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| Gather- the platter graces my China Cabinet Ledge |
I recently was using the paint technique of white washing on
some of my older terra cotta pots. In
Texas, these pots usually do not make it through the winter as we can have
freezing temps one day and then warm up in the 70’s- a major no-no when it
comes to ceramics…Cracking occurs and then the pots are not really useful. Or in the outdoors, they do not maintain the
beautiful terra cotta color. Turning old
terra cotta pots and platters into new home décor pieces is my way to rescue
these pots; painting them is also a fun, addictive and rewarding process. The Earthsafe Finish Chalk it up Paints are
some of the best I have worked with. The
ease in which they work and the beautiful color palette are just a few reasons
I love these paints. They are also good
for the environment as well as for us! The whitewashing technique is super
simple and yields a beautiful result. The
paint must be painted on unglazed pots for the technique to work. With my platters, there was a glaze finish so
I knew I had to remove it. Using etchall® crème was the answer (normally used
for etching glass, slate, mirrors and more). It is a quick 15-minute process that
removes the glaze and is now ready for white washing and stenciling. When all
is complete, it is now a perfect addition to my dining room and greets everyone
as we gather around the table.
Let’s get started…
Gather
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| a few supplies |
Terra Cotta platter- used or new
etchall® etching crème
etchall® squeegee
Earthsafe Finishes Chalk it up lighter colors in cheesecake,
licorice
Sponge brushes
Paper towels
Cup for water
Stencil brush
Stencil
Painters Tape
Wax Sealer
Cotton Rag
To remove the glaze
1.
With the
etchall®squegee, spread the etching crème all over the front of the
platter. Don’t worry about using too
much. It’s all reusable!!
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| etching creme is spread-now we wait. |
2.
Set timer for 15 minutes and let etchall® do its
magic!
3.
When the timer rings, using the squeegee, gather
the crème and put as much of the crème back in the jar. *you may not get all
the crème, and that’s ok.
4.
Rinse in a stainless-steel sink or fill a plastic
tub with water to remove any of the crème still on the surface. Let dry. Now your platter is ready for
whitewashing
*This technique works
on other surfaces such as china and porcelain. So be careful around sinks and
countertops.
Whitewashing Technique
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| Here, I am adding different directions with the paint for depth and interest |
1.
Using a sponge brush and paint, working in small
sections at a time, brush horizontally across the platter. Then go back and
paint in a vertical brush strokes if you want a more random result.
2.
With a damp crumbled paper towel, wipe across
the paint. Spreading and removing as
much or as little as you like.
3.
Continue to add paint and wiping with water
until the platter is finished. You can
add more paint in areas if needed. Keep your brush strokes in one direction as
this will give a cohesive background for the stencil or you can paint in several
directions, wiping to blend.
4.
Let dry.
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| Finished project |
Stencil and Seal
1.
Using Painter’s tape, tape down stencil to be
used. Around the rim of the platter, you may need to bend and manipulate the
stencil to lay “flat”
2.
Using the
less is more “dry brush” technique, dip stencil brush into the licorice and dab
off a little of the paint onto a paper plate.
3.
Begin stenciling (pouncing) on your platter,
refilling your brush as needed. The
platter can soak up the paint, you may have to go over areas again but better
to start with a little paint than too much.
4.
Once stencil area has been painted, remove
stencil and tape. Let dry.
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| Using a rag to spread the wax |
5.
Using a rag, wipe on wax with a light hand and
continuous motion all around the platter.
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| Stenciled and Sealed |
Now your platter is ready to welcome family and friends into
your home. I set mine on an iron
easel. The Platter is a bit heavy, so it
will need a strong support. This platter
was so fun to make that I have 2 more ready to be stenciled. I am thinking perhaps a holiday stencil or
even to personalize it with our last name.
I also have a few small saucers (without the drainage holes), so I am
envisioning drinking coasters, place cards, table decorations… the
possibilities are endless!
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| Here's one for the coffee bar! |
Until next time, paint up a few platters and then gather
around the table for priceless conversation!
