Make a marbled flower pot in just minutes with our super easy painting technique. I love this technique for making easy painted clay pots and have used it several times. It will actually make marbling any surface quick and easy. Once you master this technique, you will be searching your home high and low for things to marble!
This was first posted on April 22, 2016, however, I am reposting it with more information.
Easy Painted Clay Pots
If you are looking for a way to add some color to your outdoor decor this summer, making these spray paint marbled flower pots is a great way to do just that! I love this spray paint marbling technique and will use any excuse to add it to my home – indoors or out!
Supplies needed:
- Clay pots (Any size of terracotta pot will work with this tutorial, however, a larger surface is easier for the stenciling portion.)
- Paint (I like to use a paint that says it is good for terracotta to make this project go a bit quicker. One of my favorites is Patio Paint.)
- Spray paint (in a contrasting color)
- Plastic bin (an old one works great)
- Protective gloves
- Paintbrushes
- Stencil (see options below for making a stencil on your Cricut machine)
- Sealer (something good for outdoor use)
Painting Clay Pots
Whatever planter pot you will use for this project, you will need to paint it first. I recommend painting the outside and the inside of terracotta. This will prevent moisture from ruining your painted finish.
I painted my pot with white Patio Paint. The lighter the paint color, the more coats of paint will be required. Paint on one coat, allow to dry, then add another coat. Allow all coats to dry completely before continuing with this project.
NOTE: I did NOT paint all the way down inside of this pot but I would recommend it for best results!
Adding Spray Paint Marbling
Now that you have a painted pot, it is time to add a paint marbling effect with spray paint. Add water to a plastic container outdoors. You want the container to be large enough to fit most of your pot and something that is old that you will not be using again.
Spray the spray paint directly on the surface of the water. You will want quite a bit of paint here. I am using one color but you can use several colors all at once.
The spray paint will float on top of the water. You want to immediately paint dip your items.
Dip in your painted pot. Be sure to wear protective gloves for this entire process as you will probably get paint on your hands.
Immediately start rotating the pot so that the paint floating on the water sticks to the painted surface.
Continue to rotate until you either go all the way around the pot or there is no more paint on the surface of the water. Set the pot aside to dry. This will dry very quickly so you don’t have to wait long!
The best part of this technique is that the results are always a surprise. You never know what you will get as a final result!
Adding a Stenciled Monogram
Once the planter is dry, you can add a monogram if you would like. After all, when making easy painted clay pots, it is fun to add a stenciled design to really shot it off!
How to Make a Stencil
You can get your stencil in a variety of ways. You can definitely purchase a stencil that you love from the store, however, making your own custom stencils is easy with a Cricut machine. I like using a self-adhesive stencil with a rounded surface like this one.
- Pick a font that you like for your design and add it to Cricut Design Space. I have my favorite monogram fonts here.
- Resize the letter to fit your clay pot.
- Cut the design with your Cricut machine out of stencil vinyl. NOTE: You can also use regular vinyl.
- That is it! You can have a custom stencil in minutes with a monogram letter or even a graphic design of your choice.
NOTE: If you would prefer to make a reusable stencil with your Cricut machine, you can do that as well. See my instructions here for making a stencil from stencil film.
How to Paint Using a Stencil
Now that you have your stencil cut, you will want to weed away any excess. In this case, you want to weed away any vinyl that is in areas you want to paint on your surface.
Then just peel the vinyl back and stick to the surface of your painted pot. Be sure to press it down really well in all areas for best results. You can use transfer tape to help you move the stencil if the design is intricate.
Then just paint the area inside of your stencil with a contrasting paint color. Remember to still use paint that is okay for outdoor use.
For stenciling, I like using a pouncer brush and going over the area in light coats. Paint several light coats working from the outside of the stencil to the inside. This will help to prevent bleed under your stencil edges.
Sealing for Outdoor Use
Once you are happy with the coverage of the paint in the stencil area, peel back the stencil and allow the pot to dry completely. Then you will want to seal the entire thing for outdoor use. You will want your easy painted clay pots to last as long as possible.
Pick a sealer that is good for outdoor projects and follow the directions on the package. Usually you will need to do several coats for optimal coverage. This final step ensures your painted flower pots will last a long time so do not skip it!
