Creative Ways To Cover Plastic Pots Yourself

do it yourself cover for plastic pots

Plastic pots are convenient and inexpensive, but they may not always suit your aesthetic. Luckily, there are many ways to get creative and decorate your plastic pots. From painting to gluing on pebbles, there are endless ways to transform your plastic pots. You can also use fabric, rope, or twine to wrap and tie your pots. If you're looking for a more structured cover, you can even sew your own fabric pot cover. With a bit of imagination, you can easily hide your plastic pots and create something beautiful.

Characteristics and Values Table for DIY Covers for Plastic Pots

Characteristics Values
Materials Fabric, ribbons, ropes, twines, canvas, hessian, leather, stoneware, wrought iron, galvanized steel, ceramic, wood, woven baskets, wooden crates, wooden pallets, tin cans, milk cartons, produce sacks, shopping bags, paper bags, washable kraft paper, trash cans, laundry baskets, watering cans, buckets, tires, paint cans, acrylic varnish, beads, decorative stones, buttons, toys, magnets, bamboo, wrapping paper
Techniques Wrapping with pre-cut material and tying with string or ribbon, gluing, painting, sewing
Considerations Indoor vs. outdoor use, exposure to sunlight, temperature extremes, harmony with overall style

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Using fabric, ribbons, ropes, or twine to wrap the pot

Wrapping fabric, ribbons, ropes, or twine around a plastic pot is a simple and inexpensive way to transform its appearance. Here are some ways to do it:

Fabric

To wrap a pot with fabric, start by laying out your square piece of material on a flat surface. Take two opposite corners and fold them into the middle of the square. Then, place your pot in the middle of the square, on top of the folded corners. Fold the shorter sides of the fabric around the pot, ensuring that they are high enough to cover it. If they aren't, remove the pot and widen the folds until the dimensions are correct. Bring the two outer corners of the fabric to the front of the pot and use a pin to secure the fabric. Tie a double knot at the top with a strip of fabric or ribbon.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic, natural, or a combination of both. To use a ribbon, wrap the material around the pot and tie it in a bow. This method is simple and effective, adding a decorative touch to your pot.

Rope or Twine

Using rope or twine to wrap your pot can create a beautiful, inexpensive, and eye-catching design. You will need sisal rope or twine, plastic pot liners, and a hot glue gun. Decide if you want to cover the base of the pot or start wrapping from the top. If you choose to cover the base, trace a pattern on paper and start wrapping the rope, gluing as you go. Continue wrapping and gluing intermittently all the way up the pot. To finish, cut a 3-4 inch tail, then tuck it into the pot and secure it with glue.

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Painting the pot with spray paint or chalk paint

Painting plastic pots is a great way to give them a makeover and harmonise them with your overall style. You can use spray paint or chalk paint to achieve different effects.

If you're using spray paint, it's important to first clean the pot, washing, scrubbing, and drying it thoroughly. You may also want to elevate the pot on a flat piece of cardboard to protect the underlying surface. Once you've prepared the pot, you can start spraying! Hold the can about 10-16 inches away from the pot and spray in steady back-and-forth motions. It's usually best to apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Chalk paint is another great option for painting plastic pots. Start by painting a base coat in a colour of your choice—this will help you achieve full coverage. When the base coat is almost dry, use a sea sponge to add more paint, creating a textured, distressed finish. You can then brush on your chosen colour of chalk paint, and, if you like, use a stencil brush to add another colour for extra detail. Finally, seal the paint with a product like Mod Podge, which will give your pot an antiqued look.

Whether you use spray paint or chalk paint, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on your chosen product. With a bit of creativity and some simple tools, you can easily transform your plastic pots into beautiful works of art!

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Gluing on decorative items like glass stones, shells, or beads

There are many ways to cover a plastic pot, from painting it to wrapping it in fabric or ribbons. However, if you want to glue decorative items like glass stones, shells, or beads to your plastic pot, here is a step-by-step guide:

First, choose the items you want to glue to the pot. This could be glass stones, shells collected from the beach, or beads. If you opt for beads, it is recommended to choose those that will run along the top lip of the planter, as it is easier to glue them from an upturned pot. Place a tile underneath to create an easily removable base.

