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Turns out you can get that classic terracotta look for way less. All you need is some paint and dirt – yep, regular ol’ dirt! It’s a super easy DIY that’ll transform any plastic planter into something that looks just like the real deal. The key is to rub that dirt right into the wet paint for a convincing, weathered effect. Even if the pots are just housing some basic herbs, this cheap upgrade makes them look extra special.
To start, pick up a large plastic pot from the discount store. Bonus points if it has some nice texture to it already. Grab some terracotta-colored spray paint and get ready to get a little messy. Roughen up the plastic with some sandpaper first so the paint really sticks. Then, just start spraying and smearing on the dirt – no fancy techniques needed here. The more imperfect, the better. Once it dries, you can fill it up with all your favorite plants. Easy peasy!
Making faux terracotta with just paint and dirt
For this project, it’s easiest to just take everything outside next to your garden. That way you don’t have to worry about getting dirt and paint everywhere. If you’ve got any old potting soil-filled pots laying around, go ahead and use one of those – you don’t even need to buy new dirt. Just put on some gloves and crumble up the soil a bit before you start painting. And be sure to lay down a drop cloth to catch any mess. You can even use an old plastic bag cut open if you don’t have a dedicated drop cloth.
Once your pot is prepped, start spraying on that terracotta-colored paint. But don’t let it fully dry before grabbing handfuls of dirt and rubbing it right into the paint. Work in small sections so the paint stays wet. Make sure to get the inside rim too, so it all looks cohesive. The more imperfections, the better – that’s what gives it that authentic, weathered terracotta vibe. After it dries, just fill it up with your favorite plants and voila, good as new!
