If you have new terra cotta pots and you want them to look old and weathered, but you don't have the patience, I have the answer, outdoor paints. If you have new terra cotta pots and you want them to look old and weathered, but you don't have the patience, I have the answer, outdoor paints.

Check your local paint or craft store for acrylic paint that can be used on metal, wood, concrete, stone and you guessed it - terra cotta!

Take a naturally weathered pot and look at the deposits and discoloration; and see how they appear.

Then squeeze some paint on to a paper plate and use a sponge to apply it to your pot in a pattern to match the naturally weathered pot.

You'll probably want a couple of different colors to layer on for more natural look. Once you're happy with the results, simply let them dry.

These paints are also great for labeling your plants; simply paint the name of the plant onto the front or the top rim of the pot to make it a container and a marker all in one!