How about making this easy idea to age terracotta pots using lime for a vintage look?

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 throughout the home!

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 using lime with you.

Why Age Terra Cotta Pots With Lime?

Why Age Clay Pots Using Lime?

Terracotta pots can be aged with lime for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that the lime can create a white, powdery film on the surface of the pot, which can give it an aged, weathered look. This is desirable for many people who like the look of antique or vintage terracotta pots.

Another reason is that lime can help to reduce the porosity of the terracotta, making it less likely to absorb water and therefore less prone to cracking or breaking over time. This is because the lime reacts with the clay in the pot, forming a layer of calcium carbonate on the surface that can help to seal it.

To age a terracotta pot with lime, you can mix together hydrated lime (also known as slaked lime) with water to form a paste, and then apply it to the surface of the pot using a brush or sponge. The lime will dry and form a white film on the surface of the pot, which will gradually weather and wear away over time, giving the pot an aged appearance. It is important to note that lime can be caustic, so it is recommended to wear gloves and eye protection when working with it.

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 Lime for a Vintage Look

Step 1: Getting the 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 pot.

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 to make this creative DIY.

Applying the 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 pieces age in nature the pots would age differently in different areas.

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

After the Clay Pots Dry Apply Polyurethane

Step 3: Waiting for the Clay Pots 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 sections of lime from the flower pots. This allows different variations of the organic material to appear. Also, sand sections 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 I 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 Add Character 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!

• 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 These in Home Your Décor

Adding These to Home Decorating

Place these lime-aged pots in a china cabinet to add 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 to age terracotta pots using lime for a vintage look and give this idea a try for your home.