’re looking for quality paint for clay pots that won’t break the bank, then perhaps Davies is what you’re looking for. It offers 1 liter of high-quality paint at an affordable price. Their Aqua Gloss-It variant is the first water-based enamel paint in the country. This gives you the best of both worlds of water and oil-based paint.
It is environment-friendly, non-toxic, and easy to apply, yet it offers excellent gloss and color retention. This makes painting your pots a breeze. It is also resistant to alkali and mildew growth, and when it dries, it leaves a sturdy finish, so your pots look good as new.
Liquitex is one of the go-to brands when it comes to acrylic paints. But did you know that their acrylic paint also comes in spray cans? It comes with a nozzle wherein the paint is finely dispersed. This makes it easier to fill in details and do touch-ups without worrying about messing up the entire clay pot.
Their acrylic spray paint features high-quality pigments and is made using water-based technology. As a result, the paint dries quickly and is easily cleaned up. It produces little to no odor, so you don’t have to worry about inhaling paint fumes. Plus, it dries down to a lovely matte finish and comes in various colors for you to choose from!
When it comes to paint brands, no doubt Boysen will come to mind. That is why it is no surprise they made it to the list. Although they are normally used for painting infrastructure, they also make a great budget-friendly option for your clay pots as well. This way, you can spruce up your planters without breaking the bank.
If you're worried about buying their paint by the bucket, never fear! This particular paint comes in a 250 ml can, which is ideal for painting small objects such as clay pots. And what's great about them is that you can mix and match them to achieve your desired shade!
You can opt for the full tone of the paint color. But you can also use this paint as a colorant; just mix it with a white semi-gloss latex base to produce tints from pastel to medium shades! According to Boysen, the ideal ratio for mixing is 1:16. Meaning, this can is good for mixing with a 4-liter can of base paint!
You can never have too many plants! Gardening is one way to relieve stress, especially during these difficult times. Check out these plants that you can add to your collection. Whether you have plenty of space outdoors or just a small one indoors, there's certainly a plant for you.
One way of revitalizing your planters is by painting them. Painting clay pots instantly spruces them up and brightens up any room they are in. And with the numerous options for clay pot paints, you’re sure to find the right shade or formula. That said, we hope our guide has helped you make your search easier. Happy crafting!
Author: J. Cuizon
Editor: A. Mangulabnan
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No. 1: Project Recoveries|Original Handmixed Chalk Paint
No. 2: Rust-Oleum|Universal Gloss Spray Paint
No. 3: Uni Posca|Acrylic Pastel Markers|Set of 7
No. 4: Tokyo Finds|Acrylic Paint |for Canvas, Glass, Wood, Rock, Ceramic
No. 5: Sharpie|Oil-Based Paint Markers|Set of 5
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