At a Glance: Washi Tape Plant Pot
- Only four supplies are required, most costing under $5 each.
- The sealing step is essential — skipping it is why many washi tape pots fall apart after a single watering.
- Suitable for ages 4 and up, this project takes under an hour and results in a functional, plantable pot a child can be proud of.
How to Decorate a Washi Tape Plant Pot
Last summer my daughter pointed to one of our plain terracotta pots and asked, “Can we make it pretty?” I’d seen the washi tape pot craft everywhere, so we tried it — but quickly learned many tutorials leave out a crucial step. Without a proper sealer the tape bubbles and peels after the first watering. This guide shows how to make a washi tape pot that’s both attractive and durable enough for real plants.
If you want a colorful, kid-friendly craft that finishes with a living plant, follow these simple steps.
What You’ll Need
Work in a well-ventilated space when using decoupage sealer. Protect your surface with newspaper or a drop cloth.
Budget Build (under $15 total)
- Terracotta pot, 4″ or 6″
- Assorted washi tape pack
- Outdoor/exterior decoupage medium (an outdoor formula is important)
- 1″ foam brush
Step-by-Step: How to Decorate Your Washi Tape Plant Pot
Step 1: Prep the pot
Wipe the outside of the pot with a slightly damp cloth to remove clay dust. Let it dry completely in a warm spot for at least 15 minutes. If the surface feels cool, wait longer — a dry surface helps the tape adhere smoothly.
Step 2: Plan your pattern before you commit
Decide on your color order before cutting any strips. A beginner-friendly design is stacked horizontal rings wrapping around the pot. Lay out your tape rolls in order so it’s easy to swap colors while applying.
Step 3: Apply the washi tape
Start near the bottom and wrap the first strip horizontally around the pot. Keep the tape taut and press firmly as you go to avoid air bubbles. Overlap ends slightly at the back and trim cleanly with scissors.
(Adult): Hold the pot steady and handle scissors. (Kid): Choose colors, lay the tape, and press it down.
Continue stacking strips, placing each one just above the previous. Combine solids with patterned tapes for visual interest.
Where I get my washi tapes: a mixed set with multiple patterns and widths is versatile and economical for several pots.
Step 4: Seal everything (don’t skip this)
Sealing is what makes the pot durable. Using a foam brush, apply an even, generous coat of an outdoor decoupage medium over all the tape. Pay special attention to the top and bottom edges of each strip — those edges are where moisture finds its way in and causes peeling.
Let the first coat dry according to the product instructions (typically 15–20 minutes), then apply a second coat. For a pot that will be watered regularly or kept outdoors, two coats are essential.
(Adult): Apply the decoupage medium and handle the sealer. Kids can assist and watch.
The sealer dries clear with a slight gloss. Once fully cured, the finish is water-resistant enough for a real plant.
Step 5: Plant it
After the sealer is fully cured (a few hours or overnight for best results), add potting soil and your chosen plant. Small herbs like basil or mint, succulents, or compact annuals work well. Let your child choose the plant — it’s their pot to care for.
This project takes under an hour, costs less than a pizza, and finishes with something alive and personal. That’s a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a washi tape plant pot for real plants? Yes — if you seal it with an outdoor-rated decoupage medium. Without sealing the tape will absorb moisture, bubble, and peel. Two coats of an exterior decoupage give the durability needed for regular watering.
How do you decorate a terracotta pot with washi tape? Clean and fully dry the pot, then wrap horizontal strips of washi tape around it, pressing each strip flat. Seal the taped surface with two coats of an outdoor decoupage medium and allow it to cure before planting.
What kind of sealer do you use? Use an outdoor or exterior formula decoupage medium labeled for outdoor use. Standard indoor formulas can turn cloudy when wet; exterior formulas dry clear and withstand watering.
Where can you find cheap washi tape for this project? Multi-roll sets at discount stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and craft stores are all good options. A 10-roll set is typically enough for several pots and is budget-friendly.
Can kids do this on their own? Children ages 4 and up can choose colors and press the tape into place. Scissor work and applying the decoupage sealer should be done by an adult, but the decorating itself is very kid-friendly and makes a great screen-free activity.