How to Paint French-Inspired Flower Pots for Your Garden
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your garden with beautifully painted flower pots!
If you love the timeless elegance of French-style pottery, this DIY project will help you transform plain terra cotta pots into stunning, vintage-inspired planters.
This post may include affiliate links; you can read my disclosure policy here.
Do You Have Old Flower Pots Lying Around?
I think we all have a few unused flower pots tucked away in the garage or shed. Maybe you love the shape but hate the color, or perhaps you’ve been waiting for the right inspiration to give them new life. That’s exactly how I felt about a large terra cotta pot I found—still with the tags on—from Tuesday Morning. The bright orange just didn’t match my aesthetic, but I knew it had potential!
I had some leftover Roman Clay Faux Finish in black from a previous project, and it turned out to be the perfect material for giving my old pots a chic, European look. The best part? These pots can seamlessly transition from your garden to your indoor décor—a true win-win!
With a little creativity and some leftover materials, I turned it into a French-inspired masterpiece. Here’s how you can do the same!
Supplies You’ll Need
- Flower pots (terra cotta, plastic, or resin—any shape or size!)
- Joint compound (all-purpose)
- Paint (I used Magnolia’s Blackboard)
- Rust-Oleum Flat Black Primer spray paint
- Amy Howard at Home Liming Wax (for a vintage whitewash effect)
- Amy Howard at Home Dark Antiquing Wax (for aged charm)
- Clear matte sealer (I used ColorShot)
- Gloves (for easy application)
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting French-Style Flower Pots
1. Choose Your Pots
You can use terra cotta, plastic, or resin pots—whatever you have on hand! I love the natural texture of clay, but this technique works on almost any surface.
2. Prime the Pots
To ensure the paint adheres well, I applied one coat of Rust-Oleum Flat Black Primer. This step is crucial for longevity, especially if your pots will be outdoors.
3. Mix Your Roman Clay Finish
This is where the magic happens! I combined joint compound and black paint (Magnolia’s Blackboard) in a 50/50 ratio to create a textured, plaster-like finish. Add water slowly as needed to thin out the mixture to the consistency of pancake batter. Don’t add too much water though.
4. Apply the Mixture
Using gloved hands, I spread the mixture generously over the primed pots, ensuring an even, slightly textured coat.
I smoothed it on in a vertical pattern and just as I needed more or wanted thicker lines I added more product to my hand.
5. Let It Dry
On a warm, sunny day, the pots dried in about 30 minutes. If you want more texture or coverage, you can add a second coat.
6. Seal for Durability
Since these pots will be outside, I sealed them with three coats of a matte clear spray sealer (ColorShot). This protects the finish from weather and wear.
7. Add Vintage Charm with Wax
For that French country look, I lightly applied Liming Wax (for a soft whitewash effect) and Dark Antiquing Wax to deepen the crevices. The sealer acts as a barrier, making it easier to wipe away excess wax.
8. Style Your Pots!
Now, your pots are ready to display—whether on your garden patio, balcony, or indoors as part of your home décor.
Before & After: French-Inspired Transformation
The Liming Wax gave my pot that perfect aged, European pottery look—similar to high-end brands like Studio McGee but at a fraction of the cost!
FAQs About Painting Outdoor Flower Pots
What kind of paint works best for outdoor pots?
- Always prime first (I recommend Rustoleum’s spray primer).
- You can use chalk paint, spray paint, or a DIY textured mix like mine.
- Seal with a clear matte, satin, or gloss finish for weather resistance.
Why seal before waxing?
A clear sealer creates a protective barrier, making it easier to manipulate wax without over-absorbing into the paint. It also helps the wax wipe off smoothly for a more controlled vintage effect.
What do you think about this Studio McGee Dupe Comparison? Am I close?
Final Thoughts
Painting flower pots with a French-inspired finish is an easy, budget-friendly way to elevate your garden or home décor. With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can turn plain pots into timeless, elegant planters that look like they came straight from a Provençal market.
SHOP MY LOOK
Have you tried painting pots before? What techniques do you love? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!
It’s easy to save this post to your Pinterest board right here from the image below by either hovering over it on your computer or touch the red Pinterest Logo on the image with your phone and it will automatically open your Pinterest app to save! That way you’ll have it when you are ready for it!
