Painting Unfinished Pots

• 1). Clean the pots thoroughly with the soft, clean cloths, and then spray the insides with the waterproof sealer. This will prevent moisture from soaking through the pots and bubbling up under your glossy finish.
  
  
• 2). Let the pots dry completely and then spray the insides (including the bottom) again. The water sealer will be absorbed into the pots, so don't be alarmed if they don't look any different when you are done spraying them. Let this layer dry completely.
  
  
• 3). Paint your pots with the high-gloss exterior latex of your choice. Create stripes or polka dots with sponges cut to the proper shape or use stencils for a more intricate design. Let the paint dry completely.
  
  
• 4). Spray the outside of the pot with the high-gloss urethane top coat. Let it dry thoroughly and then give it another coat. Let the pot dry, untouched, for at least 24 hours before adding your plant.
  
  

Painting Over a Glossy Ceramic Finish

• 1). Use the 200-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the glossy pots. Wipe away the dust with the clean, soft cloths.
  
  
• 2). Apply the primer, and let it dry thoroughly. Latex primer adheres well to roughed-up ceramic. You can apply a second coat of primer to make sure you have perfect coverage. Let it dry completely.
  
  
• 3). Paint your primed pots with high-gloss latex paint. Use sponges or stencils to make stripes, dots and free-form shapes; or use stencils to decorate them.
  
  
• 4). Let the latex paint and designs dry thoroughly and then spray the pots with a high-gloss urethane top coat. Let it dry completely, and then spray it with a second coat. Let this dry for at least 24 hours before you put plants in the pots.