Odd request: How to waterproof terracotta?!

Saver-Rob

This sounds very strange I know, but here goes.

I have lots of cacti plants which come indoors over winter. They are all in terracotta pots and saucers because they look so much better. Problem being that when they watered (although rarely over winter if at all) the water seeps out of the terracotta saucers.

What I am looking for is something to paint or line the saucers with. I have found waterproof ones in the shops but they are expensive in comparison. They have like a shiny surface on the inside which cant be seen but which stops water seeping through the terracotta.

If anybody has any ideas or a solution (please dont say use plastic!) then I would be very grateful indeed. I dont want anymore water damaged windowseals!

Thanks all.

Errata

Couple or three coats of varnish should do the trick.

brownbake

A couple of coats of wee helps - really seals in the tack

Saver-Rob

Errata wrote: »

Couple or three coats of varnish should do the trick.

Wee or varnish?

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Well I like to save money but that might be a bit far.

Just regular cheap-as-possible varnish? Any particular kind?!

Errata

I guess all brands are pretty much the same, matt, satin or gloss is down to individual choice.

paddy's_mum

Put each saucer in a plastic sandwich bag - cheap and effective.

fiddiwebb

You could try rubbing silicone sealant onto the inside surface of the saucers.

Saver-Rob

Thanks all. I will try the varnish idea first. Sounds effective.

Antispam

you need yacht varnish as its water resistant. Its costs a bit more than normal varnish

http://www.ronseal.co.uk/products/product.jsp?id=33

Saver-Rob

Thanks for that. I will keep an eye out for it!

angelavdavis

Errata wrote: »

Couple or three coats of varnish should do the trick.

If you want to retain the original look, simply paint the inside.