Easy No Paint Terra Cotta Pot Bride and Goorm

August 30, 2022 Post a Comment

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Once you learn how to decoupage flower pots with napkins, you'll never look at a pot the same way! In my last post, I shared tips on painting terracotta pots like a pro. In Part 2, we'll use Mod Podge to create a chinoiserie look for your container garden.

Decoupage flower pots made with blue and white napkins near outdoor fireplace

Big thank you to PLAID for providing the supplies used in this post! This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase using my links, at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see my disclosures .

How to Use Mod Podge on Flower Pots

Before you begin, it's important to get the right Mod Podge for the job. You can view all the details in my related YouTube video.

Over the years, I've used decoupage to upcycle old picture frames, decorate wooden spoons, and make DIY wood signs. Each project was a bit unique and required slightly different techniques.

The most important aspect of decoupaging outdoor flower pots is knowing how to seal the terracotta. I used Mod Podge Outdoor specifically for this purpose.

I first used this product when creating my patriotic garden stakes, and I loved the results back then! "Why not give it another go?" I thought. Well, I'm glad I did because I think this is one of my favorite projects ever!

Stacked decoupage flower pots by outdoor fireplace with mosaic snail and other potted plants

The active time involved is minimal, though you should plan to wait about 20-30 minutes between coats and 3-7 days before placing your pots outdoors.

I know, it's hard to wait to display something so pretty! I promise it's worth the wait!

Related Post: How to Make Fabric Covered Flower Pots

Tips for Making Decoupage Flower Pots

You can scroll down for the complete tutorial, but be sure to check out these tips before you get started on your project.

Tip #1: Seal the inside of the flower pots

As I mentioned in my post on painting terracotta pots, to get the best results, you should seal the inside of your flower pots before painting them.

I like to use this clay pot sealer to do the job because it sprays on so easily.

Tip #2: Always paint the terracotta pots first

When using napkins for decoupage, you'll want to apply a light-colored basecoat of paint first. This helps to make your napkin design stand out and get all the attention it deserves.

White painted terracotta pots before applying Mod Podge Outdoor for decoupage — Chalk-painted terracotta pots before decoupage

If you've sealed the pots already (which I hope you did), you can use chalk paint or, better yet, outdoor acrylic paint for this purpose. I like the matte finish of chalk paint, but it's totally your choice. Spray paint is another perfectly good option.

Tip #3: Use plastic wrap to prevent tearing

If you ask me, plastic food wrap is key when decoupaging with thin tissue paper or napkins. Gently lay the plastic over the napkin once you apply it to the pot, and you won't have trouble with sticky fingers. As you'll see in my upcoming video, it also helps prevent the paper from tearing.

Also, you can let the Mod Podge dry slightly before applying the napkin to ensure that the paper won't become too saturated.

Tip #4: Remove napkin edges with a paintbrush and water

Over the years, I've discovered that using a wet paintbrush helps to remove edges of your napkin for decoupage.

Applying napkins to painted terracotta pot with Mod Podge outdoor — Decoupage using a whole napkin

When using napkins for decoupage, you have the choice to 1) apply the whole napkin or 2) cut out smaller portions to partially cover the pots.

I chose the first option, so I dipped a paintbrush in water to tear off any excess pieces of napkin around the rim and bottom. This gives you nice, soft edges that make the design look hand-painted.

Tip #5: Never expose a decoupage flower pot to direct rain or sunlight

Mod Podge Outdoor works really well for a covered porch or patio, but you'll want to avoid exposing your finished pots to rain or sun. This decoupage glue is water-resistant, not waterproof.

Decoupage stacked flower pots on plant stand by outdoor fireplace

If you start to see some wear and tear on your pots after some time, you can always re-apply a coat of Mod Podge Outdoor.

Shop for Supplies to Decoupage Flower Pots

Blue and white decoupage flower pots stacked on outdoor patio table

How to Decoupage Flower Pots with Napkins

Learn how to make beautifully decorated flower pots with paint, napkins, and Mod Podge Outdoor. This is a great way to upgrade plain terracotta pots to create a stunning container garden on a covered porch or patio.

Prep Time 20 mins

Active Time 35 mins

Additional Time 1 hr

Total Time 1 hr 55 mins

Project Type Arts & Crafts

Terracotta pot
Clay pot sealer
Chalk paint (or us outdoor acrylic paint or spray paint)
Outdoor Mod Podge
Decorative napkins or tissue paper

Prepare Terracotta Pot for Decoupage

Wash and dry the terracotta pot if necessary.
Optional: Sand any rough edges of the pot if desired.
Seal the inside of the pot with Clay Pot Sealer and let it dry completely (about 24 hours).
Apply a base coat of paint to the pot using 1-2 coats of chalk paint or outdoor acrylic paint and let it dry completely (about one hour in between coats).

Prepare Napkin

Separate the napkin into individual plies to isolate just the printed layer. Most napkins come in 3 layers, and it's helpful to cut an edge of the napkin to expose the layers.
Cut the napkin into the shapes you want to decoupage if needed. For larger terra cotta pots, you may need to use more than one napkin and attempt to line up any patterns.

Decoupage the Pot

Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte and let it dry slightly (a minute or two) before applying the napkin.
Use plastic wrap to press the napkin onto the pot instead of using your fingers. This prevents the napkin from sticking to your fingers and makes for a smoother application.
Use a paintbrush dipped in water to wet any edges of the napkin you want to remove. This helps to tear the napkin away easily without ripping it.

Seal the Pot

Wait 20-30 minutes for the napkin layer to dry. Then, apply a coat of Mod Podge Outdoor to the outside of the painted/decoupaged pot to seal it.
Wait 3-7 days before transferring plants to your flower pot and placing it outdoors.

Mod Podge Outdoor is water-resistant, not waterproof. Always keep decoupage flower pots in a covered area like a porch or patio where it will not receive direct sunlight or rain.

Let us know how it was!

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Stacked decoupage flower pots before and after with text reading "Easy DIY Decoupage Flower Pots"

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