Upcycling decor pieces we already own is a fun and cheap way to update our homes. We just tried the terracotta spray paint hack to give a black ceramic vase a more rustic and Mediterranean look.
Low key - not to mention very satisfying - DIY projects like this can make an area of our homes feel exciting again. This one is as easy as they get - and if you don't like it, you can paint over it.
Disclaimer: it dries a lot less orange
Terracotta spray paint hack
Like most people, I'm a sucker for terracotta. The warm tones remind me of being on holiday in Italy or repotting plants in a sunny garden.
I ordered some Rust-Oleum terracotta spray paint on Amazon for just £8.99 and followed the instructions on the spray bottle. Before I started, I made sure the vase was clean and placed it on a big plastic bag out in the garden.
I sprayed several thin layers of paint in a horizontal motion, giving it a few minutes to dry before turning it over. Tip number one: make sure you keep the bottle at a 30cm distance to avoid it from getting too thick and patchy.
Once the first layer had dried, I turned it over and sprayed the back, and the bottom. At first, it looked very orange, which wasn't the vibe I was going for.
But it dries a lot more like a classic terracotta plant pot - with a similar, slightly rough texture, too. I kept turning it, spraying it and letting it dry.
But some of the dried paint on the bag transferred onto the vase. So, tip number two: try to make sure it's not resting on paint while drying.
Overall, I'm really pleased with the result. The terracotta tone works so much better with my existing decor - rusty, fall tones are my go-to.
I also think I'll be more inclined to display flowers in it. Some fresh eucalyptus would look great tumbling out of it, or perhaps some dried flowers.
The spray paint I used can also be used on furniture - read up on how to spray paint furniture so you can move on to bigger items with confidence.
I'll be displaying my terracotta vase proudly in my living room - and when anyone asks where it's from, I'll smugly tell them I upcycled it. This terracotta spray paint hack as left me keen to try some IKEA hacks this weekend.
Definitely give this one a go, we can feel a terracotta paint obsession coming on.
