Aged Concrete Effect: Give Concrete a Timeless, Weathered Look
- Astrid van Essen
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
While I love modern concrete's clean, minimal finish—soft greys, smooth surfaces, and fresh-out-of-the-mould feel—I occasionally get asked how to achieve an aged concrete effect. You know the kind: softly worn edges, subtle patina, and textures that feel like they’ve seen a bit of life.
Whether you're after something that looks like vintage stoneware or just want to add a bit more depth to your home accessories, there are some surprisingly simple ways to achieve that effect—no decades of wear required.
Why Age Your Concrete?
Aged concrete has a certain charm. It suits rustic, botanical, or antique-inspired spaces, blending beautifully with natural textures like wood, linen, and ceramic. Adding a weathered effect for handmade pieces like trays, bowls, or incense holders can give them that quiet, collected-over-time look.
Here’s how to create that finish using simple, DIY-friendly methods.
1. Baking Soda Texturing (During Casting)
This one’s great if you’re casting your pieces from scratch.
How it works: Dust a layer of baking soda into your silicone mould before pouring it into the concrete. As it cures, it reacts slightly with the mix, forming gentle pits and textures that mimic aged stone.
Best for: Flat pieces like trays or small bowls, where surface texture really stands out.
Tip: The more soda you use, the more dramatic the result. Experiment in small batches first.
2. Vinegar or Acid Wash Patina
A post-casting wash can add lovely ageing if you’ve already made your piece.
How it works: Etch the surface with white vinegar (for a gentle effect) or a diluted acid solution (if you're confident handling it). Apply the solution with a sponge and let it dry naturally.
Result: A chalky, softened finish with subtle tonal variation.
Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. Rinse and let dry thoroughly.
3. Layered Patina Paint
You don’t need to paint the whole piece—add a few translucent washes for an aged ceramic feel.
How it works: Use natural colours like moss green, rust, ochre, or clay red. Apply thin layers with a soft brush or cloth, letting each layer dry before the next.
Finish with a matte sealer to lock it in without adding shine.
4. Dry Brushing with Chalk Paint
This is a nice trick to highlight texture without losing that raw concrete feel.
How it works: Dip your brush in chalk paint (I like off-white or sage), wipe off most of it, then lightly sweep over the surface. It picks up raised details and adds dimension.
Great for trays, incense holders, and decorative bowls.
5. Sanding & Scuffing
If you want to keep things subtle, sanding is your best friend.
How it works:Use fine to medium-grit sandpaper to gently wear down edges and corners. This creates a naturally worn-in look, like the piece has been handled for years.
Bonus: Use steel wool or a wire brush to add light scuffing for an extra touch of texture.
Optional Finishing Touches
Matte sealer – Keeps things natural without gloss
Soft wax – Adds a bit of richness without shine
Tea or coffee staining – Wipe on brewed tea or coffee for warm, aged tones
Things to Avoid
Glossy finishes—unless you want a modern twist, they’ll mask the aged effect.
Heavy paint layers—they can look artificial and cover the texture
Skipping the cure—always let concrete cure fully before distressing or sealing
How to Care for Aged Concrete
Even with that worn-in look, these pieces still need care:
Wipe clean with a soft cloth
Avoid harsh scrubbers or strong chemicals
Reapply sealer if required, especially for outdoor items
Aged Concrete Effect: Want to Experiment Without Casting?
If casting your concrete isn’t your thing, but you still love the idea of experimenting with texture, colour, or ageing techniques, we’ve got you covered.
At www.botanicalblueprint.com, you’ll find a curated selection of handmade concrete pieces—from trays and planters to bowls and incense holders—that make the perfect base for creative DIY finishes. Each is cast by hand, with clean modern lines that lend themselves beautifully to layering patina or dry brushing.
Whether trying out a baking soda texture or soft chalk highlights, you can get that vintage look without mixing a single concrete batch.
Explore the full range at www.botanicalblueprint.com.
🖼️ Inspiration Corner
Pinterest and old garden catalogues are great places to gather aged concrete inspiration. Look for timeworn garden pots, antique apothecary trays, or weathered architectural salvage, and then bring that feel into your home.
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