Today I thought I’d share a quick tip on how to get an aged look to your terra cotta pots using dark furniture wax.
I used this technique recently when I created my Valentine’s mantel and loved the results so much that I’m attacking any terra cotta in my home with wax :). I’m not a fan of the orangey color of terra cotta, and the stain provides a rich worn look that I’m digging.
All you need to achieve the look is some dark furniture wax, a brush, and some paper towels. I happen to have Annie Sloan’s Dark furniture wax on hand, but I think any dark wax would work.
Using your paint brush (or wax brush if you happen to have one), rub the furniture wax into the terra cotta. I like the look of the brush marks, so I make sure that I apply the wax using even brush strokes in the same direction.
Once your pot is completely covered, use a paper towel (or old rag) to wipe off the excess wax.
That’s it! Here is the before and the after–a darker, richer terra cotta that looks fantastic! Enjoy!
Saundra says
Love this ! Much quicker than color washing. I’ definitely try it…
Bridget from Refined Vintage says
I agree, The colors of plain terra cotta is not to my taste. I love the worn look, I will be doing this! Thanks for the idea!
Amanda - Small Home Big Start says
What a great idea! I love the patina on these pots and I never knew it could be so easy to achieve that look. Thanks for sharing.
Laura Putnam says
Love this Beth and I have just the pot to try it on!
Take care, Laura
Gina says
I love it! I will definately be doing this soon.
sarah macklem says
Beth, these pots are fab. I love the finish, I am for sure going to try this.
Thanks for the tut.
~Sarah
P.S. The old scale is so cool!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Now, if someone would just figure out how to get a bit of a mossy look, too, I’d be set! Love the patina these take on, Beth. Thanks for sharing!
Richella @ Imparting Grace says
Beth, these look awesome! Plain old terra cotta is not my favorite–but paying for expensive pots is not my favorite, either. Last year I came up with a way to make faux “aged” pots (you can see that post here if you like: http://www.impartinggrace.com/2010/08/inspired-by-pottery-barn.html) but my method takes a little while and requires spray paint, so it’s not a great project for winter. Yours look great and could be done any time!
BTW, thank you for actually showing the products you used. I’ve wondered where to buy wax since it’s obviously such a great tool. I need to look into Annie Sloan products.
Whitney says
That looks great!
Usually I’m in to galvanized because of the orangie terra cotta, so I will be giving this a try asap!!!
Traci says
This is so easy and the results look fantastic. Thanks for sharing your techinque.
Traci
Lorraine says
How convenient! I just bought some AS dark wax! Yay!
Lorraine
Leslie says
where did you buy the wax? I am having a hard time finding – looked at Lowe’s and Home Depot – no luck.
Beth @A to Z says
My wax is from an Annie Sloan chalk paint stockist but you can find the wax at Lowes and Home Depot. You’re looking for “dark paste wax” and it will be with the wood stains. Here are some examples: dark paste wax – Google Search http://bit.ly/JtyQrx
Laura@Elegant Nest says
Love this idea. So simple, yet makes a big difference!
Thanks for sharing!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
How fun, they look amazing. I will definitely give it a try. Hugs, Marty