How to Antique Clay
Clay pottery is a coveted household and garden decoration. As your clay pottery is used over the years, it develops the distinct markings of time, a look that many consider a work of art. When you purposefully make your pottery look old and worn, this technique is called antiquing. Purchasing antiqued clay pottery is typically more expensive than standard clay pottery. To obtain this look in a do-it-yourself project, use a few basic clay antiquing techniques on more affordable pottery items.
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Instructions
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Pre-fire
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1
Develop an antique mark. Antique marks are engraved into the bottom of a piece of pottery to tell collectors what company designed the product and when the product was designed. While your antique mark is made-up, it provides an authentic look to your antiqued piece. Draw this antique mark on a piece of paper first. Common antique marks include initials, animal silhouettes and stylized lettering for a last name or specific date.
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2
Mold your pottery piece as you wish. While it's still wet, engrave your antique mark with a clay a potter's needle. Draw in the details with the point of the needle, not poking through the wet clay.
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3
Fire your pottery to set the antique marking in place. Once dry, this antique mark is engraved in the pottery piece forever.
Post-fire
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4
Apply a coat of wood stain to your dry pottery piece. Use a dark color, such as a deep walnut, for an antique look. Paint a layer of wood stain on quickly, covering the entire piece before it dries. Once the first layer dries, paint another. The more layers you paint, the more antiqued your piece appears.
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5
Dot a sponge in random places on the surface of the pot before the wood stain dries. When a sponge is dipped onto wet wood stain, it creates artful blemishes that can be seen on true antique pottery.
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6
Spray a clay matte finish over the wood stain. This seals the wood stain into the pot, helping it last longer and look more authentic.
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Dab other antique paint colors onto your pot with a sponge. Effective colors for antiquing include an array of dark browns, dark reds, dark oranges and copper. Let the paint dry.
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8
Sand the surface of your pottery to give the new colors a rusted texture. Sand lightly to avoid removing the paint.
Moss
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Blend 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 cup of moss, 2 tbsp. of water and a 1/2 tsp. of sugar in a blender. Blend until you create a thick paste.
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10
Lightly sand the surface of your pottery piece. Apply a thick coat of the moss mixture to your pot with a paintbrush.
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Set your pottery piece in the sun for a full day. Move it to a shady spot after the first day. Continually spritz the piece with water to prevent the mixture from drying out. The moss feeds on the yogurt and grows against the surface of the piece.
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References
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