Note: All photos are by the lovely Victrinia Ensor


There is a subtle elegance to antique pots that we are all familiar with. The satiny glazes, detailed color variations, and the idea of many years of devoted service to displaying beautiful trees. One of the easiest details of antique pots to reproduce is to create a duller satin finish. Removing the overly glossy finish of the cheaper pots can make a world of difference and provide you a wonderful option for some of those bargin basement finds.

I learned this process from Kathy Shaner and all credit goes to her. I am simply documenting my experiences in implementing the technique.

The process takes about 10-20 mins and results in a subtle but certainly eye catching change in the chosen pot. Below is a list of what you will need:

• A glazed pot. ( some cheap chinese pot... most custom pots already have an appropriate glaze)

• Glass Etching Cream (can be found at your local hobby store.. it is important to make sure you get a cream)

• A cheap brush

• Plastic gloves



Before we get started here is a picture of the chosen pot. It happens to already be rather nice. As you can imagine though this would be such a more appealing pot if it were a little more "weathered" looking.



In just a few short steps we will be able to weather this pot to look as though it has spent a great many years aging in a bonsai garden.

First paint on the glazing cream thickly. You want it to almost be as thick as icing on a cake but a little less than that.



Once you have the pot covered in the cream smooth it around, rubbing it back and forth lightly to make sure the surface is evenly covered. Any spots you miss will stick out like a shiny spot on a dull pot ( LOL ).



Now, here comes the hardest part of all. You need to let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. The length of time you let the pot sit determines the dullness of the pot. The etching cream is etching the surface of the pot just like it would glass. Once this time has passed you can safely wash away the etching cream.

Once you have removed the cream and cleaned the pot with a gentle detergent like dishsoap. Dry the pot completely and you will see the results of your work.





Before you rush off to go etch all your pots remember this is perminent and can not be undone.

Also note that when the pots get wet again they will appear shiny and glossy... this is just like what happens when a frosted piece of glass gets wet. The glaze will return to the antiqued look as soon as the pot drys.

Very cool. Thanks very much for sharing. The pot turned out really well.

christian

Wow this looks like fun!
Hehehe ebay and those cheapa-- chinese pots will never be the same again....
Thank you bunches for this sweet tip!
Mom

G'day Ang...

What happens if you try this on an unglazed pot?

Pat

I don't mean to question your technique, but isn't this best done wearing a kilt?

Pretty neat trick... Thank you for the write up.

Well from getting it on some of the unglazed sections of the pots i can tell you that it gets a white residue on it. Though i believe it would potentially go away.

The technique however is intended only to be used on glazed pots as it is the glaze we are attempting to age.

Everything is better in a kilt, Doc !!!!!