Try This At Home

Hydro Dipped Painted Pots

Hydro dipping is the process of decorating an item by dipping it into water with a film of paint floating on top. The paint sticks to the object perfectly and completely, no matter its shape!

Based on a KidsTown Workshop made possible by the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• White terracotta pot (A regular terracotta pot will work too, the colors will just look slightly different!) • 1 pipe cleaner • 1 dowel rod • Paper towels • 5 gallon bucket, or another large container • Hydrophobic Marbling Paint (We use the brand Marabu) • 1 large button

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PROCEDURES:

1. Create a Dipping Mechanism! Thread both ends of your pipe cleaner into the button, then pull your button down towards the middle. Next, twist your pipe cleaner ends together. Poke the twisted ends of the pipe cleaner through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Now you have a pipe cleaner to hold to keep your hands clean.

2. Prepare your Dipping Station! Fill your bucket or container with enough water for your pot to be fully submerged. Set up your paint, dowel rod, and some paper towels near your bucket.

3. Pick your Palette! Choose at least two colors of paint and shake about 5-6 drops of each into the bucket.

4. Give it a Swirl! Working quickly, use your dowel rod and gently make a few swirls in the paint. This will help achieve a marbled look when dipping the pot. Be careful! The paint will want to stick to the dowel rod!

5. Dip your Pot! Slowly dip your pot into the paint.

6. Clean the Water! Before pulling your pot back out of the water, use the dowel rod to gather any excess paint still floating on the top of the water. This is to avoid your pot getting a double coating of paint and looking clumpy. Once the water is clean and clear, pull your pot out!

7. You are an Artist! Admire your beautiful work! The paint should be dry almost instantly, but you will just need to wait for the water to dry before planting any seeds! Place your pot on your paper towels, and you’re all finished!