Give your plain terra cotta pots a quick cottagecore makeover with this easy DIY project! Using just a little paint, baking soda, and Mod Podge, you can create a pretty, rustic look with a soft, mossy finish. It’s a fun and simple way to add some charm to your home or garden without spending a lot.
Why You’ll Love This Project
- Transforming simple terra cotta pots with paint and baking soda is an affordable way to create a custom, high-end look without spending much. It’s a great way to refresh old pots or personalize inexpensive ones from the dollar store!
- Each pot will have its own unique character, making your finished product one-of-a-kind. It’s a fun way to add personality to your garden, porch, or home decor.
- There’s something satisfying about taking a plain, basic pot and turning it into a beautiful, textured piece that looks handmade and artisanal.
- These custom pots make thoughtful and charming gifts. You can pair them with plants or herbs for an extra special touch.
Project Tips
Use a light hand with the green paint: Since the green is meant to create a soft, mossy effect, start with a light layer. You can always add more, but it’s easier to build up the color gradually than to remove excess paint.
Customize the color: If you want a different look, you can adjust the green to a darker or lighter shade, or even experiment with other colors like soft browns or greys for a different aged effect.
Seal lightly: When applying the Mod Podge mixture, use a light hand. Too much can create a shiny or streaky finish, which might take away from the rustic feel. A thin, even coat will protect the paint while maintaining the matte, aged look.
Try layering: If you want more depth, you can layer the white and green paint. Let the first layer dry slightly, then go over it again with a bit more white to soften any bold patches of green.
Materials
- White acrylic paint
- Green acrylic paint
- Water
- Baking soda
- Mod Podge
- Paint brushes
How to Whitewash Terra Cotta Pots
- Prepare the paint mixture: In two separate containers, mix white acrylic paint with water and green acrylic paint with water, using a 1:2 ratio (1 part paint to 2 parts water). The paint should be thin and watery to give the pot a soft, washed effect.
- Apply the paint: Using a paintbrush, alternate between brushing on the white and green paint mixtures. Brush back and forth across the surface of the pot. The green paint will create a subtle mossy look, while the white gives the pot a washed, aged appearance. Don’t worry about perfect blending; the texture adds to the charm.
- Add texture with baking soda: While the paint is still wet, dip a paintbrush into water, then into dry baking soda. Lightly brush the baking soda mixture over the wet paint. This will create a thicker, rougher texture on the surface. Continue applying the baking soda across the entire pot to achieve the desired textured look.
- Let the pot dry: Allow the pot to fully dry before moving to the next step. This may take a couple of hours, depending on humidity and temperature.
- Seal the pot: Once the pot is dry, mix Mod Podge with water in a 1:1 ratio (equal parts Mod Podge and water). Lightly paint the mixture over the entire surface of the pot to seal and protect the finish. Be sure to apply a thin, even layer to avoid streaks and dripping.
- Final drying: Let the sealed pot dry completely before using it. The Mod Podge will dry clear, leaving a subtle, textured, whitewashed finish on your terra cotta pot.