How to Age Terracotta Pots
Hi everyone! We had a bit of a heat-wave yesterday here in the northeast, but it’s back down into the sixties today–just the way I like it. Yes, I’m one of those. I far prefer the cold to the heat. I always joke that if I move anywhere it will be north, and it won’t take too long to get to the Canadian border.
Today I have a project very similar to one I shared last year, but in this post I’m including more details about how to age terracotta pots. Because of course we don’t want anything looking too new–aged things have so much more character, don’t they?
I’ve had terrible luck the past few years keeping store-bought herbs alive, but when I see rosemary, I just have to buy it. Aldis had this nice-sized plant for just $2.50, so I decided to try my hand at herbs one more time.
Materials for Aging Terracotta Pots
Materials:
- Antique White or Ivory craft paint
- Sponge Brush
- Terracotta pot
- Water
These neat, Italian terra cotta pots can be purchased at Ocean State Job Lots for just $2.50 each. They are good-sized and I like the lower/flatter shape.
Mixing Paint for the Project
I used acrylic craft paint mixed with a lot of water to “white-wash” my terra cotta pots and give them more of an aged surface.
NOTE: I use antique white paint even though it’s white that’s pictured here. For one pot, I squirted about a tablespoon of paint into a small cup.
I then added approximately two tablespoons of water and mixed them up.
Applying Paint to the Terracotta Pots
Using a sponge brush, I applied the watery paint in small patches onto the terra cotta.
Next, I rubbed off the excess with a cotton rag. From there, I move onto the next patch. Whenever I don’t like how it’s coming out, I spray it with water and do some aggressive wiping with my rag until I get the look I want.
Embellish the Pot with Stenciling
For the last step, use black acrylic craft paint and a make-up sponge…
…to stencil “No 1” on the pot.
Times three.
I think they are quite handsome, and I’m looking forward to filling them with all kinds of plants.
What about you? What will you be growing this year?
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Oh, that looks like something even I can do!
Where did you get that beautiful stencil?
Hi Karen! I added some affiliate links to the bottom of the post so you can get a look at the stencil I used. It’s part of a 12″ x 12″ Americana Decor French stencil that contains several French words and phrases. FYI: It only comes with the number 1, so I had to use other italicized, individual number stencils that I already had on hand to make the numbers 2 and 3. You can find similar ones in most craft stores. Thanks so much for visiting; I hope we get to “chat” again sometime 🙂
What a cute project. Now if only I could keep herbs alive.
LOVE these pots! I’m always painting numbers on something….I bought two grocery store basil plants and they’re barely hanging on! Good luck with yours! xoKathleen
I call it white washing. 🙂 Love the unique shaped pots! Thanks for sharing with SyC.
hugs,
Jann
I need to do this.
Thanks for sharing with SYC.
So creative🌟 I have learned a lot from your blog, videos and guides this past year.
Aww thanks so much for the kind words Karen. I’m so glad my resources have been helpful to you 🙂