Elena Rossi
Painting your above-ground planter is a great way to give it a new look and feel. Whether your planter is made of wood, metal, terracotta, clay, plastic, or fiberglass, there are a variety of paints and techniques you can use to achieve the desired result. Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface by removing any old finish or dirt and considering whether you need to use a primer or sealer. The type of paint you choose will depend on the material of your planter and your desired design, with options including spray paint, chalk paint, acrylic paint, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, PVC, metal, terracotta, clay, fiberglass |
| Paint Types | Spray paint, chalk paint, acrylic paint, metallic paint |
| Paint Brands | Rust-Oleum, Rustoleum |
| Paint Colors | Rust, antiqued metal, gold, copper, black, gray, silver, brass, antique brass, terra cotta |
| Additional Decorations | Stones, mosaic tiles, wood, stone carvings, metal pieces, solar lights, garden flags, tiki torches, garden statues |
| Techniques | Decoupage, sandpapering, sealing |
| Preparation | Remove flowers, plants, soil, and dirt; clean with hose, rag, soap, and water; use chemical strippers and protective gear; cover underlying surface and workspace |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Clean, sand, and prime your planter
Before painting your above-ground planter, it is important to prepare it by cleaning, sanding, and priming it. This process will ensure that your planter is ready for painting and will help create a smooth and long-lasting finish.
First, remove all flowers, plants, and soil from the planter. Clean it thoroughly with a hose, and use a rag or old towel to remove any stubborn dirt. Make sure the inside of the planter is free of any dirt and debris. If your planter is made of wood, you will need to remove the old finish. You can use a chemical stripper for this step, following the manufacturer's instructions, and using a paintbrush to apply the solution. After letting it soak for 20 to 30 minutes, use a plastic scraper or a smooth, round-edged putty knife to remove the finish. Be careful not to damage the surface of the wood. If your planter is concrete, clean the interior and exterior surfaces with a chemical concrete cleaner and a scrub brush, then let it dry thoroughly.
Once your planter is clean and dry, it's time to start sanding. Start with medium-low grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and smooth out any imperfections. Then, switch to fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the entire piece. Be sure to sand along the grain of the wood. Remove any sawdust from the surface with a hand vacuum, brush, or soft cloth, and wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask during this process.
Priming your planter is an important step to ensure that your paint job will last. Whether your planter is made of wood, concrete, or metal, priming will provide a good base for your paint to adhere to and will help it last longer. Choose a primer that is suitable for the material of your planter and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
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Paint types: Spray, chalk, acrylic, and brush-on paint
Spray paint is a popular choice for painting planters, as it is easy to use and can be cheaper than buying new containers. It is available in a wide variety of shades, including metallic colours like copper, iron-grey, silver, and brass, as well as aged colours like antique brass. Spray paint is suitable for use on plastic, PVC, and metal planters. Before using spray paint, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Protect the underlying surface and the surrounding area with a drop cloth, tarp, or plastic sheet to avoid paint spills. You may also want to elevate your planter on a box or bricks to protect the ground underneath. After applying the first coat, let it dry completely before adding a second coat for optimal results.
Chalk paint is another option for painting planters. It is suitable for terracotta pots and plastic planters. Before painting, clean the planter with a wet cloth and sand it lightly. Clean it again to remove any dust and dirt, then let it dry. If one coat is not enough, wait until the first layer is completely dry before painting an additional coat.
Acrylic paint is suitable for both plastics and outdoor use. If your planter is shiny, you may need to sand the surface to help the paint adhere better. You may need to use multiple coats and add a sealer on top for extra protection. When buying acrylic paint for a fiberglass planter, ensure it is suitable for use with fiberglass material.
Brush-on paint is another option for painting fiberglass planters. When buying paint, stay away from oil-based or melamine products. Instead, look for 100% acrylic, polyurethane, polyester, or epoxy paints. Although some paint brands state that a primer is not necessary, it is best to use one to ensure the paint adheres to the surface, especially if the planter will be used outdoors.
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Paint colours: Rust, antiqued metal, gold, and copper
If you're looking to paint your above-ground planter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of material your planter is made of will determine the best paint to use. Common planter materials include wood, metal, plastic, PVC, concrete, and stone.
