The passage of time affects any kind of materials, but when it comes to organic ones, it can also cause a change in how they appear: it can either deteriorate the product, or it can make it look even more fascinating. Just think of a garden with decades-old plants, whose pots are new, they look smooth and perfect, without a story to tell. On the contrary, if the terracotta pots looked older, as if they had been aged by time, they would become more and more #charming. To have this result, you would have to wait too long…that’s why we are here to give you some advice on how to make your terracotta pots look older!
Vintage pots with black patina effect
You might have spotted small dark spots on terracotta pots that many not experts in the sector could interpret as a sign of deterioration of the product. On the contrary, these are plant residues and molds that form along with the passage of time: they are a sign of authenticity and quality of the pot. The black patina can appear if the pot is stored in a wet place, near plants or under trees. Gardening lovers and the green furniture industry are looking for this to give a touch of charme to their gardens and to create an atmosphere.
So, how to age your terracotta pots without having to wait for decades?
To speed up the aging process, just follow a few simple steps:
What you need:
a terracotta vase
yogurt or milk gone bad
some moss
a brush
will to experiment
Process:
Collect some moss from your garden, let it dry and chop it until you get a fine powder
Do you have gone off milk or yogurt in the fridge? Do not throw them away, you can use them to age your terracotta pots! Take them and dip the moss in the milk or yogurt: here it will find the right acidic environment to develop the effect you are searching for. This way, you will obtain a kind of ready-to-use natural paint!
Leave this blend out of the fridge for a few days, to avoid bad smells we suggest you keep it outside your home
Dip the brush in the container and brush your vase; to give it an even more natural effect, do it randomly!
Leave the pot in the shade in your garden and every now and then moisten it by spraying a little water on it. During Autumn and Winter, temperatures will help you facilitate this process
After a few months, instead of waiting for decades, your terracotta vase will begin to acquire the black patina and it will look much older than it actually is.
This is just one of the ways to age your terracotta pots. For example, alternative methods consist of leaving the pot in wet environments to facilitate the growth of mold, such as under your shower or even under the ground.
Imperfection makes it more charming
To create an atmosphere, where you can live moments of relaxation and conviviality, is a must for those who have an outdoor space. In fact, it is very important to furnish your place in the correct way, to give that touch of elegance and attention to detail. With our guidelines on how to age terracotta it will be easier for you to make the difference. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a brush and let your terracotta pots tell the story of your garden.
Moreover, what if your pot is getting old and you would like to remove the black patina? Find out how to do it in the section of our page How to remove white patina, which is the same process.
Source: Fornace Masini Impruneta