Odd request: How to waterproof terracotta?!

Saver-Rob

I thought the varnish would @ least 'look' better as it would just give off a shine rather than changing the colour?

angelavdavis

Sure, go with what you prefer.:D

The varnish will slightly darken the terracotta as if it is wet. Try a little on the base of the pot to check you like the finish if you aren't 100% sure. I have a pot that is half varnished, half not - quite a nice effect too.

Suzy_M

Can you pot the cacti in plastic pots then put these inside the terracotta ones?

Saver-Rob

Suzy_M wrote: »

Can you pot the cacti in plastic pots then put these inside the terracotta ones?

Good question - yes and no. There are several reasons why I wouldnt choose to do this - mainly because terracotta pots help to drain the soil of excess water - if there is one thing cacti hate its being sat in water - this will soon cause rot. Plastic is bad for this as it allows NO excess water to seep out through the sides. You dont really want to put so much water in that it goes into a saucer - its purely there just incase too much water goes in to protect the surface where it is sat.

Suzy_M

Saver-Rob wrote: »

Good question - yes and no.

Ah right - I've learnt something new.

Yorkshire_Bred

Best thing to seal terracotta is linseed oil, we use it to seal traditional terracotta floor tiles before waxing.

Saver-Rob

Thanks for that. Cheers