Using Mod Podge to Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots

Last Updated on April 25, 2020

Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots with Mod Podge and wrapping paper. Make a beautiful plant pot for outdoors. Make it for yourself, or it makes a great gift!

Supplies

• Mod Podge Gloss 

• Terra Cotta Pot(s)

• Rust-Oleum Paint and Primer

• Wrapping Paper or other decorative paper

• Art Brush – Fine

• Gold Decor Wax

• Clear Gloss Sealer

• Paint Brush

• Sanding Block (optional)

YouTube

If you would prefer to watch this post on youTube click here.

Preparing the Pots

You will need to paint your terra cotta pots before applying any decoupage. For these ones, I first gave them a coat of clear sealer, and then I spray painted them using Rust-Oleum Paint and Primer in Satin White. You could also use craft paint or chalk paint, since you will be sealing these at the end of the process. I opted to go with spray paint, because I was going to be using these outside. Also, it gives a nice streak-free finish. I went with white, as it matched the background colour of the wrapping paper that I was using. This way you won’t see a distinct edge transition from the wrapping paper to the pot. 

Napkins

If you have opted to go with napkns, instead of wrapping paper, I suggest you stick with white paint, as the napkins can tend to become quite see-through and white will give you the best background for your image to show up. I also did a pot with napkins, but I find them a bit wrinkly when complete, and also the images aren’t as vibrant. I prefer using wrapping paper, for a nicer end product. But for your viewing pleasure here is the one I did with napkins, and dollar store napkins at that!

Cutting out the images

If you are using a wrapping paper similar to the one that I have used her, you will want to “cut out” individual pieces of the design. In this case, I cut out the flowers. I don’t suggest actually cutting them out with scissors, as this will give you a sharp edge. Instead, get yourself a small art brush (you can pick these up cheap at the dollar sore or Walmart) and a bowl of water. Wet the brush and trace around the edge of the design that you want to “cut out” Once the piece is outlined, just tear it away from the rest of the wrapping paper. Repeat this step for as many flowers, or other design pieces that you will need for your pot.

Applying with Mod Podge

I suggest dry fitting, before applying your first piece, so that you know where you want it placed. Then using a paint brush, apply a thin coat of mod podge to the outside to the pot. Then press the wrapping paper flower to the pot where you applied the mod podge. Press down the edges, and apply mod podge over top of the whole piece.

If you like you can cover the entire pot with paper, but I opted to leave the rim of the pot free of decoupage, so that I could apply decor wax later. Continue to do this until you have covered the pot with the desired amount of flowers. Once everything is covered to your satisfaction, apply one more thin coat of mod podge to the entire pot. Then set it aside and let it dry overnight.

Cleaning Up

Once my pot was dry, I checked for any loose or lifting edges, I cleaned up the pieces that were folded over on the bottom of the pot, by running a sanding block along the bottom edge. You could also use a razor blade or X-Acto Knife to cut off any unwanted bits.

Adding some Glitz with Decor Wax

For a final finish, I decided to add some decor wax to give it a little bit of gold bling. I used Prima Decor Wax in Eternal.  Man, if you have never used this wax, IT SMELLS AMAZING!! It’s fresh and lemony and just AWESOME! Plus it’s super easy to use, and has a really beautiful tone of gold. I just bought this wax recently to use on furniture refinshing projects, but I am finding new uses for it all the time. You can either apply it just using your finger, or you can use a brush. I applied it using my finger. I think there is less chance of me messing up the edges using my finger.

Sealing

The final step is to seal your mod podge plant pot, including the inside, so that you can use it outdoors if you like. So coat the inside and the outside in clear sealer. I used gloss on mine, but you can do a satin finish if that’s more to your liking.

The sealer will waterproof your pot and stops any moisture from making it’s way through the pot, from the inside or the outside  and ruining your artistic finish.

Finally, Just add Flowers

And the very last step is to add some pretty flowers!

For this project, I used a smaller terra cotta pot, but you might like to use a much larger one to make a statement piece for your deck or patio.

This is an easy project that would be fun to do with kids. Or they would also make an amazing Mother’s Day present. Because all Moms love flowers! And what is better than getting flowers? Getting them in a hand-made pot done specifically for her by you!!!!

I have been playing around with some other fun flower pot projects, and will be dropping a few more of them soon. So make sure you subscribe.

Also, I post a new Youtube video every week, so go and check out my youtube channel. 

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