Omar Khalid
Decorating plastic planters is a fun and easy DIY project that can add a unique touch to your home or garden. With a bit of creativity and some inexpensive materials, you can transform boring plastic planters into beautiful and chic decor. Whether you're looking to add a pop of colour, create a cosy design, or try out a new style, there are many ways to decorate a plastic planter. From painting to fabric covering, the possibilities are endless! So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and let your creativity flow as you give new life to your plastic planters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Paint, markers, fabric, glue, beads, ribbons, yarn, knitting needles, decorative chains, locks with keys, seashells, pebbles, foil, lace, matte mod podge |
| Techniques | Spraying, brushing, dipping, drawing, knitting, wrapping, covering, gluing, crumpling, punching, sketching |
| Preparation | Wash and dry the planter before painting |
| Protection | Use primer and sealant to protect the paint and increase longevity |
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What You'll Learn
Using spray paint
Spray paint is a great way to decorate plastic planters, allowing you to refresh their look in any colour or style you like. It's a simple, cost-effective method to bring new life to old, faded, or boring planters. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:
Preparation:
Firstly, decide if you want to paint the planter with soil and plants inside or not. Painting an empty planter is easier, but if you want to keep the plant inside, you can carefully remove some of the topsoil and set it aside, so you can paint the visible top inside of the planter. Cover the remaining plant and soil with a bag to protect it from paint. Alternatively, you can paint the planter without the plant and soil, and then replant once the paint is dry.
Next, clean the planter to ensure the paint will adhere properly. You can use soap and water, a degreasing cleaner, or alcohol/nail varnish remover to wipe down or spray the planter. If there is old paint on the planter, you may need to sand it down first. Once clean, make sure the planter is completely dry before painting.
To ensure the paint adheres well, you can roughen the surface of the planter. Use sandpaper to remove any shiny coating, creating a textured surface for the paint to grip. Brush or wash off any loose debris after sanding.
Protect your work area and yourself by laying down a tarp or cardboard, and wear protective clothing if needed. Spray paint can be messy, so ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
Painting:
Choose your spray paint colour and finish. You can opt for a single colour or get creative with designs and stencils. You may want to use a primer first, especially if painting directly onto plastic, as it will help the paint adhere better and prevent peeling. Rust-Oleum offers a Paint and Primer in one, which works well on plastic.
Hold the can about 8 inches (or 30 cm) away from the planter and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Keep the can in motion and maintain the same distance from the surface as you spray. Rotate the planter as you work to coat all sides evenly.
Apply several light coats a few minutes apart, allowing proper drying time between coats. Avoid over-spraying in one area, as this can cause drips. Paint the tops of the planter on the inside for a cohesive appearance.
Finishing:
Allow the paint to dry completely before handling or planting. A drying time of 24 hours is recommended. You can add a clear coat for a glossy, satin, or matte finish if desired, following the same steps as for the spray painting process.
With these steps, you can easily transform your plastic planters, giving them a brand-new look that reflects your style and creativity.
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Decorating with fabric
Decorating a plastic planter with fabric is a great way to bring your own style and a pop of colour to your gardening projects. There are many ways to do this, and you can use a variety of fabrics, including scrap fabric, tulle, burlap, hemp, jute, or even an old sock or sweater.
One method is to cut a strip of fabric and tie it into a bow around the planter. You can also use fabric to completely cover your planter. First, measure the diameter of the planter's plastic drip tray or top rim, whichever is larger, and add an extra inch. Cut out a circle of fabric using this measurement. Next, determine the length of the rectangle of fabric that will cover the sides of the planter by multiplying the diameter of the circle by 3.14. The width of the rectangle will be the height of the planter plus 6 inches. Once you have cut the fabric to size, turn the cylinder so that the lining fabric is on the outside. Pin the circle to the bottom of the cylinder and sew around the perimeter, then turn the planter cover to the right side. Place the drip tray and flowerpot inside the cover and fold over the top edge to reveal the contrast lining.
You can also use glue or Mod Podge to adhere fabric to your planter. Cover the planter with a coat of Mod Podge, then lay the fabric over the top, smoothing it out with your fingers as you work your way around the planter. When you get back to where you started, overlap the fabric slightly and add more Mod Podge to hold the layers together. Finish off the top and bottom edges by folding over the fabric and applying Mod Podge to the inside of the planter.
If you're looking for a simpler approach, you can wrap a strip of fabric, lace, or a bandana around the planter and tie it in a knot to secure it. This method adds a fun, Western-themed decoration to your planter.
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Painting patterns and shapes
Preparation
Before you start painting, it's important to clean the planter with soap and water and let it dry completely. You can lightly sand the outside of the planter with fine-grit sandpaper to create a slightly rough surface for the paint to adhere to. If you plan to use spray paint, you might want to tape off your pots with painter's tape to create clean lines and protect the areas you don't want to paint.
