Antiquing Plastic Pots

Verdigris Pot

Materials:

ABS (high-impact, shatter-resistant) plastic pot
rubbing alcohol
sandpaper
gray plastic paint primer
acrylic copper glaze
ammonia
Epsom salt
spray bottle

Steps:

1. First clean a plastic pot with rubbing alcohol.

2. Rub gently with sandpaper to rough up the surface.

3. Paint with a gray plastic primer, made specifically for ABS plastic.

4. Coat the primer with acrylic copper glaze, applying in long strokes.

5. Make a reactor by combining equal parts ammonia and Epsom salts. Mix and pour into a spray bottle.

6. Spray directly onto the wet glaze to oxidize the paint. The reactor will add a patina to any sealed surface, including wood.

Materials:

ABS (high-impact, shatter-resistant) plastic pot
rubbing alcohol
sandpaper
gray plastic primer
concrete slurry
coffee grounds
water
drain cleaner
spray bottle
protective goggles

Steps:

1. Prepare the pot as above, rubbing it down with alcohol, sanding lightly, and applying a coat of plastic primer.

2. To create the aged concrete patina, combine four parts concrete mix, one part coffee grounds and some water.

Materials:

ABS (high-impact, shatter-resistant) plastic pot
burlap strips
spray adhesive
6" square of live moss
2 cups water
2 Tbs. soluble fertilizer
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup hydrating crystals
water

Steps:

1. Cover a plastic pot with burlap strips and spray adhesive.

2. Make an organic mixture with the moss, water, fertilizer, yogurt and hydrating crystals. Add the ingredients to a blender and pulse a few times to create a slurry.

3. Pour the slurry over the pot, coating it well. Let it dry completely.

4. Spray regularly with water as the moss begins to grow, attached to the burlap.

* Note: Keep out of direct sun or the moss will burn.