Adding Plants to These Easy Painted Clay Pots
All that is left to do is to add a plant inside of your project and enjoy them! You may also want to repeat this entire technique on a matching saucer for your pot. I feel like that completes the entire look and really make this one look great!
You can choose to make as many or as few of these as you would like. They also make great gift ideas for anyone on your list! Add their monogram and make a pot they will treasure for years to come.
Grab some paints in the color of your choice and get started on your own version of these easy painted clay pots. I really think you will love how easy they are to make!
5 More Flower Pot Crafts
Did you love these easy painted clay pots and are looking for more flower pot crafts? Then check out the projects below!
- DIY Gold Leaf Metal Flower Pots
- Flower Pot People: Create These for Your Garden
- Flower Pot Painting Made Easy
- DIY Flower Pot Lighthouse
- DIY Flower Pots in an Animal Shape
Want to print the instructions for this project? Try the card below!
Equipment
- Protective gloves
- Plastic bin
Supplies
- Clay pots Any size of terracotta pot will work with this tutorial, however, a larger surface is easier for the stenciling portion.
- Paint I like to use a paint that says it is good for terracotta to make this project go a bit quicker. One of my favorites is Patio Paint.
- Spray paint in a contrasting color
- Stencil see options below for making a stencil on your Cricut machine
- Sealer something good for outdoor use
Instructions
Painting Clay Pots
- Whatever planter pot you will use for this project, you will need to paint it first. I recommend painting the outside and the inside of terracotta. This will prevent moisture from ruining your painted finish.
- I painted my pot with white Patio Paint. The lighter the paint color, the more coats of paint will be required. Paint on one coat, allow to dry, then add another coat. Allow all coats to dry completely before continuing with this project.
Adding Spray Paint Marbling
- Now that you have a painted pot, it is time to add a paint marbling effect with spray paint. Add water to a plastic container outdoors. You want the container to be large enough to fit most of your pot and something that is old that you will not be using again.
- Spray the spray paint directly on the surface of the water. You will want quite a bit of paint here. I am using one color but you can use several colors all at once.
- The spray paint will float on top of the water. You want to immediately paint dip your items.
- Dip in your painted pot. Be sure to wear protective gloves for this entire process as you will probably get paint on your hands.
- Immediately start rotating the pot so that the paint floating on the water sticks to the painted surface.
- Continue to rotate until you either go all the way around the pot or there is no more paint on the surface of the water. Set the pot aside to dry. This will dry very quickly so you don’t have to wait long!
How to Make a Stencil
- You can get your stencil in a variety of ways. You can definitely purchase a stencil that you love from the store, however, making your own custom stencils is easy with a Cricut machine. I like using a self-adhesive stencil with a rounded surface like this one.
- Pick a font that you like for your design and add it to Cricut Design Space. I have my favorite monogram fonts here.
- Resize the letter to fit your clay pot.
- Cut the design with your Cricut machine out of stencil vinyl. NOTE: You can also use regular vinyl.
- That is it! You can have a custom stencil in minutes with a monogram letter or even a graphic design of your choice.
How to Paint Using a Stencil
- Now that you have your stencil cut, you will want to weed away any excess. In this case, you want to weed away any vinyl that is in areas you want to paint on your surface.
- Then just peel the vinyl back and stick to the surface of your painted pot. Be sure to press it down really well in all areas for best results. You can use transfer tape to help you move the stencil if the design is intricate.
- Then just paint the area inside of your stencil with a contrasting paint color. Remember to still use paint that is okay for outdoor use.
- For stenciling, I like using a pouncer brush and going over the area in light coats. Paint several light coats working from the outside of the stencil to the inside. This will help to prevent bleed under your stencil edges.
Sealing for Outdoor Use
- Once you are happy with the coverage of the paint in the stencil area, peel back the stencil and allow the pot to dry completely. Then you will want to seal the entire thing for outdoor use. You will want your easy painted clay pots to last as long as possible.
- Pick a sealer that is good for outdoor projects and follow the directions on the package. Usually you will need to do several coats for optimal coverage. This final step ensures your painted flower pots will last a long time so do not skip it!
Adding Plants to These Easy Painted Clay Pots
- All that is left to do is to add a plant inside of your project and enjoy them! You may also want to repeat this entire technique on a matching saucer for your pot. I feel like that completes the entire look and really make this one look great!