Now, onto your chosen paint colours: rust, antiqued metal, gold, and copper. These colours are available in spray paint kits and are perfect for adding texture and a unique finish to your planter.
If your planter is made of metal, you can use a rust-preventative spray paint, such as Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel spray paint. This product is excellent for old metal pieces, as it prevents rust and corrosion while providing a durable finish. It comes in various colours, including Gloss Deep Slate, Flat Red Rock, and Rich Jade.
For a more antique look, consider using metallic spray paints with aged finishes. Rust-Oleum offers a range of metallic spray paints with finishes like aged bronze and aged copper. These paints can give your planter a vintage feel while also protecting the surface.
If you're specifically looking for gold paint, Rust-Oleum's Metallic Spray Paints offer a range of gold shades, including Warm Gold and Yellow Gold. You can also mix acrylic metallics to create a silver-gold shade if desired.
When painting your planter, remember to work in a well-ventilated area and protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or tarp. Remove any dirt or debris from the planter's surface and consider using a paint primer for a more professional finish. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next, and don't forget to add your favourite plants once you're done!
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Patterns: Geometric shapes, mandalas, and boho styles
If you're looking to paint your above-ground planter with geometric shapes, mandalas, or boho styles, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of planter you have will determine the preparation and paint required. For wooden planters, you'll need to remove any old finish with a chemical stripper or by sanding. Be sure to wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask, when performing this step. After removing the old finish, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, always sanding along the grain of the wood. Vacuum or brush away any sawdust, ensuring the surface is free of residue.
For concrete planters, a chemical concrete cleaner should be used to clean the interior and exterior surfaces, followed by thorough drying. If your planter is made of plastic, PVC, or metal, unique finishes like rust, antiqued metal, gold, or copper can be achieved with spray paint kits. These finishes add texture and visual interest to your planter.
When it comes to paint types, acrylic paint is a popular choice for planters. It is permanent and suitable for various surfaces, including metal, glass, and flower pots. You can choose between satin and matte finishes, with satin providing more shine but being thicker, and matte offering a more subtle finish. Fluid acrylic paint is of higher quality due to its higher pigment content, resulting in greater colour depth.
To create geometric shapes, mandalas, or boho patterns, you can use tape or stencils to create clean lines and precise designs. Consider combining different shapes and colours to create a vibrant and unique planter. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and protect the surrounding area with drop cloths or tarps to avoid any paint spills.
With some creativity and careful preparation, you can transform your above-ground planter into a beautiful focal point for your outdoor space.
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Sealants: Protect your planter with a clear coat
If you want to protect your planter from the elements, you can add a sealer on top of your paint job for extra protection. This is especially important if your planter will be kept outdoors and exposed to the weather. Storms of rain and snow can destroy flower pots that aren't properly sealed from moisture.
When choosing a sealant, make sure you pick one that is suitable for the material of your planter (e.g. wood, plastic, metal, terracotta, clay, or fiberglass) and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. For example, if you have a plastic planter, choose a sealer that is made to adhere to plastic and is suitable for outdoor use. Rust-Oleum makes a 2x clear coat that meets these criteria. If you have painted a terracotta planter, you might want to seal the inside of the pot with a few layers of Modge Podge to prevent water from soaking through the pot and causing the paint to bubble.
It is also important to consider the finish of your sealant. If you have used a satin paint, for example, be sure to choose a sealer with a satin finish.
In addition to protecting your planter from the elements, a sealant can also help to cut down on the time you spend cleaning your planter by keeping dirt and grime from building up on the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Spray paint is a popular choice for painting above-ground planters. There are many colours and finishes available, including metallic shades like copper, iron-grey, silver, and brass. You can also find "aged" colours like antique brass. If you prefer brush-on paint, consider using chalk paint, acrylic paint, or polyurethane paint.
First, empty your planter of any potting soil and clean it with soap and water. If your planter is made of wood, you will need to remove the old finish using a chemical stripper or sandpaper. If your planter is made of plastic, you may need to sand the surface to help the paint adhere better, especially if the surface is shiny.
Choose a well-ventilated area for painting and cover the underlying surface with a drop cloth or tarp to protect it from paint. Consider sealing your planter after painting to protect it from the elements and to ensure the paint lasts longer.
