Do you have old terracotta flower pots that need updating? We hate paying the price for cool, larger and modern pots! Use our step-by-step tutorial to get a marble effect using spray paint on flower pots in no time at all.
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We had been searching for fun DIY planter ideas for our new deck that wouldn’t break the bank. Creating DIY marble flower pots is the perfect budget-friendly DIY project.
Table of Contents
How hard is it to do spray paint marbling?
Honestly, this was one of our fastest and easiest DIY projects to date. It is super fun to let the supplies work for you. If you are nervous, you can always experiment with different marbling techniques on smaller objects first.
We have gotten a marble effect of faux pumpkins or have done a similar look on nail-polished dipped mugs.
How much did this project cost?
My TWO terracotta marbleized pots only cost around $6 each to make. This was because I had some leftover spray paint colors from previous DIY projects.
What is hydro dipping?
Technically this technique I am sharing is called hydro dipping or watermarbling. Hydro dipping is when you transfer paint from the surface of water onto an object.
In this case, we are spraying spray paint on the water to create a fun design and dipping our flower pot into it to print on the surface.
The fun part about spray paint marbling is that you can do this technique on more than just painted flower pots. We really hope to try this soon on large plastic planters and think it will really work.
Read more>>>Simple flower painting ideas that just use black and white paint.
Surfaces You Can Marble
There are many items you can choose to marble and we have tried a lot of them. Consider using this painting technique on a variety of the following surfaces.
- Glass: old jars, cups and vases
- Ceramic: mugs, cups, decorative plates, vases and more
- Terracotta or Clay: spraying a base coat first will help as we did in this tutorial
- Metal: old trays and signs would look amazing
- Paper: decorative cards, bookmarks and more
- Plastic Containers: give those Dollar Store containers a fresh look
Just be careful if you want an item to be food safe. I would not spray paint to be anywhere near where food or your lips would touch.
Recommended Supplies
- Our favorite modern-looking pots or any terracotta pot
- White Spray Paint (I highly recommend this one with a primer in it)
- At least two different colored spray paints
- Large box & garbage bag (or large plastic bin)
- Packing tape
- Skewers
- Small plastic cups
- Water
- Latex glove(s) if you don’t want to get messy
- Clear Top Coat Spray Paint or Outdoor Mod Podge
The “Before” Pot
Before You Begin
Before you begin, spray paint your terracotta pots with a base color. We used white gloss spray paint with primer built-in. I did this the day before and let them dry overnight. The terracotta pots do soak up a lot of spray paint, so be prepared for this.
Your first white coat does not have to be perfect because the marble design will cover any imperfections.
Create A Paint Dipping Station
Other DIY bloggers, will tell you to use a large plastic bin. I don’t know about you, but plastic bins can be expensive. I didn’t want to ruin a bin that would cost more than my whole project.
I came up with a better DIY solution.
- Tape a large garbage bag inside a diaper box.
- Add water from a hose outside.
Now you have a waterproof dipping and marbling station ready to go.
Important tip: Work quickly! If you work too slowly or it is really hot out, you paint may not stick fully to the surface to give you the watercolor or marble look on your pot.
How To Marble With Spray Paint
Step 1: Fill With Water
Fill a container or homemade marbelizing station with water.
Step 2: Spray First Color In
Spray gray spray paint in water.
Step 3: Spray Second Color (Optional Third Color)
Spray black and then gold spray paint. If you feel comfortable spraying two cans at once, go for it.
Again, work quickly!
Step 4: Move Paint Around
As fast as you can, take a skewer and just move the paint around.
If the paint starts to stick to the skewer, you are moving too slowly! I used gray spray paint, but my guess is that black and gold would still give you the awesome marble design on your pots.
Step 5: Dip Pot
Dip the terracotta flower pots in the spray paint and water mixture.
Step 6: Rotate Pot
As soon as you have all three colors in, dip your terracotta pot and rotate it to cover the areas you want.
Carefully pull out the painted flower pot when done and you have a beautiful DIY marbled pot. It is really that simple of a DIY project.
Step 7: Let The Terracotta Pot Dry
Drying tip
Depending on the size of your terracotta pots, you should be able to flip them over and place them on a wine bottle with the cork in to dry. As you can see in this picture, the wine bottle has a cork sticking out through the bottom of the flower pot.
This fits perfectly in the hole in the bottom of the terracotta pot.
Step 8: Add Clear Coat
After these dry for a few hours, use a clear coat spray to help seal the outside.
