What’s Old is New Again: Refinishing Worn Containers

Email Page

Print Page

Mary Moore

Extras

Add Photo to Journal

Photo Credit: Mary Moore

The paint on this planter has worn off, but the structure is still good. For a few dollars, I can save this planter without having to spend more money on a new one!

Lightweight planters are a great addition to just about any garden. You know the ones – they resemble heavy concrete or clay pots, but they’re actually made of a light, porous material (not plastic). They add color, structure and texture to your yard, but they’re much easier to move around than traditional clay planters.

The one downside to these containers is that the finishes can start to wear off with normal garden use. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to refinish them, keeping your container garden looking nice. For less than $10, you can save a planter that costs $35 or more! Just choose a paint or stain that’s weather-resistant or recommended for outdoor use. (The best place to look is a craft store, which often carries inexpensive paints that can be used to give old planters a fresh face – or a whole new look.)

Just remember: Unlike glazed clay or plastic planters, these lightweight planters are made of a porous material and will absorb paints very quickly. If you try to create shadows by applying darker accent paint and then wiping it off, the darker paint will stain the planter before you can wipe it away. So instead, try this painting method to create beautiful shadows and light:

Materials:

One worn lightweight planter hite or craft paper
Two 2-ounce bottles DecoArt® Patio Paint Antique Mum (primary color)
One 2-ounce bottle DecoArt Patio Paint Natural Tan Grout (accent color)
One 2-ounce bottle DecoArt Patio Paint Clear Coat
One small plastic bowl or plate to hold paint
One 2- to 3-inch-wide paintbrush
One small triangular makeup sponge or small paintbrush for details
Soap and water for cleanup

Note: My planter was 16 inches wide. If you’re refinishing a smaller planter, you may only need one bottle of the primary color. If you want a sharper contrast around the raised design, you can add one 2-ounce bottle of DecoArt Patio Paint Woodland Brown for the accent color, using the Natural Tan Grout for the final layer of color.

Instructions:

Start by cleaning your worn planter with water and a soft brush to remove surface dirt, both inside and out. Allow the planter to dry completely before refinishing so the paint will adhere properly to the surface.

Spread out white or craft paper on the surface you’re working on to protect it. Place the planter right-side up on the paper so you can paint the lip of the planter, as well as the sides. (Line the inside of the planter with paper if you want to make sure paint doesn’t splatter inside.) Pour a small amount of the paint into a bowl or onto a plate.

Add Photo to Journal

Photo Credit: Mary Moore

See the white spots next to the grapes? Just use a makeup sponge or small brush to finish filling anywhere the larger paintbrush misses.

Using your wider paintbrush, paint the entire surface of the planter with your primary paint color (in this case, the Antique Mum). Use the makeup sponge to fill in the gaps around any raised surface. (This will make a big difference in the final look of your planter.) After your first coat has dried, apply a second coat of your primary paint color. Allow the paint to dry, then turn the planter over and paint its base. If you have enough paint left over, add a second coat of paint here.

Warnings

Clean and sanitize your pots before painting them. You don’t want old diseases to take root on your new plants!
Read More...

Tips

Craft stores carry paint sponges with different surfaces that can be used to create various effects. This is useful if you’re layering paint and want to create a textured look on a smooth surface. But you really don’t need costly paint sponges to complete this project – inexpensive triangular makeup applicators can be used to apply accent colors nicely, and you can find them at most drug stores.
Different paint stokes create different surface textures. This technique allows you to create more depth with your planter and draw the eye to the focal point of it. For example, I used long, horizontal paint strokes to create a smooth surface for most of my container because I didn’t want it to compete with the design on it. On the other hand, the gaps and shadows of the raised design didn’t need a smooth surface, so I used short strokes to fill in all of the gaps.

Faqs

Q: Can I paint my clay or plastic planters like this?
A: Because plastic containers aren’t porous, you can try something different: Paint the entire container with the primary color. Once that’s completely dry, select a small area of the raised design that’s not easily seen. Add a small amount of darker accent paint around the design and immediately rub off the excess paint with an old, clean T-shirt as you paint. The darker paint should stay in the crevices and create shadows. If this is the effect you’re looking for, continue to work across the planter’s raised design, painting a small area and immediately removing the paint. Once it’s dry, give the whole planter a clear coat or two. Clay is porous, so if you use this quick method, test a small area to see if you like the results.

Page 1 of 2

Next Steps

Courses | View All

Creative Containers
Containers can go anywhere, add value and provide luxury to a gardener regardless of experience. Take the Creative Containers course to learn great ways to get started in gardening.

Articles

Blending Color, Texture & Form for Striking Container Gardens
When it comes to container garden design, it pays to take a few tips from the artists and pay attention to color, texture and form. Learn a few easy tips when working with these valuable design elements to create stunning potted displays to enjoy season after season.
Grow a Mix-and-Match Container Garden
Whether by accident or design, a container garden can give your landscape a whole new look. Our eclectic mix of plants evolves as the seasons progress, our moods change and our tastes vary. So if you like the idea of all that flexibility, try growing one of your own!
Your Container Garden Checklist
Thinking of growing a container garden? Read through this planning checklist before you get started. Having your site prepared and all materials on hand and ready before you plant that first pot will save you time, money and extra trips to the garden center.

RATE THIS PAGE

On average this item has been rated a 3 out of 5.