How to seal Terracotta / Clay Pots?

Gartener

Hi,

i am trying to find an effective way to water seal a terracotta clay planter, which is to be used for a water feature.

i tried the Sandstone sealer on it but Terracotta is very absorbant, so the sealer disappeared immediately.

Any tips, suggestions welcome.

Thanks

Perki

I don't know but you could try a epoxy resin ? or maybe try painting the inside with that black stuff which I can't remember the name . Or put a bucket inside the terracotta pot ? 

Gartener

Thanks for the tipd buddy. I already thought of painting that black stuff but it’s ugly 😀

As for putting the bucket in the pot. Its a square Terracotta planter, so its literally the case of putting a square peg in a round hole 🙂

Theveggardener

I bought a sealant meant for out side brick work and used it to seal two pots and a bird bath. I bought it from Homebase it was around £15 and I still have loads left to do more with. It comes in two sizes I can't remember the price of the bigger on, If you google it you will be able to find the price. It's a clear liquid.

K67

Did you seal inside and out including bottom and at least 3 coats? 
It will soak in and perhaps look as if you haven't done anything but you can test it.

Gartener

Dee73 said:

I bought a sealant meant for out side brick work and used it to seal two pots and a bird bath. I bought it from Homebase it was around £15 and I still have loads left to do more with. It comes in two sizes I can't remember the price of the bigger on, If you google it you will be able to find the price. It's a clear liquid.

Yeah tried the same chemical (called clear seal/pave seal) but it too disappeared in no time. I will try a few more coats as an experiment but i was wondering if there’s another ‘bomb proof’ method out there...

Theveggardener

Not sure if you are asking me K67 but yes. I gave it two coat leaving it to dry between coat the I left it out over night it rain saving me the job of testing it and it was not wet just water droplets on the outside. They have been out all winter and are fine. The colour will change until it dry then it's back to the terracotta colour. I was advised to do this buy a gardener and ask would effect the plants or wild life and he said they use it all the time if something isn't frost safe.

Theveggardener

K67 It's made by Thompson and called called Water Sealant, just managed to find it.

Obelixx

I use simple acrylic water based varnish.   3 coats maximum or it goes filmy.  Leave a few hours to dry between coats.

Stops water absorption, doesn't change the look of the terracotta unless you use a satin or gloss finish but won't grow algae for many years either so no weathering.

josusa47

I misread the heading, at first glance I thought it said "How to steal...?" . I admit I have been tempted, especially when I look at the prices!

Alan Clark2 in Liverpool

Soaking in PVA glue diluted ten times will do the trick.