Dirt Vase Makeover

Montross Made
by Montross Made
2 Materials
$5
1 Hour
Easy

Who doesn't like to get a little messy sometimes?! Before this project, I don't remember the last time I played in dirt. You can probably do this with materials you already have at home, and if you've been here a while, you know I love a free DIY. I've seen this done on a number of vases all over the internet, and I've found that the vases with some texture look amazing with this technique. I've also seen this done to lamps and bowls - the possibilities are endless! When you're finished your new piece will have a great natural "antique" look, and it will be so unique.


What You'll Need:

Old vase/lamp/bowl-whatever!

Spray paint

Dirt + water

Step 1: Spray Paint

First give your vase a solid base coat with spray paint. I recommend a flat paint. I used black because I had it on hand, but I've also seen it done with white, and the result was amazing.

Step 2: Mix your mud

Find some dirt around your house, and mix in some water. I made mine a bit on the liquidy side, but it worked out just fine.

Step 3: Mud your vase

Now for the fun part- Cover your entire vase in mud! Once it’s covered, leave it out in the sun until the mud is dried completely. You can see above the dry vs wet sections.

Step 4: Rub off the dirt

Once completely dry, use a paper towel and rub off the dry dirt. Only a little bit should remain, clinging to any texture in the vase.

Step 5: Style!




This vase makeover cost me nothing, and it gave this vase a great antique look. I'm definitely going to be trying this "dirt technique" on some other pieces in our home.

Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Carolyn Militello Carolyn Militello on Nov 23, 2020

    So when it comes time to clean it (more than you're average dusting) doesn't the dirt come off? Do you put something over it to seal it in?

  • Donna Donna on Nov 25, 2020

    Did you seal it?

Comments
Join the conversation
 3 comments
  • Linda Premo Linda Premo on Nov 25, 2020

    This effect can also be achieved by dry brushing paint onto the vase and then rubbing off with a cloth to your desired taste. Your vase looks great with the added touch!

  • JH JH on Nov 25, 2022

    You can't get anymore organic than using dirt. But, I would actually put used coffee grounds in spackling. It will stain the spackling basically to a dirt color. Coffee if you want the "texture". If not, mix spackling with tea and let it sit until it dries enough to handle. You would want to put a clear coat over this as it will wipe off with dusting and any handling of the vase.

    Many of us do not like the idea of using dirt, so this is an alternative.

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