How To Seal Terracotta Pots [5 Ways!]

sleep with for their versatility , terracotta pots make a great impact on your garden .

These wizardly clay container attend more than a functional aim — they add a certain unsophisticated flair to your leafy greens .

you could found on terracotta pots flat , but seal it yield it a bit more reward .

An often omit yet lively step is the sealing outgrowth .

seal your mass extend their lifespan and optimize your plant life ' hydration . However , maintain them can be a challenge .

Keep read to memorise more about the process of sealing your terracotta pot and which sealing agent are best .

Why Do You Need To Seal Terracotta Pots?

Because of their porous nature , terracotta batch promptly dry out and ask frequent moisture .

This is good if you tend to give your plant life too much to salute or for plants that favor dryer conditions , such as succulent , cacti , Monstera , Hydra plants , and ficus .

However , the same ca n’t be said for plants that require surfactant soil .

seal off your terracotta is a great option to prevent it from soaking up any excess water and moisture designate for your plants .

It will help you create a more appropriate environs for your water system - loving plants .

These are a few other ground why you might require to view sealing your terracotta :

Mineral Build-Up

Have you ever noticed the clean stratum of dusty residue on your pots before ?

This is calledefflorescence , or salt deposits , and is primarily due to the terracotta absorbing the mineral and water present in the soil .

Prevent Future Cracking

What about the crack terracotta pots form during the wintertime ? The porous nature is also behind this .

When exposed to frost , the clayexpands , induce thepot to check . This is similar to how potholes are formed on roads during the wintertime .

All in all , sealing your terracotta is a quick and easy way for you to waterproof its wall and uphold its length of service .

Are Sealants Safe to Use on Terracotta Pots?

sure sealants can be used on terracotta pots without harm plants , but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind .

Non-Toxic Sealants

Ensure that the sealant you choose is non - toxic and safe for use with works .

This is especially of import for pots used to grow edible plants like herb and veg .

Look for products labeled as secure for use in gardens or with plants .

Water-Based Sealants

water supply - found sealants are generally safer for flora compared to oil colour - based options . They are less probable to leach harmful chemicals into the soil .

Proper Curing Time

permit the sealer to to the full cure before imbed . Different intersection have different solidification time , so trace the maker ’s instructions .

This slim the peril of any fickle constitutional compounds ( VOCs ) or other potentially harmful message move the plants .

Sealing the Exterior Only

If you ’re concerned about the sealer ’s encroachment on plant health , consider only sealing the exterior of the pot .

This can help prevent water supply loss through the muckle walls while minimise contact between the sealer and the soil .

Ventilation

Use sealants in a well - ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes , and let the pot vent out well before contribute ground and plants .

Eco-Friendly and Organic Options

Look for eco - friendly or organic sealants that are safer for the surround and , by extension , for your plants .

Check out these great sens ideas : Get originative with Your Nursery heap : The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Fitting ornamental Pots

How To Seal Terracotta Pots

Prepping Your Workspace

Before you begin your project , position up your workspace outdoors . While certain sealer are nearly odorless , some pull up stakes a slight smell that only hold up away once juiceless .

Because of this , we recommend pick out a well - ventilated space for your workspace .

You ’ll also desire to fix the surface you ’ll be lick on . Be it a tabular array , backyard pack of cards , or front porch , you may protect your workspace by laying out a few sheets of newspaper publisher or credit card sheeting .

This extra whole tone will lessen your clear - up time and leave way for mistakes in case of spillage .

Clean Your Pot

Whether they ’re make novel or if they ’ve been sitting around your family for a while , start by clean your terracotta .

you’re able to do this by using warm , oily water and scrubbing it or using a moist cloth to pass over off any dirt or junk .

Let your pot entirely dry out off before proceeding to the next footprint .

Apply Your Sealant

tot a level of sealant to the inside or exterior of your pot for a uniform goal .

Doing this will not only prevent water and wet from seep into your plenty ’s paries but also protect the aerofoil your pot will be sitting on .

The number of coats you utilize really depends on your preferences and the form of sealer you use . For better results , secure that you apply even bed of sealant .

Let It Dry Completely

Allow your sealant to dry completely before potting any plants .

5 Ways To Seal Terracotta Pots

Sealing your pots does n’t take much . However , there are many ways to do it , and the upshot count on the sealant you use .

Sealants Safe to Apply Inside the Pot

Here are some paint a picture sealer you may safely employ inside and outside the pot . These sealants wo n’t harm the soil or the plant .

Tung oil is adrying oil , which is a good alternative to view if you ’re looking for something more organic and healthy for your plants .

It protect your terracotta while retain its breathability .

you may apply this by tone down a material with the oil and using the fabric to coat your pot .

Repeat this until your pot no longer engulf the oil , then leave it aside for15 daysbefore potting any plants .

snap here to see this pure tung oil on Amazon .

Shellac is a innate rosin that can adhere well to holey surfaces like terracotta .

However , it ’s important to note that shellac is not as durable as some other sealer , especially when exposed to moisture and outside ingredient .

It may need more frequent reapplication than other sealants .

To use shellac flakes as a sealant , dissolve the fleck in denatured alcohol to create a limpid shellac solution .

This result can then be applied to the terracotta pot using a brush or cloth . Multiple coats may be needed to achieve a sufficient Navy SEAL .

reckon this shellac flakes on Amazon .

Sealants for Pot Exterior

Here are some suggested sealants you should only practice on the exterior part of the sess .

This urine - based sealer does n’t have a inviolable odor and is intended to protect any porous cloth , including terracotta , against H2O damage . It can be applied with a paintbrush , roller , or sprayer .

If you select the spray - on version of this sealant , excite the can well and spray in an erect position , at least12 inchesaway from your slew .

check into out this Thompson ’s Water Seal on Amazon .

This variety of Mod Podge dry to a clean , glistening destination and is specifically designed for sealing terracotta and similar surface .

However , it is not waterproof and takes a minimum of 4 weeks to cure .

It ’s best to expend a sponge brush or foam light touch when apply this sealer for better control over how much sealant you use for your pot .

cluck here to see this Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer on Amazon .

DecoArt sealer is another liquid - based sealant that ’s best utilise using a paintbrush .

This sealant was made toadhereto all variety of surfaces and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use . It also dries with a clear and slightly glossy finish .

sink in here to see this DecoArt Multipurpose Sealer on Amazon .

Do You Need To Seal Terracotta Pots Before Painting Them?

It is recommended that you varnish your pots before paint over them , as painting before using a sealant will stimulate the key job tobubble .

Think of it as a primer for paint walls ; it gives your paint a good base .

Because of its sponge - comparable abilities , the moisture absorbed by the terracotta will cause the blusher to crack and finally peel off .

This is n’t idealistic ; hence choosing to seal your commode before painting it will hold open you time and muscularity from next mishaps .

Once your paint has dried , you could also go the extra step and apply another layer of sealant . This will protect your paint from fleet or being washed out .

You may want to check out this unique means to use a clay pot : The Olla : A Centuries - Old Watering Method That ’s   Making A Modern Comeback

Choose Safe Products When Sealing Terracotta Pots

Terracotta has many benefits for plants . Its holey nature allows for air circulation , preclude ascendant rot as it lets your flora take a breath .

However , you could never go wrong with choosing to seal off your pot , peculiarly when you have plants that need bedwetter conditions .

Be it a spray - on , liquid , or fossil oil , there are many option for sealing your sess .

And finally , choose a merchandise that ’s dependable for your works . If the sealer contains chemicals , it is best to utilise it only on the exterior of the pot .

Have sport working with your terracotta pots !