DIY Aged Vessel Tutorial: Create an Old-World Look on a Budget
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Transform ordinary pots into vintage-inspired treasures with this easy DIY aged vessel tutorial.
If you love the look of old-world pottery, European-style urns, or timeworn terracotta vases, you’ll love how simple it is to re-create that aged look at home.
Using affordable materials and a few layering techniques, you can give new or thrifted vases that weathered, old-world charm that instantly elevates any shelf, console, or coffee table.
The best part? The supplies needed for this project will likely cost you less than $25, and most you may already have in your craft closet!
Whether you’re styling a moody mantel or creating a beautiful centerpiece, this DIY project is a must for lovers of vintage decor, collected interiors, and classic European aesthetics.
Before and After ↓
Materials Needed.
Ceramic or terracotta vase.
A note: Skip the glass pieces for this project, as they lack the weight and texture for an authentic look. Classic shapes with simple lines and handles work best. Thrift stores and garage sales are your go-to spots for these hidden gems.
FolkArt Home Decor Wood Tint, Walnut
A note: I used this Wood Tint on the blue vase above. On all the pieces shown below, I used this Wood Tint first, then added various layers of brown, beige, or taupe acrylic paint on top for added depth. Any warm, earthy color could work if you want the look of the pots below, but your paint must be a matte finish.
Disposable gloves
Paper towels
(optional) Rust-Oleum Matte Clear Spray Paint
Evolving the Technique: From Heavily Layered to Authentically Aged.
Updated December 2023
My original method involved mixing baking soda with paint and applying multiple thick layers to create a chunkier, heavily textured finish. While it gave the vessels a bold, sculptural look, I quickly learned—after experimenting on several pieces—that the result often felt forced and lacked the authentic, timeworn character I was after.
So when I tackled a large blue vessel above in December, I decided to take a different approach. I simplified the process, used fewer materials, and focused on building a more believable patina. The result ended up being even better than I imagined, creating a finish that felt genuinely aged, beautifully layered, and surprisingly easy to achieve.
Here is my updated, simpler and quicker step-by-step technique that captures that old-world charm in a way that feels both effortless and elevated.
Step-By-step instructions.
Prep your vase: Remove any stickers and wash the vase with soap and water. Dry it completely.
Apply a base coat: Spray the entire vase with matte white spray paint. This will be your base layer, so make sure the original color is fully covered. Let it dry completely.
Dampen your paper towels: Tear off a few sheets of paper towel, wet them, and wring them out well so they’re just damp.
Start layering the patina: Dip your damp paper towel into the wood tint, then begin patting it onto the vase in small sections. Let each layer dry before adding more. Build up the layers to create depth and variation.
At this stage, you can also add a few layers of warm, earthy-colored acrylic paint for even more added depth. Just remember that paint goes on thicker than the wood tint. If it feels too heavy, gently dab the area with a clean, damp paper towel to soften it. The more paint you add, the more depth and character your vase will have.
→ Pro tip: Focus on darkening areas that would naturally age more over time, like the base, top rim, and any details like handles or carved patterns. Random application is key for an authentic look—don’t overthink it!
(optional) Add a top coat. Spray the entire vase with matte clear spray paint. This gives an added layer of protection against scuffs and scratches.
Ideas and Inspiration From My DIY Aged Vessel Projects.
Here’s a look at how this technique comes to life on a few of my favorite vases and vessels. Each one has been aged to capture that perfectly imperfect old world charm.
Some Of The Vases I’ve Transformed Using This Technique ↓
Creating your own aged vessel is a simple, affordable way to bring timeless character into your home.
With just a few materials and an easy layering process, you can turn an ordinary vase into something that looks like it was discovered in an old European market. The best part? No two pieces will ever be exactly alike, so lean into the imperfections, get creative, and make it your own.
Whether you're styling a shelf or creating a centerpiece, these vessels add a collected, soulful touch to your space.
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about stepping back and knowing you made it.
Is This DIY Worth It? My Honest Take.
This is hands-down one of my favorite DIY projects I’ve ever done because it checks all the boxes—it’s affordable, easy to do, and stylish. The best part? It’s genuinely fun! For these reasons, I 10/10 recommend trying it out for yourself.
For Those Looking For The Real Deal…
DIY projects are such a fun and rewarding way to create that aged, timeworn look at home. Still, if you ever come across an authentic antique piece that speaks to you, it’s worth the investment. Real patina and age tell a story that can’t be replicated, and mixing a few true antiques in with your DIY pieces adds even more depth and character to your home!
MORE DIY PROJECTS →
Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
Follow along and discover more moments, more vintage, and more inspiration!
