Turn New Terra Cotta Pots Into Beautiful "Aged" Planters

Transform basic terra cotta pots into beautifully "aged" planters with the help of a simple technique. In this tutorial, we use plaster of paris, a material that gives the pots an almost antique look. (Like something you might find at a French flea market.) You can create any appearance that you'd like — just a little bit of aging or something deeper, depending on your design style.

Sara Albers

Step 1

To begin, add one cup of the plaster of paris to a plastic container. Add enough water to create a thick paint consistency.

Sara Albers

Step 2

Using a paint brush, add the plaster of paris to the terra cotta pots. This is when you can decide how much you want to "age" the pots. Apply plaster to the pot, leaving some of the terra cotta color.

Sara Albers

Step 3

To remove any excess plaster, gently dab with a wet paper towel. This also adds a bit of texture. Allow to dry.

Sara Albers

Step 4

Next, mix the white and brown paint together to create some light brown paint, and then gently apply it to pot in various spots. This will further "age" the pot, giving it a more realistic older look. You can even add a drop of green paint for a more dramatic, older look.

Sara Albers

Step 5

Use a sanding block to gently remove a bit of plaster and paint, and to "age" it further. Finally, apply spray or sealer paint to seal the plaster.

Sara Albers

Step 6

Your new gorgeous pots are now ready for your flowers, houseplants, and outdoor plants.

Sara Albers

Sara Albers