How to Whitewash a Terra-Cotta Pot
Whitewashing your pots is an easy DIY project, perfect for anyone who has a lot of plants throughout their outdoor space. If you want to mix things up, you can even try this technique with different color paints.
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Add Plants DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-Beauty.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1481298231789.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Erica-Reitman/headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1444410441557.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- terra-cotta pot
- white acrylic paint
- paintbrush
- paper towels
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Materials DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298232197.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
Thin Out Paint
Put a small amount of paint in a disposable cup.
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Thin Out Paint DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298230778.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
Add a couple of tablespoons of water to thin it out a bit.
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Thin Out Paint DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298231955.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
Brush Paint on Pot
Paint a section of the pot, using strokes going in one direction.
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Brush Paint on Pot DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298230742.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
Partially Remove Paint
Use paper towels to gently wipe off the paint, creating the whitewashed look.
![DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot: Partially Remove Paint DIY Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_DIY-Whitewashed-Pots-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298232593.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen
Depending on how “washed” you’d like your pots to appear, you can continue wiping the paint off until you get the shade you are looking for. Allow pots to dry before adding plants.
![French-Inspired Patio With Floral Pillows and Whitewashed Terra-Cotta Pots French-Inspired Patio](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/12/9/0/Orig-Erica-Reitman_Global-Deck-Makeovers-France-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1481298235168.jpeg)
Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen