Save money by reviving your garden containers. See these step-by-step instructions (w/ printable) on how to spray paint plastic planters.
When you’re not sure if your potted plants will survive the entire season, do you really want to spend a lot on plant containers? I know I don’t. Here in the midwest, humid as heck for weeks with no rain in sight at times, going just one day without watering the planters, and guess what, the plants are D.E.A.D.
So yeah, while I love all those gorgeous (expensive) planters, it’s simply not in the budget to go crazy. What’s the alternative? Spray painting the planter pots you may already have instead.
Grab the free printable instructions at the bottom of this post!
Related: The best spray paint for plastic plant containers
Friends, this couldn’t be easier and think of the bucks you’ll save.
You can have new-looking planter pots in just a few simple steps.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase through those links.
Follow These 7 Steps to Spray Paint Plastic Planters
The supplies you will need
- Spray paint for plastic. I used Rustoleum Universal Aged Metallic Paint and Primer In One. Color: Metallic Rust
- Degreasing cleaner
- Liquid sandpaper
- Several soft cloths
- Scrub brush
- Garden hose or buckets of water to rinse the planters
- Cardboard, foam board, or tarps
Clean the containers
The first step is to give the planter pots a good cleaning. I did this by spraying them all down with a degreasing cleaner and letting them sit so the cleaning agent can do its work.
Related: How to spray paint resin garden furniture
Next, I used a scrub brush to work all the degreasing agents in and help loosen debris.
After that, I hosed them down and allowed them to dry completely.
Roughen the surface of the plastic planters
Moving on, I applied liquid sandpaper to a soft cloth and rubbed the mixture all over the pots to help create a roughened surface. This step allows the spray paint to grip onto the surface better. Rinse the planters thoroughly again.
Optionally, you can sand the containers lightly with regular sandpaper.
Place tarps down for protection
Before painting, I laid down cardboard and foam board tarps, but almost any kind of tarp will do.
Apply the spray paint to the bottom of the containers first
Placing the planters upside-down first, I sprayed several light layers of the paint onto the pots allowing 10 minutes in between, until I was satisfied with the coverage.
The spray paint will need to dry for about one hour before flipping the containers to spray the tops.
Paint the tops of the planters last
Repeat the same spray painting steps to the top portion, including the upper inside area of the containers.
Apply a topcoat
Decide on a clear coat finish type, i.e., glossy, satin, or matte. Apply the clear coat starting with the bottoms first and then flipping them upright, following the same steps for the spray painting process.
Allow the spray paint and clear coat to dry completely
Finally, I allowed the pots to dry for 24 hours before starting the planting process.
Related: Does plastic spray paint really work?
Now, if I can only remember to water my new planters every day, I may have a happy-looking yard until fall. So far so good. Let’s see what August brings.
PRINT the instructions for yourself, below—>
How to Spray Paint Plastic Planters in 7 Easy Steps
Don't let those plastic planters go to waste. Turn them into garden gems with spray paint and a little creativity
Materials
- Spray paint approved for plastic surfaces
- Degreasing cleaner
- Liquid sandpaper
- Several soft cloths
- Scrub brush
- Garden hose or buckets of water to rinse the planters
- Cardboard, foam board, or tarps
Tools
- Not applicable
Instructions
- Clean and degrease the planters
- Apply liquid sandpaper to the container surface
- Prep a painting area by laying down tarps
- Place the planters upside-down and apply the spray paint
- Flip the planter pots right-side-up and continue spray painting
- Apply a clear coat
- Allow the containers to dry for at least 24 hours before use.
Notes
- Apply the spray paint in several light coats to avoid drips.
- Allow for appropriate drying time in between coats.
- Paint the inside area at the tops of the planters for a cohesive appearance.
- The same steps can be used on non-plastic planters.
- Take the planters indoors during the colder season to help the finish last longer.
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