A 3-Item Project Transforms a New Planter into an “Heirloom Masterpiece”

If you prefer your terracotta planters to look like antique, The Secret Garden-inspired outdoor decor, you must check out this DIY project that turns brand-new planters into pieces that look like they’ve been sitting in the grass, growing heirloom plants, for decades. All you need is some garden lime and a bit of paint to get the look for so much less than buying these antiqued planters new. I recently spotted the DIY on TikTok, and it’s making me want to run to my local hardware store ASAP.

“I love those old age planters but not the price tag,” the creator behind My Canvas Home on TikTok said in a recent video. “So watch how I transform some terracotta planters from The Home Depot into an heirloom masterpiece inspired [by] my Pinterest.”

You’ll need a few things from The Home Depot to complete this project — a terracotta planter, garden lime, and a bit of paint. You can pick up paint samples from the paint section for cheap, or use craft paint you already have on hand.

Using the garden lime and some water, create a paste and apply the mixture onto the exterior of your pot while wearing gloves. You could leave it here, but the lime won’t last that long if not sealed with a clear coat or paint. 

Mix up a light creamy tan color and either dab or streak that color onto the limewash with a paper towel or brush. Then, add more detail with a mossy green color toward the bottom of the planter. And just like that, you have an aged planter that looks like it’s been part of your garden for years!

Commenters are as in love with the patinaed look as I am. “Headed to get some garden lime!” one person commented on the My Canvas Home video. Another person said, “I tried this but I used a dry brush. Absolutely love them.”

Don’t spend hundreds on antique-looking planters from home decor stores. Instead, DIY your perfect “vintage” planter using simple finds from The Home Depot.