Concrete Texture Techniques to Mimic Vintage Pottery
- Astrid van Essen
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
I’ve always been drawn to the imperfect beauty of vintage ceramics—the soft pitting, the matte chalky finishes, the tactile feel of something handmade. When I started working with concrete, I wanted to capture that same aged pottery look in my pieces.
If you want to give your concrete planters, trays, or homeware that is worn and has earthy charm, here are a few texture techniques that work beautifully.
1. Add Texture During Casting
Baking Soda Method
Before pouring your concrete into the mould, lightly sprinkle baking soda into the base or sides. As the concrete sets, it forms around the baking soda, creating a natural, pitted texture that looks almost like weathered stone.
More baking soda = deeper texture
For irregular effects, gently swirl or pat the surface before it hardens.
This method is especially effective with silicone moulds and works well on bowls, trays or planters.
Surface Manipulation
If you pour your mix into a shallow mould, gently pat or press the surface with a gloved hand, sponge, or textured cloth. This introduces subtle imperfections and markings, perfect for mimicking hand-built pottery.
2. Create Texture After Casting
Once your concrete has cured and dried, you can layer on extra texture with common craft materials.
Stucco, Spackle or Joint Compound
Apply a thin, patchy layer of ready-mixed joint compound or stucco with a sponge, brush, or cloth. Let it dry fully, then lightly sand the surface to keep it natural. This builds up the chalky, uneven feel you see on antique ceramics.
Textured Paint or Plaster Mix
Mix chalk paint or acrylic paint with a small amount of:
Plaster of Paris
Tile grout
Baking soda
Dab the mix onto the concrete in a stippled motion. It adds fine grit and an aged, pottery-like finish. Let dry and sand lightly if needed.
3. Finish with Patina or Antiquing Washes
A wash of watered-down paint works wonders to bring out the texture and make the surface feel aged.
Antiquing Wash
Mix dark brown or charcoal acrylic paint with water and a matte medium. Brush it across the surface, letting it settle into the crevices. Wipe off the raised areas with a damp cloth or sponge. This enhances depth and mimics natural ageing and use.
Layered Patina Paint
Use thin washes of ochre, rust, mossy green, or clay red tones. Each layer adds dimension, giving your concrete piece the appearance of years of wear.
Summary: Concrete Texture Techniques
Step | Method/Material | Effect Achieved |
In-Mould Texture | Baking soda, surface patting | Pitted, wrinkled, natural stone effect |
Post-Cast Texture | Stucco patch, textured paint mix | Porous, rough, chalky pottery surface |
Antiquing Finish | Paint washes, layered patina tones | Depth, vintage feel, natural highlights |
Tip from the Studio
Layer your techniques. For example, start with a baking soda texture, apply a spackled surface once cured, and finish with a soft antiquing wash. This combination gives a deep, rich surface full of character—no two pieces will look alike.
Whether you're casting trays, bowls, incense holders, or planters, these methods will give your concrete pieces a handmade, old-world aesthetic that never goes out of style.
Looking for home accessories? Browse our handmade concrete collection for rustic trays, planters and more.
Concrete Texture Techniques: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use these texture techniques on pre-made concrete items? Yes, especially the post-cast methods. You can apply textured paint or a spackle layer to smooth concrete pieces you own to give them a more rustic, aged look.
2. Will the baking soda method damage my silicone moulds? No, it’s perfectly safe for silicone moulds. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly after use to avoid any build-up or residue that might affect future casts.
3. Do I need to seal textured concrete pieces? Sealing is optional but recommended, especially if your item will hold moisture (like planters or trays). Use a matte concrete sealer to preserve the texture and patina without adding shine.
4. Can I use natural pigments for antiquing washes? Yes, earth pigments or natural oxides work well. Mix them into a matte medium or diluted acrylic binder to help them adhere to the surface.
5. Will textured finishes affect the durability of the piece? Not significantly. Most texture layers are cosmetic and don’t affect structural integrity. However, if handled roughly, heavily built-up textures may chip—best for decorative use.