9 Best Paints For Outdoor Pots That Are Plant-Safe

Painting your pots adds aesthetics and color to your garden, patio, deck, or doorway. It also helps in retaining heat from sunlight.

Dark-colored pots can absorb more sunlight and retain heat much longer than light-colored pots. However, you probably think about the best paint for your pots.

Continue reading through this post to learn more.

Acrylic Paint is one of the best paints for pots because it is water-based and non-toxic, which is good for your plant's health. You can also use Milk Paint, Chalk Paint, Linseed Oil, and Hemp Oil, which are all plant-safe.

Are you searching for the best paint for outdoor pots? Would you like to know how to paint pots? We have listed the best answers to your questions.

9 Best Plant-Safe Paints for Outdoor Pots

Here are the suggested plant-safe paints you can use for your pots:

1. Funto Acrylic Paint

This Acrylic Paint is ideal for any surface, including wood, ceramic, glass, metal, rock, and many more. It is also perfect for pots. It is water-based and non-toxic, safe for kids and plants.

2. Caliart Acrylic Paint Set

This paint kit can be applied to surfaces like ceramic and wood. It is non-toxic and certified safe even for kids. Acrylic Paint is easy to clean using soap and water.

3. Rust-Oleum Linen White Chalked Matte Paint

Chalk Paint is water-based and eco-friendly. This product works best on ceramic, metal, canvas, and wood. You can also use it on pots and containers.

4. Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish

Milk Paint Finish is water-based and has a low odor, which is easy to clean using water and soap.

It dries quickly within 30 minutes. Milk Paint is safe for plants and crops because it is non-toxic and made from lime, natural pigment, and milk protein.

5. Real Milk Paint Hemp Oil

This product is made of milk and hemp oil-based and is all-natural and solvent-free—perfect for pots and containers. You can apply this on most surfaces like wood and ceramic.

6. Chalk Style Paint

This paint is an all-in-one DIY with a top coat and built-in primer, which you can use indoors and outdoors on any surface: metal, wood, laminate, and many more.

It is eco-friendly and has no chemicals added; it is safe to use for pots and containers. There is no need to use wax for finishing.

7. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint

This Acrylic paint dries in a matte finish, which is ideal for crafts and arts.

You can use it on surfaces such as paper, wood, styrofoam, and more. Acrylic Paint is water-based and non-toxic, making it ideal for planters.

8. Old Fashioned Milk Paint

Milk Paint is non-toxic and environment-safe. The colors do not fade quickly and have a semi-gloss finish. This product is safe for kids and can be used on most surfaces.

9. Ceramcoat Delta Acrylic Paint Matte Finish

This paint finish has a beautiful and modern style, perfect for your garden. It can be used on surfaces like terra cotta, wood, canvas, and more. This product is non-toxic and water-based.

Is Paint Harmful To Plants?

Some paint may be harmful to plants because of additives and chemicals added, which can cause harm to your plant's health. These chemicals could mix with the soil and seep into the plant's roots.

Paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These chemicals contain carbon, which can harm humans and the Ozone. Once the paint dries, they enter the atmosphere.

That is why you should look for paint with no chemicals or VOCs and contains natural ingredients.

What Are The Safest Paints To Use On Garden Pots?

Listed here are the types of paints that are safe for plants:

Acrylic Paint

This paint can be used on any surface and is effective on outdoor pots. Acrylic paints are non-toxic and water-based and are easy to clean with water and soap.

Linseed Oil Paint

Linseed Oil Paint is a slow-drying paint safe for use on planter boxes. If applied correctly, the oil is safe for plants and does not leach into the soil.

Hemp Oil Paint

Hemp Oil Paint is a natural, eco-friendly paint that can be used on almost any material. It is best used for pots and baskets because it is 100% natural and biodegradable.

Milk Paint

Because Milk Paint is non-toxic, it is becoming popular for outdoor and indoor use. Milk Paint has protein, natural pigments, and lime, which are perfect for pots of edible crops.

Chalk-Based Paint

Chalk-Based paint is environment-friendly, water-based, and reduces fumes, which is best for plastic pots. Although Chalk Paint isn't durable, you need to wax it after painting the pots for additional protection.

How To Paint An Outdoor Glazed Ceramic Pot

Here are the steps for painting glazed ceramic pots:

• Rinse the ceramic pot using the kitchen faucet or your garden hose.
• Use a scrub brush to wash it with water and detergent soap.
• Rinse well both inside and outside.
• Let the pot dry rigorously in the sun, or you can use a hair dryer.
• You need to grab the materials you need for painting: glossy exterior paint spray, paint brushes, sandpaper, Latex primer, and a damp cloth.
• Lay down a newspaper on your working table to avoid staining it.
• Use sandpaper to roughen the glossy surface of the pot.
• Wipe the ceramic pot with a damp cloth.
• Use the brush to apply the primer, then let it dry.
• Once the primer dries, proceed with painting your pot evenly. You can also apply paint inside it.
• Let it dry completely. Wait for 24 hours before potting your plant.

How To Paint Unglazed Ceramic Pots

Unglazed ceramic pots do not have a protective coating, which makes them porous. Here's how to give color and aesthetic:

• Pick the design you want to paint.
• Sketch your desired design to avoid redoing your project.
• Pick the colors you want to use for your project. Bold and vibrant colors are best to stand out
• against the rough, unglazed texture of ceramic.
• Clean the pot thoroughly using soap and water. Let it dry in the sun or use a hair dryer to dry it faster.
• Start painting your pot. Apply the paint evenly and gently. To paint smaller details, use different brush sizes.
• Let it dry out completely.
• Coat it with polyurethane or varnish to protect it from wear and tear.

How To Paint Plastic Plant Pots

These are the steps in painting plastic pots:

• Wash the pot in the sink with detergent soap. Then, rub it gently with steel wool to remove grime and dirt.
• Remove the remaining dirt and oil using alcohol. Let the pot dry for a few minutes.
• Place the pot in a ventilated room at 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover your work area with a newspaper to avoid staining it.
• Get a cinder block and place the pot on top to paint the entire surface in one go. Use spray paint and cover the surface evenly. Ensure you hold the can at least 8 to 12 inches away from the pot.
• Let it dry until the painting is no longer gluey when touched.

To Finish Up

We tackled plant-safe outdoor paints and how to apply them to the pots. Hoping this post helps you with your project. Have a more colorful garden!

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful posts below!

How To Plant Pots Without Drainage Holes?

Tropical Plants Suitable For Pots In Full Sun