The Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Finish
Secret #1- This is the most important secret of all. Don’t use white paint for this project! White paint creates a cold, stark, not-so-subtle look that looks anything but old world. The secret to achieving a subtly aged look is to use paint with colour tones in it. This could be beige, green, or grey depending on the exact look you want to achieve. I used Fusion Mineral Paint Chateau, which is a pretty light beige colour.
Secret #2- Wet the pot before applying the paint. Terra cotta is very dry and will instantly suck up whatever you apply to it. Saturating it with water first will give you more room to play as you paint.
Secret #3- Dilute the paint more than you think you need to. I use a ratio of 1:4 or even 1:5. This gives you more control over how the paint goes on. You can easily add additional layers for more coverage.
Secret #4- The texture you get is controlled by the above factors AND the type of brush you use. I used a Staalmeester #20 Round Sash Brush since I wanted subtle horizontal brush strokes. For more obvious brush strokes, use a chip brush. For no brush strokes, use a smooth sponge. If you want a more mottled look, use a natural sponge and dab the paint on.
Secret #5- After dipping the brush into the paint, always remove the extra paint by wiping the brush onto the edge of the paint jar and then onto a sponge, cotton cloth, or paper towels.
Supplies for the Whitewashed Terra Cotta Pots
- Terra cotta pots- any size or style
- Fusion Mineral Paint- chateau (tester size)
- Mason jar for mixing paint, paint stir stick
- Sponge or cloth
- Staalmeester #20 Round Sash Brush or brush/sponge for the desired look
- Plants (I used Pilea Aquamarine)
