I would think the lettering would fade and even wear off without some kind of sealer.And even sealed the paint will eventually fade outside in the elements.I would at least apply a couple of coats of a spray sealer just for protection.Cute idea!.....Lillie

Hi Will,
I agree with Lillie, you will need to coat the pots with an acrylic sealer. The spray kind works real well for projects like yours. And yes,spray on 3 or 4 coats letting them dry in between. That is really a cool idea.
Treesa

Hello Will,
Also check out the Garden Junk Forum, they all do a lot of recycling & repainting of stuff for outdoors.
I have tried several things, but India Ink seems last the longest. Acrylics are good too. The sealer will prolong the life though. I love your idea and might use it in my herb garden if you don't mind.

Terry

Will: I read this idea on another forum and loved it- maybe it was your original post!! Anyways, I haven't tried to make them yet but just bought the supplies. They sell terra cotta paints and paint pens nowadays in craft stores. I got mine at ACMoore for $2 each. They're made especially for terra cotta and says you don't need a sealer (although I plan on sealing them just to be sure).

Here is a link that might be useful: My website

The most sun-resistant felt marker I've ever used was from A.M. Leonard gardening supplies.

What would probably work even better is acrylic paint in a narrow tube spout.

'Pup

Even if you seal them, the paint may fade, especially if it was yellow or red, those colors fade terribly! I have painted terracotta pots that have been outside my house for over 10 years and the red and yellow has faded but the other colors still look fine.

Sally

What's the best kind of wire to use to make these? I bought my little potlettes last night. Have the paint and everything ready to go, just need the wire. I don't have any old wire hangers or anything laying around so I'll have to buy something.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Here is a link that might be useful: My website

I make these by the dozen, and I use any easy-to-work-with wire, but I buy it by the roll, it is so much cheaper. Cut into 2-3 inch lengths, bend in half. Then slip a swivel like is used on a fishing line on the wire and twist to capture the wire and secure it. Slip the ends into the hole of the little pot, twist togeather, then fold ends out to keep the wire in place. I use wire clothes hangers to make my hangers that stick in the big flower pot. My SIL says I must have WAYYYYY too much time on my hands. LOL

Janie