The easiest way to change anything is paint, but when you use spray paint, it is even easier to create a perfect new color and finish on a decorative item in your home in minutes. Go bold or pastel. Choose matte or shiny… you are the now the designer of the item. Transform it to fit your needs and decorating style.
If you are looking around your house for things to do while being homebound, how about updating a decorative item that no longer speaks to you because of its color, but you like the object itself, the shape or its use?
In less than 10 minutes, you can easily change the color of practically any item you own without having to leave home.
This is what I did earlier this week with a planter I bought at TJ Maxx back in February. I bought this Italian style planter because of its size and shape, not for its existing painted design and color. I knew from the beginning I would be changing it with a can of spray paint to look like this…
…large big bowl style white planter. I loved this Studio McGee planter (no longer available), but not the $100 price tag.
Ever since I saw it, I have been looking for affordable planters in the similar size and shape.
Now with a half can of spray paint, I have something like it for my own coffee table for 1/4 of the price.
Where to find: Moss Spheres | Glass Slab Coasters | Faux White Hydrangeas
If you have spray paint in the color you like, it is all you need plus a drop cloth, which might be as simple as a flattened cardboard box. If you don’t have spray paint on hand, it can be found and ordered at many online retailers for delivery right to your front door from Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Target and Michaels.
When spray painting any item, here are a few easy steps to make sure you get a very smooth finish no matter what brand of spray paint and primer you use.
How to Spray Paint a Glazed or Ceramic Item
supplies needed:
- Spray primer, spray paint or paint + primer in one spray paint formula
- 100 grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Face mask
Time needed: 10 minutes.
How to Spray Paint Glazed or Ceramic Items
- How Should You Prep Before Painting a Glazed or Ceramic Item?
To prep the surface for spray paint on a glazed or a ceramic item, first go over the entire surface of the item with 100 grit sandpaper. Apply enough pressure to remove some of the sheen, but not too hard that you make deep scratch marks.
- Clean the Surface Well
Clean the sanded surface well with hot water and detergent to remove the sanding grit and any dirt or grease. Rinse well, let dry. - Mask Off Areas
If you don’t want certain areas to get painted, mask them off using Painter’s tape and scrap paper. - Place the Item on a Flattened Box to Paint
To make spray painting easy, place the item on a piece of rigid cardboard, like a flattened cardboard box outside on your grass. This will act as a turntable to make turning the item on your work surface, or even the ground, easy. You can turn the cardboard with one hand and use your other hand to spray the paint making sure to get all sides and parts of the item as you spray. - Begin Spraying On the Paint
Always wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose to protect you from breathing in the fumes.
Every brand of spray paint has directions to follow on the can and you should read them to make sure you have all their painting conditions met – like outside temp, humidity etc.
Shake the can well for at least a minute. Then begin spraying the surface from about 8 inches away. Use sweeping motions to get a first light coat of coverage. Wait 3 minutes and then repeat the process adding one more light coat. Wait another 3 – 5 minutes and repeat by spraying on another light coat to make sure you have the entire surface covered.
IMPORTANT: You must get all the coats of spray paint on in the first hour. If this is not possible, then wait 48 hours, then add a remaining coat of paint to get total coverage. If you don’t wait, and spray paint another coat on after the first hour, the paint could wrinkle and wreck the finish. - How Long Does It Take Spray Painted Ceramics to Dry
After your item is covered, bring it inside on the cardboard and let it sit in a garage or least used room in your home overnight. Depending on the heat and humidity, the piece will take about 8 – 24 hours to completely dry.
What Spray Paint is the Best to Use When Painting Glazed or Any Ceramic Item?
To paint the already glazed finish on the terra cotta planter, I used a spray paint primer left over from a previous project that I had in my garage. I knew I had to use a primer as a base coat, but after the primer dried, the new white semi-matte finish was exactly what I wanted. I didn’t even need to add a finishing coat using a matte white paint.
