How about doing this easy idea to age terracotta pots using lime?

I love flower pots and adding them to my spring and summer home decor is one of my favorites! Finding aged terra cotta pots is becoming more of a challenge, so I am making my own.

I’m using smaller pots however this will be amazing on larger-size clay pots too!

These small pots are perfect all year long too! I will share ideas on how to use these in a creative way too!

After doing a little research online for aging pots I discovered so many different ways to age terra-cotta pots.

Aging new terracotta pots with lime is the easiest way I have done this process thus far. So, I am looking forward to sharing this fun and easy process for making clay pots aged look using lime with you.

Supplies List for the Aging Process:

• Organic Garden lime – garden center
• New terra cotta pots – Home Depot or Dollar Tree
• chip paint brush or foam brush
• plastic container
• 120-grit sanding sponge or sand paper
• water
• avocado or moss craft paint

How to Age Terracotta Pots Using Garden Lime

Step 1: Getting the Lime Consistency Right to Age Pots

In the first step, add the chalky lime to a plastic bowl and add water. For the most part, the mixture should look like the consistency of pudding to use for this DIY aging terracotta pots.

Incidentally, for my project, I used more than 1 cup of water which differs from the package directions to get the right consistency for my DIY flowerpot project.

Normally the measurement is 2 cups of water to 1 cup of garden lime.

Because I’m using this lime technique on four small flowerpots and a few mini pots, I adjusted the exact breakdown. I am using much less lime for this easy lime clay pot craft idea this DIY aging terracotta pot.

Applying the Lime Mixture to My Pots With a Cheap Brush

Step 2: Adding the Combination for an Age Effect

Next step, I begin applying the lime mixture to the outside of the pot using my chip brush. I did leave some spots a bit heavier with the lime. Why? Because when aging pieces this is a good idea because the pots would age differently.

Now let these dry. The drying process is relatively quick.

After the Pots Dry Apply Polyurethane

Step 3: Waiting for Them to Dry and Add the Clear Coat and Sand a Bit

After the pots dry, spray with a light coat of polyurethane. As a result of this being an organic product do not be alarmed, some lime may come off the pots and this is normal. Again, let the terracotta pots dry completely.

Next, it’s time to use a 120-grit sanding sponge or 120-grit sand paper and lightly sand small pieces of lime from the flower pots. This allows different variations of the organic material to appear. Also, sand sections and allow the terracotta to show through in small areas. This lets the pots have a realistic aged look.

Adding a Touch of My Own Moss Look

Step 4: Adding a Moss Look

Here add a little water to the green paint and mix it together. After adding a bit of the green paint on the rim with a small paintbrush, lightly smooth it to blend.

The part I truly enjoy about these garden-lime-aged pots is leaving variations of the lime. Why? Because as I begin applying avocado paint on areas the lime pots have the most natural-looking patinas.

Different Ways to Age Clay Pots

Aging Terra Cotta Pots With Different Looks

• Many years ago I tried to age clay pots by adding plain yogurt to the surface of the pot. Also keeping it moist in a shady place and unfortunately never worked. I remember following the instructions exactly but for some reason, the pot didn’t change to my liking. I was so disappointed because I have seen it work for others. Have you tried the idea to age clay pots? Let me know if it worked and the trick, please.

• So then last year, I added a new look to a pot that’s 20 years old. It was so much fun and I share all the steps in a blog post about the easy techniques of dry brushing a planter. This gave me a brand new pot by mixing different colors together and the end result is beautiful!

• For another example, of one of my DIY projects and pots, I share a great tutorial on how to make an easy topiary and painting technique using white gesso. I also share how to mix raw umber paint and green paint for an easy moss look. And guess what, I share how to make fake dirt that looks like the real thing. This dry dirt can be made in a matter of minutes. It also adds dramatic results to faux plants! I promise you will be WOWED with the outcome! Quite a few pots need updating so stay tuned for these updates as the gardening season begins in our area

• I also have seen these pots aged with a coat of black paint and a topcoat of white acrylic paint added. This idea can be done using a drybrush technique or when the white paint is added use a spray bottle filled with water. Then, spray a paper towel and wipe a bit of paint off with the wet paper towel.

How to Use the Terracotta Pots in Home Your Décor

Adding the Clay Pots to Home Decorating

Place these lime-aged pots in a china cabinet adds a pretty touch from spring through summer. You may enjoy this eggs and bunny post and see how I have had them on display for early spring. There’s also a great tutorial on reverse transferring in this post.

These aged pots are perfect for spring throughout early fall, these will look particularly pretty on a table set for a garden party.

I hope you enjoyed learning this easy tutorial: age terracotta pots with lime and give this idea a try for your home.