How To Reuse Dipping Station
If you want to dump the water in between each dunk, go right ahead. However, I am all for not being wasteful and I am a little lazy.
If not dumping water, use a wooden skewer and a small cup to scrape off the top layer of spray paint in between each pot. As you can see, if you do not work quickly, you will be left with a not-so-great spray paint film stuck to everything.
Before And After Painted Pot
We are still in awe at the marble effect we are able to get with spray paint. While this project may take a little getting used to, the results can be better than you expected.
These turned out so well that I am wondering if next, I can try to marble large plastic planters. Any ideas? I will post about it if I do attempt to take on such a huge marbling project!
If you are like us, we sometimes have DIY mistakes! We didn’t do accidentally spray paint in extra places on this project. However, if you need to know how to remove spray paint from glass this may be helpful.
How-To FAQs
Yes, we have made a faux marble look on white ceramic mugs before. Using nail polish will be more expensive than using spray paint to paint your terracotta flower pots.
There are a few options you can use to get a marble look with paint. You can use spray paint, nail polish or acrylic paint dipped in water to create a fake marble.
Sealing your clay pot will affect its breathability and you may risk overwatering your plant as your pot will retain moisture. However, if you don’t seal your painted pot, then your paint may not last as long.
Since most spray paints are oil-based, your colors will sit on top of the water.
Related Posts
- DIY Outdoor Dining Room Table
- 25 Clever Spray Painting DIY Projects
- How To Paint Cabinet Hardware For An Easy Makeover
Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
We hope you loved this DIY marbled flower pot tutorial. We love that we turned a boring terracotta pot into an expensive-looking one. Now you can grab any item that needs a makeover and give spray paint marbling a try.
If you like this tutorial, make sure to give it 5 stars below 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩. It truly helps us continue bringing you more free and budget-friendly DIYs.
How To Marble With Spray Paint
Equipment
- Large Box with plastic bag or plastic tote
- Packing tape
Recommended Supplies
- Terracotta Pot We love these modern looking ones
- White Spray Paint with Primer Built-in
- At Least Two Other Colors of Spray Paint
- Wooden Skewer
- Latex Gloves if you don’t want to get messy
- An old wine bottle for drying
- Outdoor Sealant I will be resealing mine after two summers outside with this product
Instructions
- Use a large plastic bin or make your own box with a large garbage bag that water can go in. You need to fill the box with enough water so that you will be able to dip your pot in it.
- Use white spray paint to put a base coat on your terracotta pot. You only need to spray a little on the inside. No need to waste spray paint.
- Let the paint dry. It should not be tacky.
- Use two different colors of spray paint. Quickly spray both colors in the water.
- Use the skewer to move the paint around.
- Pick up the pot and carefully dip it into the water. Roll the pot around so that all sides get covered.
- Place the terracotta pot upside down on the wine bottle so it can dry. Allow to fully dry as it should not be tacky to the touch.
- Use a clear coat spray or with a brush to fully protect your faux marbled flower pot.
Notes
- You could use any color combinations you would like with this project. You just might want to stick with colors that you know will mix well together.
- Make sure to work quickly when spraying and dipping your painted flower pot.
- The weather can also effect your outcome especially if it is too humid or hot out.
Deborah Musgrove
Saturday 14th of October 2023
Perfect instructions. I am just wondering how do you keep fingerprints on the object in the dipping process.
Erin
Sunday 15th of October 2023
This definitely is a little bit of a challenge. Since these had some white spots that is where I was holding them. You can also do a partial dip if you are really concerned or do another small dip after the main one dries.
Shari Tindall
Monday 17th of July 2023
I love this!
Erin
Monday 17th of July 2023
Thanks Shari!
Deborah
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
Do you think you could use this on a wooden box if you put a primer on first? Like KILZ?
Erin
Wednesday 12th of July 2023
Hi Deborah. I do think it would work but you may want to use a spray paint with primer built-in inside of brushing on. Let us know how it goes. You may also be able paint the surface and then use nail polish, too (Like these marbled mugs).
Thomas
Sunday 25th of June 2023
I just love them.
Erin
Tuesday 27th of June 2023
Thanks! It is super fun DIY project!
Lisa
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
Those pots are beautiful and the colors are fantastic! How do you hold the pot when submerging into the paint? On the inside and bottom?
Erin
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
Hi Lisa. Thanks so much for the kind words. This was definitely one of those DIYs that shocked me with how well they came out! I held the pot on the top and just go my hand a little messy. For some of the pots I didn't dip all the way and rotated so there was still white showing on some parts at the top. Holding from the bottom hole though would also really work well.