Outdated Thrift Store Crocks Get An Updated Look With An Easy Fix

If you've ever perused the cooking and dish aisles in a thrift store, you have probably seen an abundance of adorable but dated crocks. They may not seem like one of the common thrift store items you can style in your home, but there's a simple way to redecorate and repurpose these little gems so they suit your space's aesthetic. To repurpose a crock, strip the paint and remove the designs painted on its exterior. Then, the crock can be used as-is for a minimalist look or repainted and redesigned to better match any style.

For this DIY, you'll need a crock with a painted design on top of its glaze, safety supplies, a paint stripping product, like this Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover available on Amazon, some plastic wrap, and a few paper towels. Once you have a crock in the size you want, apply a coat of paint stripper using a brush. After you apply the product where needed, wrap the kitchenware in a layer of plastic wrap and wait until the paint begins to come off. The length of time needed may vary based on the stripper you choose, so ensure you check the manufacturer's instructions. Wipe away the excess product with a paper towel, give it a wash, and you're ready to decorate. While this simple project looks great as-is, you can make it unique with a few additional supplies.

If you attempt this project, you'll need to take some safety precautions. First, while stripping the paint, you must wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin. Unfortunately, this means that your kitchen gloves made of latex will not provide the necessary protection. You need gloves made from butyl rubber or neoprene. Along with the gloves, wear long sleeves, goggles, and possibly even a respirator, depending on the recommendations of the paint stripping product you choose. Whether you wear a respirator or not, use paint strippers in a well-ventilated space. Ideally, you can complete the DIY outdoors, but if that is not possible, open a window nearby.

Another potential issue with secondhand kitchenware is the connection between antiques and lead exposure. For those looking to store food in the crock, test it for lead to avoid any health consequences. While the only way to find out how much lead is in your crock is by sending it to a lab, there are ways to determine if there is lead present using rapid color-changing testing kits. When testing ceramics, use a lead test swab all over the item, especially on any cracks. If the tester swab changes colors, there is lead present in the dish and you should use it carefully. Although you should avoid contact between the crock and food, you can still use it for storing other items.

Once your crock has been stripped of paint, you have a blank slate ready for any design you imagine. The plain look is perfect for a simple farmhouse or cottage look, but your crock is also a canvas that can be painted to your heart's content. Just remember that most types of paint aren't oven- or food-safe and cookware is one of the items to think twice about before painting. To achieve a rustic look, paint a small image of a farm animal or flowers. If you'll be using the crock for organization, paint an image of what you plan to store in the crock, such as a spatula or spoon. To give your project a modern twist, paint the entire crock a bright, bold color. 

The glaze on crocks prevents most types of paint from sticking effectively. Sanding the area you plan to paint can help solve this issue. Acrylic paint is the simplest and easiest option for painting on glazed stoneware, though you may need multiple layers for opacity. Allow your acrylic paint to dry between coats, and protect your art by sealing it with a brush-on or spray-on paint sealer. Adding extra coats of sealant will keep the artwork intact even if you use it regularly. Whether you are looking to simplify the design on a secondhand crock or update the art to make it fit your home, you can tackle this project on a budget and feel good about helping the environment by buying secondhand.