HOW TO MAKE TERRACOTTA POTS LOOK OLD
Looking to get that aged, weathered look on your clay terra cotta planters, but don’t want to wait weeks, months or years? Then you’re in the right place, my friends. In this video and blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make terracotta pots look old within a matter of minutes! Press play or keep reading below to see exactly how to transform new terra cotta pots into time-worn beauties.
aging terra cotta pots with paint
Overtime, clay terra cotta pots age and take on beautiful character. Similar to most things of value, right? They build up moss or algae and accumulate a white, weathered patina from exposure to elements and minerals from water, salt, soil, etc.
There’s something so rustic and charming about naturally worn, aged pottery like this. However, because I live in the world of Amazon prime and instant gratification… I want aged pots, and I want them NOW! So today I’m sharing how to make terracotta pots look old just by using a whitewash/painting technique and a few other DIY tricks I’ve learned. Keep reading below to find out how you can weather your clay terra cotta planters, without the wait.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Terra cotta pots
- White acrylic paint
- Green acrylic paint or watercolor (optional)
- Natural sponges
- Paint brush
- Gloves
- Cloth or paper towel
- Water
- Rust-oleum Matte Clear Enamel
getting started
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to start aging your terra cotta pots. After you have your supplies, make sure your surface is protected with layers of newspaper or plastic. This project can get a little messy!
HOW TO MAKE TERRACOTTA POTS LOOK OLD:
painting a white patina
First, dilute your white acrylic paint with a little water to create a milky, whitewash mixture. (More water = more transparent paint).
Grab your terra cotta pot, dip your sponge into the paint, and apply a thin layer horizontally around the pot. Also, don’t forget to get the inside because it may be visible! You don’t have to be too careful with this part – we’re just creating a white distressed patina base to build off of.
Then, start layering more paint in an uneven, sporadic pattern. You’ll notice the paint dry quickly as the clay absorbs the moisture. Therefore, be sure to blend out any brush-stroke marks with your dry paint brush or cloth as they appear. Continue turning your pot and adding light layers of paint until you get your desired patina.
Note: if you get too much white in one spot, quickly wipe it away with a wet paper towel or cloth. Or wait for it to dry and remove it with sand paper.
Painting moss or algae on a weathered
terra cotta pot
Personally, I think an old, weathered terra cotta pot that has grown a bit of moss or algae on it is beautiful. However, if that’s not your taste, you can certainly skip this step and move onto sealing. But, if you do want to add that mossy green algae sheen for character and contrast, then this is when your watercolor (or green acrylic) paint will come in!
Wet your paint with a smaller, clean sponge or paint brush. (I used Winsor Newton “Winsor Green” and “Sap Green”) Then lightly blot along the inside rim, base of the pot, and other random spots. Similar to the technique we did to create our white distressing. Because remember, inconsistency is the key on how to make terracotta pots look old!
HOW TO MAKE TERRA COTTA POTS LOOK OLD:
FINAL STEPS
Finally, once you’re happy with the look of your aged terracotta pots, we can move onto the last step! After your pots have dried, move to a space with proper air flow (preferably outside). Thoroughly spray Rust-oleum Clear Matte Enamel all over to seal the painted finish. Don’t forget the inside! And set aside to dry.
Sealing the weathered finish will allow for use of the planters both indoors or outdoors!
HOW TO MAKE TERRACOTTA POTS LOOK OLD WITH PAINT
I hope you enjoyed my guide on how to make terracotta pots look old! This is such a fun and easy DIY trick to do with pottery. Will you be trying to age terra cotta pots at home this season? Share in the comments below!
To shop my daily looks, latest home finds, and more, follow along with me on Instagram, Like to Know It, Pinterest, or visit my shop page.
About Madison
I'm Madison - a northern gal planting roots down south. Musings by Madison is your guide to classic style, beauty, home decor & more. Rooted in passion for encouraging others to curate a closet, home, and life they’re proud of and inspired by each day.
Learn more...
