Hi creative friends! Today we’re creating the look of marble on a set of inexpensive terracotta pots using a mix of matte and metallic paints. After finishing these pots and seeing how great they turned out, I’m left wondering what other surfaces I could create a similar marble effect on!

Terracotta pots painted with a marble effect and holding green plants.

Creating the Look of Marble with Paint

I was inspired to DIY a marble effect on my inexpensive terracotta pots after seeing a pretty marbled vase at Anthropolgie earlier this year. Since the pot itself was handcrafted, I thought to give a similar technique a try! And after some research online, I came across an artist creating a marble effect with paint on a large focal wall. It was pretty incredible!

Terracotta pots painted with a blue marble effect and holding green plants.

And although I styled them with faux grasses, I sealed the terracotta pots before hand (and after) just in case I ever wanted to use the pots for fresh plants and flowers. Terracotta absorbs all moisture when wet so it’s important to not forget this step when crafting with this type of a surface. Otherwise, the paint will crack and peel over time.

Materials Needed:

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Set of 3 terracotta pots in different sizes and shapes
Extreme Sheen in Pewter, Rose Quartz, Pink Tourmaline
Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting
Americana Multi Purpose Sealer
1” angled paint brush
Fine tip angled brush
Small sponge
Small Plastic bag

Materials needed to make painted marble effect terracotta pots including clay pots, paint, and paintbrushes.

How to Create a Marble Effect with Paint on Pots:

Firstly, apply a coat of sealer to the inside and outside of the terracotta pots and leave them to dry fully.

Adding a layer of sealer to the outside of the terracotta pots.

Paint the terracotta pots in Chalky Finish Everlasting (or any acrylic white paint will do). Let the paint dry fully and then apply a second coat of paint for better coverage. Leave the pots to dry fully and then add additional coats if desired.

Painting the terracotta pots with white paint.

Work on one pot at a time and also work quickly between the marbling steps. The paint needs to be wet as your work through the steps.

Using a 1” angled brush apply a coat of Extreme Sheen in Pewter in a single flowing stroke around the entire pot.

An angled paint brush swiping blue paint on the terracotta paint.

Using a slightly damp sponge, spread out the Extreme Sheen base color creating a somewhat water color effect.

Using a damn sponge to spread out the blue paint.

Scrunch up a plastic baggie and dab the painted areas creating a spotted texture throughout.

Brushing a scrunched up plastic bag on the blue paint.

Add veining throughout using a fine tip angled paint brush. Dip the brush in the Extreme Sheen Pewter color and paint long flowing veins that taper at the ends throughout. Repeat the sponge and plastic bag process. Next, smooth the hard edges with watered down Everlasting paint.

Using a small paintbrush to paint lines on the terracotta pot.

Repeat with the other two pots using different Extreme Sheen colors. You can adjust the thickness of the flowing lines and even add more throughout.

Leave the paint to dry and apply a coat of Multi Purpose sealer over the pots.

Terracotta pots painted with pink and blue marble effects.

When finished, add some faux green (or fresh if you prefer) for a light, modern look. This project originally appeared in DecoArt’s project gallery.

Would you consider painting a marble effect on a large focal wall? I wonder how it would look as a budget-friendly DIY kitchen backsplash or even a counter top??

More Crafting Ideas using Clay Pots

We do love using terracotta pots for crafting! Although normally, we use smaller sized pots as you can see from these few fun crafts.

Pink and white painted clay pots filled with sweet treats for Valentine's Day — Valentine’s Painted Clay Pots

Multi-colored felt succulents in miniature terracotta clay pots — Valentine’s Painted Clay Pots

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Collage of how to paint a marble effect with pain on terracotta pots with text overlay.

How to Create a Marble Effect with Paint

Jane and Sonja

Creating the look of marble using a mix of matte and metallic paint.

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Print Instructions Pin Craft

Materials

Set of 3 terracotta pots in different sizes and shapes
Extreme Sheen in Pewter, Rose Quartz, Pink Tourmaline
Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting
Americana Multi Purpose Sealer
1” angled Paint brush
Fine tip angled brush
Small sponge
Small Plastic bag

Instructions

Apply a coat of sealer to the inside and outside of the terra cotta pots. Leave them to dry fully.
Paint the terra cotta pots in Chalky Finish Everlasting. Let the paint dry fully and then apply a second coat of paint for better coverage. Leave the pots to dry fully. Add additional coats if desired.
Work on one pot at a time and work the marbling steps quickly while the paint is still wet.
Using a 1” angled brush apply a coat of Extreme Sheen in Pewter in a single flowing stroke around the entire pot.
Using a slightly damp sponge, spread out the Extreme Sheen base color creating a somewhat water color effect.
Scrunch up a plastic baggie and dab the painted areas creating a spotted texture throughout.
Add veining throughout using a fine tip angled paint brush. Dip the brush in the Extreme Sheen Pewter color and paint long flowing veins that taper at the ends throughout.
Repeat with the other two pots using different Extreme Sheen colors.
Leave the paint to dry and apply a coat of Multi Purpose sealer over the pot.

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