Next, lightly sand the area to be glued (and the back of the embellishments, if applicable) with fine-grit sandpaper to create texture for better bonding. Then, apply PVA glue to the rim of the plant pot and let it dry for a few minutes. If you are gluing beads, place the first ring of beads onto the glue. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next, and let the final layer dry overnight.

For shells, you can use a glue gun to stick them on, and then use an adhesive for a permanent bond. E6000, available at Walmart and craft stores, is recommended for gluing shells to clay pots. Silicone caulk is another option, as it is waterproof.

Keep in mind that the pot should not be handled for a minimum of two hours and will not be permanently glued for about 72 hours.

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Covering the pot with a container or bucket

Covering a plastic pot with a container or bucket is a simple and effective way to improve its appearance. This method can be used to hide unsightly plastic planters and is especially useful for those who have a collection of mismatched pots that detract from the beauty of the plants they contain.

There are many options for containers to cover plastic pots, and they do not have to be specifically designed for that purpose. Containers such as ceramic pots, vintage enamelware, decorative urns, teacups, vintage tin containers, and galvanized buckets can all be used to cover plastic pots. For small plant pots, wooden crates or wooden pallets can be used, with cacti being particularly well-suited for this type of cover.

It is also possible to get creative and use unconventional items as covers, such as old bowls, barrels, unnecessary plates or boxes, or even items found in nature like sticks, reeds, or bamboo. With a little imagination, almost anything can be turned into a plant pot cover. For example, some people have used tin cans, milk cartons, laundry baskets, watering cans, tires, or paint cans as covers for their plastic pots.

When choosing a container to cover a plastic pot, it is important to consider the size of the pot and the plant it contains. The container should be large enough to accommodate the pot comfortably, with enough space for the plant to grow. It is also important to think about the overall style and decor of the space where the covered pot will be placed, to ensure that the container complements the surrounding environment.

In addition to simply placing the plastic pot inside a larger container, there are other ways to enhance the appearance of the pot. Decorating the container with paint, ribbons, ropes, twine, fabric, or other materials can add a unique and personalized touch. Painting the pot itself is also an option, with many gardeners choosing to add colourful items such as clients, beads, decorative stones, or buttons.

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Using a pre-cut material and securing it with string or ribbon

Covering a plastic pot with a pre-cut material and securing it with string or ribbon is a simple and effective way to transform the look of your planter. This method can be used for both indoor and outdoor pots, although it is important to consider the exposure to sunlight and temperature extremes, especially for outdoor pots, to ensure the surface of the planter does not fade or crack.

To begin, select a pre-cut material that complements your desired look. Fabric is a popular choice, with options ranging from natural fibres like burlap, hemp, or jute to synthetic materials such as tulle or satin. Consider the plant you are potting—for non-flowering plants, a ribbon with small flower prints can add a charming touch. You can also get creative and use unconventional materials like old music sheets, gift wrap, or pages from a book.

Once you have chosen your material, place the pot in the centre and fold the fabric around it neatly and securely. Then, tie it in place with string or ribbon. You can cut a strip of fabric or ribbon and tie it into a bow for an elegant finish. If you prefer a more secure method, brush glue onto the outside of the pot before wrapping your chosen material around it.

To further enhance the appearance of your planter, consider adding decorations such as beads, buttons, or colourful items. For a themed look, you can glue small toys, travel magnets, or sticks of reeds or bamboo to the pot. Get creative and experiment with different materials and decorations to achieve a unique and personalised planter that reflects your style.

Frequently asked questions

You can paint the pot, wrap it with fabric, ribbons, ropes or twine, or place it inside a larger container.

The type of fabric you use depends on the look you want to achieve. For example, you can use tulle for a formal event or canvas for a heavy-duty cover.

You can glue decorative items to the pot, such as glass stones, shells, or small toys. You can also use fallen leaves or sticks of reeds or bamboo to create a natural look.

Place the pot in the centre of the fabric and fold the fabric around the pot. Secure it with string, ribbon, or glue. You can also sew a fabric cover for the pot.

Yes, you can use a plastic bag to line a fabric pot cover to prevent leaking or absorption from the tray liquid.

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