How to Make Spring Chalkboard Pots

Inexpensive terra cotta pots get a playful makeover with chalkboard paint; fill with blooming bulbs for a cheery pop of spring color.
Pots with chalk labels

Chalkboard Pots

Inexpensive terra-cotta pots get a playful makeover with chalkboard paint; fill with everything from blooming bulbs to chunky succulents. Or use for budding seedlings — a chalk-scrawled note will help you remember which seeds you sowed.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Materials Needed:

  • terra cotta pots
  • spray primer
  • chalkboard spray paint
  • chalk
  • paper towel
  • spring bulbs or other flowering plants
  • potting soil

Prime Pots

Apply a light coat of spray primer to the pots. Keep the spray can equidistant from surface to ensure even coverage and prevent drips. Allow primer to dry.

Priming Garden Pots

Priming Garden Pots

Apply Chalkboard Paint

Spray two thin coats of chalkboard paint onto terra cotta pots, allowing ample dry time between coats. Also, apply paint to the top and inside rim of pot, because these areas may still be visible once plant has been potted. Tip: Keeping coats thin will prevent dripping and will speed up dry time between coats.

Garden Pots Can be Painted

Garden Pots Can be Painted

Season Chalkboard

Allow chalkboard paint to dry for several hours or overnight. Rub painted areas with chalk in order to season the surface and prevent writing from being burned into the surface. Erase chalk with a dry paper towel for a smeared look or with a wet paper towel for a clean look. Fill with a spring plant and use the chalkboard surface to label the plant, provide care information or simply as a place to doodle.

Chalkboard Pot

Chalkboard Pot

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