How To Seal Terracotta Pots [5 Ways!]

Known for their versatility , terracotta pots make a nifty impact on your garden .

These charming clay container serve more than a functional aim — they add a sure unsophisticated style to your leafy greens .

you may plant on terracotta pots instantly , but sealing it pass it a piece more reward .

An often overlooked yet critical step is the sealing summons .

Sealing your pots draw out their life-time and optimizes your plants ' hydration . However , maintain them can be a challenge .

Keep say to learn more about the summons of seal your terracotta pot and which seal federal agent are better .

Why Do You Need To Seal Terracotta Pots?

Because of their poriferous nature , terracotta pots rapidly dry out out and need frequent wet .

This is skillful if you lean to give your plants too much to drink or for plants that prefer drier condition , such as succulent , cacti , Monstera , snake industrial plant , and ficus .

However , the same ca n’t be said for plants that expect bedwetter soil .

seal your terracotta is a swell option to prevent it from soaking up any excess weewee and moisture intended for your flora .

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

These are a few other reasons why you might want to moot seal your terracotta :

Mineral Build-Up

Have you ever noticed the white layer of dusty rest on your sight before ?

This is calledefflorescence , or salt deposits , and is primarily because of the terracotta absorbing the mineral and water present in the dirt .

Prevent Future Cracking

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

When give away to frost , the clayexpands , causing thepot to check . This is similar to how potholes are formed on road during the winter .

All in all , sealing your terracotta is a quick and easy way for you to waterproof its walls and save its seniority .

Are Sealants Safe to Use on Terracotta Pots?

sure sealants can be used on terracotta pots without harming 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 employment with works .

This is especially important for pots used to grow eatable plants like herbs and vegetable .

count for products mark as safe for use in garden or with plants .

Water-Based Sealants

Water - based sealant are generally safer for plants compared to oil - free-base options . They are less probable to leach harmful chemical substance into the soil .

Proper Curing Time

appropriate the sealant to fully cure before constitute . unlike merchandise have different hardening times , so follow the manufacturer ’s instructions .

This contract the risk of any volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) or other potentially harmful substances pretend the plants .

Sealing the Exterior Only

If you ’re interested about the sealer ’s impact on plant health , view only sealing the exterior of the pot .

This can facilitate keep water loss through the slew walls while minimizing inter-group communication between the sealant and the soil .

Ventilation

expend sealants in a well - ventilate region to avoid inhaling fumes , and let the bay window air out well before impart soil and works .

Eco-Friendly and Organic Options

Look for eco - friendly or constitutional sealant that are safer for the surroundings and , by propagation , for your plants .

Check out these great great deal ideas : Get originative with Your Nursery Pots : The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Fitting Decorative Pots

How To Seal Terracotta Pots

Prepping Your Workspace

Before you begin your undertaking , set up your workspace out of doors . While certain sealant are nigh odorless , some lead a svelte odour that only go away once dry .

Because of this , we urge choosing a well - vent space for your workspace .

You ’ll also want to prepare the control surface you ’ll be exercise on . Be it a table , backyard deck , or front porch , you’re able to protect your workspace by laying out a few bed sheet of newspaper or plastic sheeting .

This extra step will lessen your clean - up time and leave room for mistakes in case of spillage .

Clean Your Pot

Whether they ’re brand fresh or if they ’ve been sitting around your home for a while , start by pick your terracotta .

you may do this by using tender , buttery water and scrubbing it or using a moist cloth to wipe off any dirt or dust .

Let your pot all dry out off before proceed to the next measure .

Apply Your Sealant

sum a layer of sealant to the inside or exterior of your pot for a uniform finis .

Doing this will not only forbid body of water and moisture from ooze into your pot ’s wall but also protect the surface your pot will be sit on .

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

Let It Dry Completely

Allow your sealant to dry all before potting any works .

5 Ways To Seal Terracotta Pots

Sealing your mountain does n’t take much . However , there are many direction to do it , and the issue bet on the sealant you use .

Sealants Safe to Apply Inside the Pot

Here are some indicate sealants you could safely expend inside and outside the pot . These sealants wo n’t harm the soil or the plant .

Tung oil colour is adrying petroleum , which is a in effect option to consider if you ’re looking for something more organic and healthy for your plant .

It protects your terracotta while retaining its breathability .

you’re able to apply this by wash a cloth with the oil and using the cloth to coat your pot .

iterate this until your pot no longer absorbs the fossil oil , then leave it aside for15 daysbefore potting any plant .

Click here to see this unadulterated tung oil on Amazon .

Shellac is a rude resin that can stick by well to porous surfaces like terracotta .

However , it ’s important to mark that shellac is not as lasting as some other sealants , particularly when exposed to moisture and outdoor elements .

It may need more frequent reapplication than other sealants .

To apply shellac flakes as a sealer , dissolve the flakes in denature alcohol to make a liquid shellac solution .

This solution can then be applied to the terracotta pot using a brushing or cloth . Multiple pelage may be needed to achieve a sufficient Navy SEAL .

View this shellac oddball on Amazon .

Sealants for Pot Exterior

Here are some indicate sealants you should only apply on the exterior part of the pot .

This water - based sealer does n’t have a strong odor and is intended to protect any porous material , include terracotta , against water wrong . It can be give with a paintbrush , roller , or sprayer .

If you choose the atomiser - on variant of this sealer , shake the can well and spray in an erect status , at least12 inchesaway from your pot .

go over out this Thompson ’s Water Seal on Amazon .

This mixed bag of Mod Podge dry out to a open , shining finish and is specifically designed for seal terracotta and similar surfaces .

However , it is not waterproof and takes a lower limit of 4 weeks to heal .

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

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

DecoArt sealer is another liquid state - based sealer that ’s best applied using a paintbrush .

This sealant was made toadhereto all kinds of surfaces and is idealistic for both indoor and outside use . It also dry with a clear and slightly glossy conclusion .

Click here to see this DecoArt Multipurpose Sealer on Amazon .

Do You Need To Seal Terracotta Pots Before Painting Them?

It is recommended that you seal off your pots before paint over them , as painting before using a sealant will cause the blusher job tobubble .

conceive of it as a primer for painting walls ; it gift your key a good base .

Because of its quick study - corresponding abilities , the moisture assimilate by the terracotta will do the paint to crack and finally flake off .

This is n’t ideal ; hence take to seal your green goddess before painting it will save you sentence and energy from succeeding mishaps .

Once your paint has dried , you may also go the extra footstep and give another layer of sealant . This will protect your paint from fading or being washed off .

You may require to check out this unique way to use a clay good deal : 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 porous nature allows for air circulation , preventing root rot as it lets your plants respire .

However , you’re able to never go improper with take to seal your pots , specially when you have plants that want bedwetter status .

Be it a nebuliser - on , liquidity , or oil , there are many choice for sealing your kitty .

And in the end , pick out a intersection that ’s safe for your plants . If the sealer contain chemical , it is expert to use it only on the exterior of the stool .

Have fun working with your terracotta flock !