Ageing Terracotta Pots With Paint

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A centerpiece for the dining room table – I feel like this is my decor nemesis! I am constantly trying something new, but have yet to find the perfect solution. Remember this wooden tray I built? I honestly thought this was going to be the one, but alas, it was not. So, I tried again!

This time around, I was inspired by summer. I had a few succulents that needed repotting and I found inexpensive terracotta pots at Walmart. I love terracotta pots but with more of an aged look. These guys looked a little…brand new. My go-to fix for everything home-related? No, not duct tape, PAINT! I solve all my problems with paint.

These tester pods of paint were leftover from this project and I decided to use them plus some white craft paint and just play around until it looked the way I wanted.

Beginning by dabbing on (this color paint) with a cloth, I realized it made the pots the same color as the glazed side of the pot saucer. I loved the color so much, that I decided to paint it all over as a base color.

I did not dilute the paint but kept my paintbrush very wet.

Painting just the bottom part of the pots with a mix of white and dark brown paint, I started dabbing it with a rinsed, wet wipe to blend and lift some of the paint off.

Continuing with this method until it reached the desired look.

This was more or less what I had in mind.

I didn’t want my paint effect to be ruined by watering the succulents so I decided to seal everything with a clear sealer. I imagine spraying it on would be easiest but I just used what I had on hand.

Once the sealer was dry, the pots were ready for planting and styling.

I am happy with how it turned out and the succulents are happy in their bigger pots with fresh soil.

If you have more patience than I have and prefer a more organic way than aging terracotta pots with paint you can read this great post with a few options by Martha Stewart.