Garage Sale Bird Bath Terracotta Upcycle: Friday's Find #254


Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Have you been hitting local garage sales lately? Since I returned from my daughter's wedding I sure have, and I'm always surprised by what I find! My latest score was a $5 bird bath, which I promptly upcycled with a terracotta patina. Today I'm sharing my simple secret for creating the faux finish...


bird bath upcycle with terracotta patina


First, I want to let you know I'm participating in the Etsy 13th Birthday Sale --drop by and receive 20% off most items for a limited time! 


Etsy 13th birthday sale


When I saw this bird bath was just $5, I looked beyond the lightweight plastic and saw potential.


bird bath upcycle with terracotta patina


I use a lot of terracotta in my garden and I've had good results creating a faux patina, but I have a simple secret that I'll share with you. Ready? Don't use terracotta spray paint! I've tried it more than once and the color is a harsh artificial orange with little resemblance to natural terracotta. There are a few ways to achieve a more natural looking patina that are also less expensive. First, check the oops paint section at your home improvement store. You'd be surprised how frequently I find shades that are close to terracotta there--including the $1 sample I used for the bird bath, which I simply brushed on with a sponge applicator. Another option is craft paint. Depending on the brand, you may find one called terracotta, or sometimes flesh tones work too. When you're picking the color, just think of a terracotta flower pot. Natural terracotta has variations, so don't be afraid to mix in some gray or white, if needed. That's it! 


bird bath upcycle with terracotta patina


My Thrift Store Addiction


garage sale bird bath upcycle with terracotta patina


Until next time, happy hunting! 

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  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. Nice! Thanks for the tip about terra cotta spray paint. That would be disappointing. Your birdbath turned out the perfect shade. Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Cecilia. Hope you have a great weekend too!

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  3. Great updo! Bet the birds love it. You're right about the flesh tones; used to use a color that was supposed to be Native American Flesh color. Never saw anyone with skin that color but it's great for a lite terra cotta! Let us know how it holds up in the weather!

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! I will keep you posted on how it weathers--hopefully as well as previous similar projects!

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  4. Love it! I'm a HUGE terra cotta fan so this is great in my book! xo Kathleen

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    1. Thanks, Kathleen--I remembered we have that in common ;)

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  5. I appreciate the tip on the terra cotta spray paint. I never thought to redo something to look like terra cotta but you got it done! Looks great.

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  6. Five dollars? A bargain...and a fabulous makeover!

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  7. You always manage to find such great things! Sadly, I don't:(

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