Terra Cotta Decor in the Garden

I recently purchased a terra cotta decorative item for my garden. It is a large sun painted in Aztec color and I would like to hang it on a fence in my pool area.

Can anyone provide suggestions on care? Is there anything I can seal it with to keep it from flaking? Should I only leave it out during the summer and bring it in in the winter?

The paint colors are beautiful and bright. I would really like to keep it in good condition, yet display it where all can enjoy.

Can you post a pic of it?? That would help us figure out the best way of sealing it. I mean does it have shiney paint on it already and is the back side unpainted? Are there pieces glued on it? Not knowing I would first say to give it a clear coat of spray paint. The only thing is terra cotta is very pourus and will soak up ALOT of paint or anything else that you put on it. If it were me I would take it in during the winter months in hopes of making it last longer.
Hope this helps

Thanks Mollybee...great help. Wouldn't ya know I loaned my digital camera to a friend to use on his vacation.

The sun is painted on the front side only. I am not sure of the type of paint, however it does not appear to have any gloss to it. While the front is painted, there are small areas that are bare of paint as well as the sides of the sun.

I really wish I could post a picture. It would be so much easier to describe. I currently have a terra cotta chiminea (sp)on my patio and have noticed that it is flaking somewhat.

Not only will it start to flake and fade with the sun it will more than likely start to get green mossy like stuff on it. Which I think happens with just about any kind of terra cotta. I would just try and soak it good with the clear spray paint and hope for the best. Alot of people "want" the green colors to be on the terra cotta but from the way you describe you sun decoration, I personally wouldn't want it green.
Good luck!

I paint on terra cotta pots and use the clear seal that is made by Patio Paints. Goes on a milky color, but dries clear.I use three coats, waiting for 24 hours between coats, and then waiting another 72 hours to let it 'cure' before exposing to weather conditions.
You can get Patio paints at any craft stores. At Michael's, they have the patio paints by the clay pots isle.

Thanks Coco...I have a Michael's nearby my home!

With your terra cotta items, do you reapply at any time?
Annually, etc?

During the winter months and if it gets too cold, then I bring the pots inside. If I feel that they need touching up, then I do so, but other wise I just leave them as is as long as possible. Here in Texas we do get some freezing weather at times, so I just play it save and bring my clay pots in doors. If I feel ambitious during the winter months, then maybe I might put another coat of sealer on them, if I really feel that they could use it. You basically will just have to kinda judge on your own; as every climate is different from one area to another. The main thing to remember is to let your item cure for a few days before taking outside to expose to weather conditions.

Great info! Thanks!