DIY Plaster Vase Makeover | Brand New to Old World Style

Joint compound takes the center stage to turn this vase from looking brand new to century’s old, with a unique old chippy plaster texture. Let me show you how I did it!

I personally can’t help but feel this vase was the icing on the cake for our kitchen reveal. I struggled for so long to find just the right decor for on top of our range mantel shelf.

While I was lucky to have found the pretty dark brown one while antiquing, I knew I wanted a taller vessel to sit beside it. It had to be something super cool and old looking – of course.

After multiple unsuccessful market and antique shopping trips, I decided to stop into Homegoods. What I found was a piece that was the right shape, just not the right finish.

I decided it was worth buying and playing around with! I had seen several DIY’s where folks use Plaster of Paris to add texture to their objects – but I was impatient and wondered if my husbands box of joint compound he used to make our arch would have the effect I was after.

It worked better then I hoped! After I was done with my project, Mr. TIDBITS came in and said, “Wow. It looks like an old pottery vase that has been sitting in water and elements for a long time.”

Yes!!! That’s exactly what I was thinking of when I was layering on the joint compound, paint and chipping away at it. Luckily I grabbed some images of the process so I could share it with you. I wish I would have created a video, but . . . the really anxious part of me just went for it!

I did however capture the process in my Instagram stories. If you like video, check it out under my DIY Highlight reel.

HOW TO CREATE AN OLD WORLD PLASTER LOOK ON A NEW VASE

1 – The Vessel.

Joint Compound sticks pretty well to any surface. I would like to see if it would adhere to a glass vase, but I am not totally sure. But it stuck like glue to this somewhat textured vase. Definitely something worth experimenting on, but just find a vase with the shape you desire.

2 – Joint Compound

We had some already mixed up, so I just used some latex gloves and my hands to wipe it all over the vase.

You are seeing my first layer here, but I did end up adding one more heavy layer, in more of a slapped on and glooby texture. I knew I would be sanding it down but wanted a whole lot of texture! (sorry I didn’t get that pic!)

3 – Sanding

Once the joint compound was very dry, I took it outside and sanded it down until it was as smooth as I wanted, and with enough remaining texture that I wanted.

4 – Paint

I used a mixture of 3 colors of acrylic craft paint.

I used a dark brown acrylic paint to cover the entire surface. I knew this wasn’t my desired finished color, but I wanted to be able to sand it down and have some dark show through.

After the brown had dried, I used a some greige and creamy white to dab around the entire vase in a very sloppy fashion. Real art going on here, folks (wink).

5 – Final Sanding

Once that paint was mostly dry, I took more sand paper to it. The bottom was still slightly wet, which caused the paint to chip and move in bigger sections, right down to the joint compound. I was loving the effect so I just went with it.

I sanded more heavily around the neck of the vase, where it might be handled more, and at the bottom where it might wear more. I just really went with my gut, and I think it turned out lovely!

I know this old world look might not be everyones cup of tea, but it was such a fun project! I’d love to hear what you think of it, and be sure to tag me on social media if you give it a try yourself!

Now, if you do love Old World style – here are some other DIY posts I think you’ll love!

• How to Age Metal | Vintage Patina on a New Candelabra
• How to Make an “Antique” Cutting Board
• Six Old World Textures I look for when I go Antique Shopping

Thank you so much for reading! I’d love it if you would PIN THIS POST and. help me share it!