I need to seal a Clay Flower Pot

[mackmack]

I need to waterproof a clay terra cotta flower pot. Is that possible and if so how do I go about doing that?

Also, any recommendations on products? Thanks.

[mschrank]

I've used "Universal Terra Cotta Sealer" before...not sure it makes the pot completely waterproof, though.

[mackmack]

I have seen similar stuff. I am pretty sure it doesn't waterproof though.

I read something somewhere about using a Oil based polyurethane. Does that make sense?

Is it even possible to completely seal terra cotta like that?

[mackmack]

Also, they have drain holes on the bottom. Can you think of a way in which I could seal that? I was thinking a pond liner cut out to the bottom shape and glued down... then sealed with silicone around it maybe. I don't know though.

[linear]

Epoxy would be my first choice. Why not use something waterproof and without a hole in the first place though?

[mackmack]

I'd like to, but they are so cheap. The ones I am using are like $1.70. I plan on selling these, making fountains out of them.

I have looked and looked all over the internet and there is nothing that will fit my needs at that sort of price. I was hoping with a little extra work on them I could have them waterproof.

If it was just for myself I'd get something glazed or whatever without the drain holes, but if I hope to make a profit I have to be willing to do some work on them I suppose.

hopefully I can get it to work.

[oakchas]

I would look for rubber bungs at a hardware store to put in the bottom hole. Like tapered wood plugs only black rubber.

To waterproof it might not actually be necessary. I understand what you're trying to do, I think... Are you trying to make a cascading fountain.. one pot to another? or just one pot shooting a stream out of, and back into it?

If you're cascading... you only need the bottom unit to be water proof. water will flow through the others.

If you only need to waterproof one... a liner... like a dish or bowl, epoxied to the bottom should work... they also make liners for the things and terracotta pots are usually standard sizes. Problem is finding the liners... florist perhaps?

[vaking]

Doesn't it defeat the purpose? I thought that main advantage of clay terra cotta is that it breathes (evaporates water, etc). There are plastics out there that look like terra cotta and I think cheaper too and their main problem is that they don't breathe.

[Tom Miller]

Can you just smear silicone around the inside? Or will the inside show? You could put a plastic disk in the bottom, and seal at the edge with the silicone to block the bottom holes.

Regards,
Tom

[final_t]

As mentioned, there is a sealer spray you can use. Ask at either JoAnn fabrics (more and more crafts every day), Michael's, or Hobby Lobby. We've used it with good success.

[Greg in Maryland]

There is nothing you can apply to terra cotta that will make it completely impervious to water -- poly, spray, oil, epoxy, etc. Terra cotta is just too porous and so weak that eventually it will leak. Someone will crack the pot, fill it with water and blame you for the leak. And leak it will.

To prevent accidents and irate customers, your best options are to somehow line the pot (plastic insert or maybe rubber membrane). I suggest that you also include some sort of plate or saucer under the fountain. However, keep in mind that terra cotta is generally not the most refined pottery out there -- the bottoms are generally a mess. In a competition between wood and clay, wood looses and gets scratched. Believe me, I learned the hard way. You can grind the pot on your table top grinder to remove the rough edges. It is done all the time.

I would suggest that you search the ClayArt archives or post a message there for ideas. Potters are generally nice folks and don't mind talking mud with woodworkers. The URL is: http://www.potters.org/categories.htm Don't be surprised if some suggests that you make your own stoneware or highfire pots -- it's just the way they are.

Good luck with the venture -- it sounds like a neat idea!

Greg

[91FE]

What about Drylok? http://www.ugl.com/DRYLOKframes02.html