Can you stain terra cotta pots

Pots aged this way are safe for plants because the salts won't wash from the pot to the soil. All you need for this simple DIY is a wine cork, candle, water, and water-soluble fertilizer. Start by plugging the pot's drainage hole with a wine cork—a standard cork will fit a inch pot perfectly.

For smaller pots , whittle the cork, and for larger ones slice additional corks to fit and wedge it in place. Next, light a candle and drip the wax over the cork on the outside of the pot to seal it. Let it cool before filling the pot with water—hard water accelerates the aging process. Add five times more fertilizer than package directions recommend and stir it until it's all dissolved.

Next, set it aside until deposits appear—replenishing water as needed. The longer the pots sit, the more dramatic the effect. Remove water, wax, and cork to finish.

One of the most natural-looking patinas can be achieved by simply slathering plain yogurt on a new pot. Yogurt applied to dry pots yields more dramatic results. For a subtler look, first, soak pots in water for 15 minutes. All you need to age your terra-cotta pots this way is plain yogurt and a two-inch foam brush. Simply stir the yogurt and dip your foam brush into it, brushing to coat the surface of the pot; covering it completely.

Then set your pots aside in a shaded place until they achieve the desired look, at least one month. Combining buttermilk and moss to encourage moss growth is a common tactic. The moss serves to hold the runny buttermilk in place and vary the texture as well as to promote growth. Moss, buttermilk, and a two-inch foam brush are your tools for this easy project. If you've gathered your own moss, remove as much soil as possible and tear it into small pieces, removing materials like bark and pine needles.

Start by pouring the buttermilk into a bowl then add your moss and combine. Use your brush to paint the mixture over the terra-cotta pots, and set aside in a shaded place until you've reached the desired look. Thanks for sharing! Beth, these look awesome! Plain old terra cotta is not my favorite—but paying for expensive pots is not my favorite, either. Yours look great and could be done any time! BTW, thank you for actually showing the products you used. I need to look into Annie Sloan products.

That looks great! Share this:. Want my decorating tips weekly? Sign up for my newsletter. Share Tweet Pin. How to Respond to Negative Comments ». Comments Love this! Much quicker than color washing. It just looks natural and fabulous on any patio or deck.

I do not stain into the pot where the dirt will go…. Staining the outside is fine, and staining the lip of the pot is fine, too. Hope this has been a little outdoor inspiration for you! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Posted in Blog.