I used Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi Purpose Spray Paint, White Primer
Over 35 + years of using all different brands and formulas of spray paint, I like this Painter’s Touch 2x Ultra Cover line of spray paint made by Rust-Oleum. It comes in a primer, as well as many colors and sheens. It is the best for any surface, not just ceramic. It goes fast with even coverage and dries quickly. If you are going to buy a can of spray paint for a project, this is my favorite.
If you want more spray painting tips to ensure you get a perfect finish, you will find more on my post: Pro Spray Painting Tips and Tricks
Amy Norton says
I did the exact process on my outdoor ceramics but they were outdoors all year and the paint has all flaked off? I used the same primer, then paint and then glossy topcoat. Thoughts on what I should do differently if they will be in the outdoor elements? The one that stayed inside is fine.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Amy – Outdoor conditions can play havoc on any surface, especially painted. 5 years ago I painted plastic resin pots that I have herbs growing in. These posts are out all year long and look as good today as they did when I painted them. One of my spring projects is to repaint them, but not because they need it, I only want a color change and will use the exact paint and process I did before. Here is the post about it with all the details. If you do this for your outdoor ceramics, I would sand them well first. Having a good amount of “tooth” for any paint to stick to a surface is always a good thing. https://inmyownstyle.com/making-outdoor-chalk-paint.html
Amy Norton says
Thank you! I didn’t sand so maybe that was the problem!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Amy – Sanding is the step that no one likes to do, but it is needed. Even just a quick going over with 100 grit sandpaper will help with adhesion.
Lynn Woodall says
I don’t have a ceramic pot, but I do have a couple of large plastic pots that have been used outdoors for a few years, and are looking worse-for-wear. I’m going to try your spray paint idea on them. Thanks for the inspo!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Lynn – I have painted a lot of plastic pots. If you are going to buy spray paint, make sure it says for all surfaces. Most newer formulas do nowadays, but a few are only for metal or wood. Rustoleum even has a spray paint line and a plastic primer just for plastic in a few basic colors.
Lynn Woodall says
Thanks for your spray paint suggestions!
kat says
I’m probably in the minority, but I kind of liked the original planter.
But your spray painting technique is, as always, flawless.
So the finished piece is stunning too.
I always get impatient – and end up with drips.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Kat – The design on the pot is classic and I did feel a little guilty changing it, but personal style always wins for me. :-) Hope you are doing well.
Leslie Thornton says
Thank you!!!
Debbie says
?, great job! I’m going on a hunt through the house to find something to paint?
Vikki says
Oh Diane, you are so clever. I painted a very small planter a while back with acrylic paint but I would have never thought of painting such a large piece. This looks amazing. Thanks so much for the help. You and Ed stay well! XXOO
Diane Henkler says
Hi Vikki – That is the beauty of spray paint, it offers a smooth finish over a large area, fast… and no brush strokes. I hope you are doing OK. Stay well in VA. :-)
Holly says
Oh that’s the mistake I’ve made! I’ve added extra coats the next day and didn’t look smooth. Thanks for the tip to do it all in one hour!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Holly – Getting all the coats on in an hour and only applying them lightly in a sweeping motion every 5 minutes will give you a nice smooth finsih. Also.. don’t forget to keep shaking the can between coats. :-)
Lynn W says
So pretty and exactly what you wanted!! Great idea ? Thanks!
Lynne says
Love this final look!
Great idea . . .
You are STILL the best DIY ever!
[email protected] says
Looks so good! The shape is so perfect
Susan says
I am a fan of repurposing or painting to fit your style. You are always so good at this, having a vision of what your end project will be. This is a great example and it turned out perfect. I have been enjoying your blog for years, by the way. Thank you!
Dee McFarland says
What a great idea! And thanks for sharing your tips on spraying ceramic. Would you mind sharing the dimensions of this pot?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Dee – The pot’s dimensions are 10.5″ wide, by 8.5″ high.