Aging New Planters

Instantly age and bring out the details in new outdoor items with paint and rags.

concrete, stone or terra-cotta pieces (planters, birdbaths, statuaries, etc.)
latex paint (gray-black, brown-green, soft white and blue-green)
4 large sponges
cotton rags
4 plastic containers

Steps:

1. Mix all colors to a 50/50 ratio of paint and water. Add more of either as needed /desired (the concrete will soak up the mixture very quickly so you may need to add more color).
2. Use a damp sponge to apply the gray-black color over the entire piece, allowing it to drip deep into the crevices. Use a clean rag to rub some away, creating various tones of the color.
3. Use another damp sponge to apply the brown-green color, and then rub the paint into various areas for more texture/interest. Remove excess with a rag.
4. Dab the white into crevices to resemble limestone deposits that develop with time on concrete pieces. Let some drip and wipe away excess.
5. Add blue-green to highlight the raised designs. Wipe away excess.