Our deck is looking good. We’ve got some bright painted furniture, a relaxing place to sit, all surrounded by lots of plants starting to flower. We have a little bird feeder hanging off the side that, when full, attracts all sorts of beautiful birds. Little Lady and I decided these birds might want a drink while they are visiting. So instead of buying or building a bird bird bath I convinced her a little one near the bird feeder would do. I’m sharing all the details on this little bird bath plus tips on how and why to seal painted pots. Be sure to watch the quick video below to see the full process.
I purchased a medium terracotta pot and 16 inch saucer, just a couple of dollars each.
I used blue and white spray paint I had on hand from other deck painting projects.
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This is a great outdoor multipurpose paint. It’s what I used to paint my plastic chairs. It comes is a ton of colors, I highly recommend grabbing a few cans of this for your next outdorr project.
Get it here Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Satin Paint 
The key to keeping this looking shiny and new, and not breaking down over time, is to seal painted pots inside and out. This technique can be used on any pot you paint.
So why seal painted pots?
You spend time painting and making the outside beautiful. Then you add dirt, plants and/or water to the inside. Terracotta and clay pots are porous so the water seeps into the pot and needs a way out. It will eventually deteriorate your paint from the inside out.
Before I painted my bird bath I used a clear sealer to spray the inside and outside of the pots.
This is a thick high gloss sealer. I used it before and after the paint, and it adds a nice sheen to the piece. You can use just about any clear sealer for a project like this, just make sure it is suitable for outdoor use. This is my go to sealer and I have used it on all my outdoor pots.
You can get a can right here and have it delivered this week!
Rust-Oleum Clear Triple Thick Spray Glaze
Be sure to pin this image above and save it for when you are ready to paint some flower pots.
Do you have a bird bath? What kinds of birds do you attract?
Thanks for visiting!
Inexpensive colorful deck makeover
Floral Mod Podge Terracotta Pots
Jackie
Sunday 3rd of July 2022
I find if you use Crystal Clear gloss finish that it works and turns out way more clearer and clearer finish. I coat almost everything I paint or repurpose and unfortunately not just any gloss will do! The gloss will leve an almost dull finish or gray, scratchy like appearance on my project and unfortunately have ruined some of my projects, but someone gave me a little snip bit of useful information when they told me to ensure I got the crystal clear gloss finish and this hass NEVER left me astray or with bad finish on my projects!!
Nicky
Friday 1st of October 2021
Hi Love your pots - I am currently painting terracotta pots and then decoupage . I have read somewhere that people have used a varnish like you put on wood ( clear varnish for the inside of the pit to stop water seeping through to the paint/decoupage, what are your thoughts?
Bobble Sanderson
Friday 25th of June 2021
Is this sealing product safe for birds and bees? I do use the paint on my plastic chairs and works pretty well.
Sarah
Monday 28th of June 2021
I can say that the paint covers well and holds up to all weather conditions, but I cannot speak to weather it is fully safe.
Brenda Thompson
Saturday 22nd of May 2021
Can a seal my pots with mod lodge?
Sarah
Sunday 23rd of May 2021
You can use Mod Podge as a sealer over painting or decoupage. However, it's not as long-lasting as this method.
Debbie
Monday 19th of April 2021
Beautiful. Would you recommend gluing (E5000) the top to the pot. I get squirrels and they've knocked over a plastic bird bath. Thanks.
Sarah
Tuesday 20th of April 2021
Yes, that would work well. E6000 is a good strong bond.