Paint Choices
You can use a variety of paints to decorate your plastic planter, such as chalk paint, acrylic paint, or spray paint. Choose a paint that is suitable for outdoor use if your planter will be placed outdoors. Consider using a primer to help your paint adhere better and last longer. You can also use markers or permanent markers for drawing more detailed designs.
Pattern and Shape Ideas
- Geometric shapes and patterns: Create triangles, circles, squares, stripes, or a checkerboard pattern. You can use painter's tape to help create crisp lines.
- Bohemian style: Paint mandalas, mud cloth patterns, or feathers for a boho look.
- Abstract designs: Free-draw horizontal lines and patterns line by line to create a unique and handmade look.
- Ombre effect: Create a gradient effect by blending two or more colours. Choose contrasting or complementary shades for the best effect.
- Nature-inspired: Draw leaves, flowers, or branches in various colours for a natural and whimsical design.
- Stars and galaxies: Use black paint as your base and dip a brush into white paint, then run your finger over the brush to create a splatter effect, resembling stars in the night sky.
Finishing Touches
After you've finished painting your design, let it dry completely. You might want to apply a coat of sealant to protect your design from chipping or fading, especially if your planter will be placed outdoors. Choose a sealant that is UV resistant to prevent sun damage. Allow the sealant to dry overnight before planting anything in your newly decorated planter.
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Adding beads and ribbons
Beads
Begin by choosing the beads that will run along the top lip of the planter. It is easier to glue them from an upturned pot, and placing a tile underneath creates an easily removable base. Apply PVA glue to the rim of the plant pot and let it dry for a few minutes before placing the first ring of beads onto it. Keep making rings of beads, securing the ends, and letting each layer dry before adding the next. Make sure the bead rings are a snug fit over the planter so they stick well. After the last ring of beads is glued on, let them dry overnight.
Ribbons
You can use ribbons in a variety of ways to decorate your planter. Try braiding or knotting multi-coloured ribbons together and wrapping them around the flower pot, finishing at the top with a large bow. You can also tie ribbons randomly around the pot and paint over them. Another idea is to glue ribbons onto the planter in various patterns or shapes.
Beads and Ribbons
If you want to use both beads and ribbons together, try this: cover the planter with paint, and while it is still wet, take some foil and crumple it up. Now touch the foil to the pot to create a rippled effect. Then, glue ribbons and beads onto the planter in whatever pattern you like. You can also add other decorations, such as lace, buttons, or seashells, to create a unique design.
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Using markers
Decorating plastic planters can be an easy and fun DIY project. Markers are a great way to decorate plastic planters. They can be used to draw various patterns, shapes, and designs on the planter. Here are some ideas and tips for using markers to decorate your plastic planter:
Choosing the Right Markers
It is important to choose the right type of markers that will work well on plastic surfaces. Permanent markers, such as Sharpies, are a popular choice for plastic planters. They come in various colours and tip sizes, allowing for creativity and detail in your designs. You can also use paint markers, such as POSCA paint markers, which are available in various colours and work well on plastic surfaces.
Preparing the Planter
Before you start drawing on your planter with markers, ensure that the surface is clean and dry. If your planter has any dirt or residue, wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. This will help ensure that your markers glide smoothly and that your design adheres well to the surface.
Creating a Design
There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing your planter with markers. You can freehand draw geometric shapes, patterns, or lines. For example, you can draw triangles, circles, squares, stripes, or dots. If you need inspiration or help with designing, you can find many free templates and patterns online that you can download and use as a guide. You can also create a unique design by combining different colours and shapes.
Adding Details and Personalization
Markers allow you to add intricate details and personal touches to your planter. You can use them to write inspirational quotes, plant names, or even draw cute faces on the pot, especially if it is for a child's room. You can also use markers to create a marble effect or a bohemian style by drawing mandalas, mud cloth patterns, or feathers.
Sealing Your Design
To protect your artwork and ensure its longevity, consider sealing the marker design. You can use a sealant like Rustoleum, which works well on plastic and will protect your planter from outdoor elements if you plan to place it outside. Follow the instructions on the sealant product to properly apply it to your decorated planter.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to decorate a plastic planter using paint. You can use spray paint, acrylic paint, chalk paint, gloss enamels, or markers. If you want to paint outdoors, consider using waterproof paint. To achieve full coverage, apply two coats and let them dry before adding another layer. You can also use a primer and sealant to increase the longevity of your painted planter.
You can decorate a plastic planter without using paint by covering it with fabric, yarn, or beads and pebbles. You can also use ribbons, lace, or chains to wrap around the planter.
First, lay your planter onto the back of the fabric and cut out the piece, adding about an inch to the top and bottom so that you can tuck over the edges. Brush a generous coat of Matte Mod Podge all over and lay the fabric on top, smoothing it out with your fingers. Overlap the fabric slightly and add more Mod Podge to hold the layers together. Finish the top and bottom by folding over the fabric and brushing on another layer of Mod Podge.
