Making a plastic plant pot look less plasticky?

[Koulibiak]

I’ve got a large plastic, terracotta-look, planter for free. It’s a nice shape and size, but it looks a bit shiny and plasticky.

Has anyone had success covering a plastic pot to give it texture and a more natural look? I was thinking of sanding it, applying joint compound for texture, and painting and sealing it. What products would you recommend?

I’ve watched many YouTube videos, but most of them use products or brands I can’t find in the UK, and they never say how the pot did in the long term. I’d like to make sure my pot can withstand British weather and won’t start peeling and flaking. Im happy to practise on a smaller pot first. TIA

I wonder if sand and mod podge would work, then sealed? Or this spray paint

Maybe some matt spray paint? In ceramic, then white for those aging chalky patches...and some green for algae 😅

I did this using Annie Sloan paint. Just choose a stone colour, then stipple it for texture.

I painted large garden flowerpots with acrylic paint a few years ago. They needed touching up after a couple of years, but looked really nice.

I have also seen stone effect spray paint but never used it myself.

I've used this sort of thing very successfully in the past.

Thank you! It’s comforting to hear about your successes. I’m going to give it a go and will report.

My mum used to coat plastic plant pots with yoghurt, which apparently helped them age when they were outside. Tbh, I'm the home where plants come to die! But she swore by it.