Does painting Terracotta pots affect the moisture wicking nature of the pots?

Question

I’ve noticed lots of fellow greggers and people online painting terracotta pots. I always wondered, since the paint fills the outer pores of the planter, does it make drying take longer? I imagine it would be similar to a outer glazed clay pot but -maybe- not as dramatic? Is there a specific type of paint that doesn’t interfere with that? 🤔 Is the amount of moisture it holds back not super significant to make much of a difference? 😳 I wonder because… I love them painted over the reddish brown, but I don’t want to defy the purpose of putting certain plants (cacti/succulents) in the terra-cotta pots in the first place. 😬

#HappyPlants #terracottaart #pots #GregGang #SucculentSquad #CactusClique

#HappyPlants #terracottaart #pots #GregGang #SucculentSquad #CactusClique

@Ms.Persnickety · Accepted Answer

@PlantingPeace If you paint a terra cotta pot or surface without preparing it properly, eventually the moisture from your plant will seep through to the outside of your craft and do some serious damage to your artwork. Plus, paint seeping into your plant could kill more delicate greens, as well.  I have a website that has more info that could help you: https://www.favecrafts.com/Clay-Pot-Crafts/How-to-Paint-Terra-Cotta-Pots/amp

@PlantEsteem · Answer

I haven't noticed any difference just don't paint the inside. Also the minimal wicking it loses would probably only matter to real drama queen succs.....🤔🤔

Pickle plants approve!!

@PlantEsteem · Answer

Great question BTW.....I love a thinker....🤣🤣🥰

@PlantEsteem · Answer

That is spray paint.....so nothing special other than I was sick of terracotta color. 🤣🤣

I am sure our other more creative Greg Gang can help out......like.....@YammieOf3 ! She has lots of painted terracotta.....

@PlantEsteem · Answer

Hmmmm..... think @KrunchyWrap is terracotta artful too....

That should get it rolling @PlantingPeace 😉

@PlantMompy · Answer

I agree with everyone else, as long as it's just the outside, you're good! @Mrgncrch has made some stunning ones as well

@DesertRainey · Answer

@PlantEsteem I love your pickles!!! 😍

@PlantEsteem · Answer

@JCPlantProper good tip!!!  Didn't think about the bottom....

@DesertRainey thank you.....thay are growing like weeds!! 💗

@FirstCanna · Answer

@PlantingPeace I may just have to paint some terra cotta pots… I hate the color myself 🤗🤗🤗🤗

@FirstCanna · Answer

@PlantEsteem that’s the truth… mine has a baby already

@Mrgncrch · Answer

What I’ve done is take a clay pot sealer, sprayed 2 layers inside and outside of pot, let that dry then painted with acrylic paint, then after drying sealed that inside and out so I imagine it’s like a glazed pot kind of thing bc it no longer absorbs

@PlantEsteem · Answer

@FirstCanna Get outta town....already?!.......🤩🤩

@FirstCanna · Answer

@PlantEsteem already!🤣🤣🤣

@Mrgncrch · Answer

@PlantingPeace yep! And not painting the inside and not paint sealing the inside just the clay sealer should help get rid of moisture as well

@PlantEsteem · Answer

@FirstCanna 🤯🤯🤩🤩

@Pegster · Answer

Painting the outside of a terracotta may slow down the moisture release but it is not usually a problem.  It might damage the artistic design. Terricotta pots are very porous and help release moisture.

@Pegster · Answer

@PlantingPeace  If you use a sealer first, the pot may not be as porous.

@TruthfulApricot · Answer

I stand corrected after a bit of research. If the pot is not properly prepared before painting it will be quite porous and moisture being absorbed could leach paint into the soil. Not good. Here’s my source.  https://www.mydomaine.com/painting-terracotta-pots-5116769    Check out her pots!!!

@Alkiplants · Answer

This was and is a great question! I want to paint some of mine too🥰

@Alkiplants · Answer

@PlantingPeace my middle daughter can draw so good that I can’t wait to see what she will do 🫢🥰

@Alkiplants · Answer

@PlantingPeace I will buy some and let her go nuts 😂

@ross · Answer

Yes it does. If there’s any glaze or paint that blocks the porous micro-holes in the terracotta, the soil stays wet longer. It’s not usually a problem, just slightly less watering. Greg has the option for “glazed terracotta.”

@dreamlettuce · Answer

You can use them as cover pots and not plant in them too!

@Jilliebeanstalk · Answer

I often wonder the same thing.  I assume as long as we leave a few exposed areas it’s fine.  And not glaze the inside of you mod lodge for waterproofing.