Aging Terracotta Pots With Paint

Aging terracotta pots with paint may not be the traditional way, but for me, it was the easiest, fastest, and cleanest way.

Finding the perfect centerpiece for my dining room table is a constant battle. I keep trying something new but have yet to find the right look. 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.

Raw terracotta pot and paint jars

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

Aging terracotta pots with paint

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.

Painting terracotta pots to give them an aged look

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

Aging terracotta pots with paint

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.

Terrapots5

Continuing with this method until it reached the desired look.

Terracotta pot aged with paint

This was more or less what I had in mind.

Painting with a clear sealer

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.

Sealed terracotta pot

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

Succulents in terracotta pots

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

Ageing terracotta pots with paint

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.

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