How to Put a Verdigris Finish on Terra Cotta Pots

Weathered copper -- the effect a verdigris finish sets out to achieve.

Painting a verdigris finish on terra cotta pots gives them the look of old copper, bronze or brass. The effect resembles the patina of metals exposed to air or salt water over a long period. This aged look is not difficult to accomplish even if you have no artistic skills. It requires paints and tools available at inexpensive prices at home supply, hardware or craft and hobby stores.

Things You'll Need

• Semi-gloss or latex paint (black, copper, dark green, light blue, off-white, raw umber)
• Containers to hold paint or paint tray
• Small paint brush (approximately 2 inches)
• Cleaning cloths
• Measuring cup
• Steel wool or plastic scrubber

Instructions

1. Prime the terra cotta pots with two coats of black or raw umber acrylic or latex paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly and then lightly sand it with a fine grit sandpaper. The dark paint coats seal and protect the terra cotta.

2. Paint the terra cotta pots with a dark green paint. Dab the pot with a wadded up cleaning cloth to remove a bit of the paint. Use short, stippling strokes instead of trying to wipe it off with long strokes. The goal is to have a mottled appearance. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Apply the copper-colored paint on the pot. Again, use a clean cloth with short, dabbing strokes to remove some of the paint. This allows some of the copper color to show through. Allow the pot to dry. Repeat the same method with the light blue paint.

4. Thin the off-white paint by adding 1/3 cup of water per 1 cup of off-white paint. This gives it a slight transparency. Do not remove any of the white paint, just allow it to dry thoroughly.

5. Rub the pot in random areas with the steel wool or plastic scrubber. This removes some of the paint to reveal the layers underneath giving it a verdigris look.

6. Seal the terra cotta pots with varnish or a spray-on waterproof clear sealer if you are using the pots outdoors. It may take two or three coats to seal it properly. Let the sealer dry between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the look you want, you can use different colors to create a verdigris effect. For instance, use a brown shade as the base coat, then apply a dark blue-green paint, a lighter blue-green shade that is slightly greener than the dark shade and finally a rusty-looking orange color. Allow the paints to dry between coats.

• Create a more translucent look by mixing the paints with equal parts of a glazing liquid.

References

• Faux Painting Techniques: Verdigris
• Fine Furniture Finishing: Create a Verdigris Finish