From Damaged to Divine — Giving Bendigo Pottery a Second Life with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

There's something about Bendigo Pottery that stops you in your tracks.

As one of Australia's oldest and most beloved potteries, these pieces carry with them a sense of history, character, and soul that you simply can't replicate. So when a collection of original Bendigo Pottery pieces came my way, I was immediately drawn to them — even if some had seen better days.

A few of the pieces arrived with previous damage. Chips, marks, the kind of wear that tells a story but also makes them a little harder to love in their original state. For some, that might have been the end of the road.

Not for me.

Seeing the Potential

When I look at a damaged piece, I don't see what's broken — I see what's possible. And this beautiful Bendigo Pottery crock was practically whispering to me. The shape was classic, the form was generous and sculptural, and I knew that with the right colour and a little Annie Sloan magic, it could become something truly special.

The Restoration Process

Before any paint touches a piece, preparation is everything. I cleaned the crock thoroughly, lightly sanded any rough edges around the damaged areas, and made sure the surface was ready to receive paint properly.

Then came the fun part.

I reached for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old Ochre — a warm, buttery, golden cream with a beautiful aged quality. Richer and more complex than a straight white, it has a depth that feels luxurious and timeless.

Because pottery is glazed and shiny, adhesion is everything. To help the paint bond to the surface and to add beautiful organic texture at the same time, I mixed Salt Wash directly into the Old Ochre. This gave the paint grip while also creating that gorgeous weathered, tactile surface — almost like the piece had been kissed by the sea and the sun.

I applied the first coat and then left it to sit for a full 24 hours, giving it plenty of time to bond properly to the original glazed crock. Patience here is everything.

The second coat went on beautifully — full, rich coverage that was already beginning to transform the piece. The texture of the Salt Wash was coming alive, and the crock was starting to look like it had been excavated from somewhere ancient and wonderful.

The Honfleur Wash

To really lean into that old world Mediterranean and French farmhouse feeling, I went in with a wash of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Honfleur — a deep, rich, earthy brown — applied over the Old Ochre. This wash settled beautifully into all the recesses, bringing out the gorgeous details of the original beading on the crock and deepening the texture of the Salt Wash.

The effect was extraordinary. By the time I stepped back and looked at the finished piece, it felt less like something made in Australia and more like something that had been sitting on a shelf in a European farmhouse for a hundred years.

The Finishing Touch

To finish, I sealed the crock with Annie Sloan Gloss Lacquer — giving it a beautiful sheen that felt like a quiet nod to its origins as a glazed pottery piece. It protects the surface beautifully while honouring where it came from.

The Result

The transformation was, honestly, breathtaking — even to me, and I do this for a living!

But the best endorsement came from my dear friend Annette, who lives in France. When I showed her the finished piece, she told me it looked like something you'd find in a French country farmhouse — the kind of home where beautiful, storied objects are treasured and displayed with pride.

I couldn't have asked for a better compliment. 🇫🇷

Original Pieces Available Too

Not every piece needed transforming. Some of the Bendigo Pottery pieces that came to me were in beautiful original condition — and those I've left exactly as they were. If you're a collector or simply love the classic Bendigo character, these untouched originals are just as special.

Come and Explore the Collection

We'd love for you to come and take a look at what we have available. You can browse the full Bendigo Pottery collection right here.

If you see a piece you love, don't hesitate — Bendigo Pottery is becoming harder to come by, and while we're always on the lookout for new pieces to add to our collection, no two are ever identical. Our stock will always be changing, and each piece that comes through our doors is truly one of a kind.

Revamped Revived Reloved is based in South Yunderup, WA, and is proud to be your local Annie Sloan stockist. We ship Australia-wide.