Spring has finally arrived down-under! There is warmth in the sun and the days are getting longer. It is also the perfect time to spend working in my poor, rather neglected garden. I recently found a couple of terracotta garden ornaments abandoned on the neighbours’ nature-strip. They were in pretty good condition, although I did need to rinse out the snails … I have enough in my own garden without importing more. All they need now is … Annie Sloan Chalk Paint of course. I thought I would share with you a couple of different techniques I used to paint my terracotta garden finds.

Here is the before photo … already washed and ready to go.  I scrubbed them down with water and a bit of grime remover (I like Sugar Soap). There was a funny little house, which looks like you could hang it from a tree … a bird house perhaps? A mushroom type ornament, which was home to quite a few snails … although I’m not sure what else you could use it for. Lastly, a wonderful plant pot with some pretty French inspired details. All in great condition and rather sweet in their own way.

1. Wash in “Duck Egg Blue”

For the little house, I applied a chalk paint wash in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue. I mixed approximately two (2) parts paint to one (1) part water, although it really is a case of trial and error until you get the consistency you like. I applied the wash with a paint brush. Allowed it to dry for a couple of minutes, and then wiped it down with a damp cloth. Once I had the look I wanted, I allowed the piece to dry for a couple of days before putting it outside.

2. Distressed Garden Pot in “Graphite”

For the “French” garden pot, I applied the same technique I used before on a similar pot (see here). I applied one coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite. I allowed the paint to dry for 24 hours, and then distressed with some fine grade sandpaper (about 180 grit). Again, I allowed the paint to cure for about 24 hours before placing it outside in the elements.

3. Layered Chalk Paint

For the little mushroom, I wanted to try some layering. I started by applying some of the ASCP Antibes Green mixed with Old White I had left over from my Ikea Step Stool (see here). I added a bit of water to create more of a wash and applied with a paint brush. I allowed the wash to dry for a few hours and then applied another coat.

Next time I’ll skip adding the water and apply the paint “neat” as I wasn’t happy with the coverage. It did create a nice streaky look so not all was lost.

I allowed the wash to dry for about 24 hours. I then applied ASCP Louis Blue with a dry rag instead of a paint brush. In the end I was pleased with streaky look. Next time perhaps I would try a darker colour as a first coat to create a bit more contrast.

I didn’t apply any finish, such as a wax, to any of the plant pots or ornaments as they were going straight into the garden.

Choosing colours for outside in the garden is always different to indoors … it must be the natural light. I think I’ll live with the light colours for a bit to see if they need to be darker.

Now all I need is to wait for the flowers to grow … and the fairies to come!

Nothing beats growing your own herbs. I’ve planted some thyme … now to find somewhere for the oregano.

No terracotta pots are safe, I now have three more lined up for the ASCP treatment.

Do you have any tips to tricks for painting or aging garden pots?

For more inspiration and ideas for painting garden pots, please visit my Pinterest board Garden Flower Pot Makeover

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