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Pigment powder painted on clay pots. One has a small orchid growing with moss.
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Painting Terracotta Pots with Natural Pigment Powders

Use natural pigment powder and linseed oil to paint terracotta pots for a beautiful patina.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: DIY Projects
Author: Patti Estep
Cost: $30

Equipment

  • foam brushes or a cheap paint brush
  • disposable plates
  • disposable spoons for measuring and stiring

Materials

  • Linseed oil
  • Pigment powders

Instructions

  • Mix some of the pigment powder and add the linseed oil.
  • Place some powder on a plate and add just a little oil to start.
  • Mix the powder and oil together adding more oil until you get a paint-like consistency that's not runny and won't drip.
  • Brush the mixture onto the entire pot.
  • The pot will absorb the oil quickly.
  • Decide if you want to add another layer or leave the pot as is.
  • Set aside to dry completely.

Notes

  1. The linseed oil will help moisturize the pots but will slowly wear away.
  2. I did nothing to the inside of the pot and wouldn't recommend painting the interior.
  3. Spray sealers or waterproof sealants are unnecessary in this process as the object is to let the paint wear away naturally giving the pot a pretty patina.
Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram