Workshop Wednesday: Faux Concrete Finish & More!

text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! 

Just in time for spring is the Fast DIY shared on Workshop Wednesday. This technique is perfect for transforming terra-cotta pots and old vintage ceramic planters. I'm updating some pots and planters with a faux concrete finish. 

Materials:

• Dremel 4300 Series Rotary Tool (Home Depot)
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• DecoArt Chalky Gesso, white (Online)
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• DecoArt Satin Enamel, Charcoal grey (Online)
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• Terracotta Pot Clay Pots (Amazon)
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• Faux Succulent (Amazon)
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• Sheet Moss (Amazon)
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• Floral Foam (Amazon)
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My samples were a vintage ceramic planter (originally yellow) and a terra-cotta pot. Both were given a faux concrete finish. The planters in front are a couple examples of vintage planters you may find at yard sales and thrift stores. Often the colors did not work in today's home decor. They are perfect for a little painting makeover.

I'm going to free hand a simple pattern on the pot to give the sides a little texture and interest. To help with spacing, I'm drawing lines to divide the pots into fourths.

I'm using a Dremel rotary tool with a sanding disk set on low speed to create the pattern. Be sure to wear a mask, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

I'm making a simple pattern to create some texture on the pot. The lines help to keep the pattern somewhat on track!

Be sure to wipe the pot free of dust prior to painting. Shake or stir the gesso and pour a small amount into a separate container. Tip: Do not use the gesso directly from the bottle to keep it free from anything the brush might pick up. The gesso in my separate container actually took on a bit of orange color from the pot.

I am using the gesso as a primer. Once the gesso is dry, paint with the gray color. The painting does not have to fully cover as this will help with the finished look.

Once the grey is dry, add a light coat of gesso. You can water the gesso down to help get a light coat. It's better to do a couple of lights coats. Once this is dry, lightly sand to bring out the sanded texture areas.

I'm adding a faux succulent into styrofoam and then filling in with sheet moss.

As you can see, the sanded texture and faux concrete finish add a lot of interest to what was a boring orange pot.

I love how the two pots/planters looks together. This is such an easy way to update the look of planters and pots you may have already in your home. You could even experiment with another color other than grey. Create a look that works for you and your home decor!