Painting Concrete Planters For Beginners

Looking to add a pop of color to your outdoor space? Painting concrete planters is an easy DIY project that can completely transform the look of your patio, deck, or garden. With just a few simple supplies and some basic techniques, you can give tired old concrete pots a fresh new look in no time. This beginner's guide will walk you through all the steps for painting concrete planters, from properly prepping the surface to choosing the right type of paint.

Clean and Prepare the Concrete Surface

Before you can start painting, it's important to thoroughly clean and prepare the concrete surface. This helps the paint better adhere to the planter. Here are the steps:

• Remove any dirt, moss or debris from the planter using a stiff bristle scrub brush and dish soap and water. Rinse well.
• Allow the concrete planter to dry completely. Concrete retains moisture, so give it a day or two to fully dry out before painting.
• Lightly sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper to rough it up a bit. This helps the paint grip better.
• Wipe away all dust with a clean, dry cloth.
• Apply a concrete bonding primer or acrylic sealant. These help prevent absorption of the paint into the concrete.

Properly prepping the concrete ensures you'll have great looking, long-lasting results. It's worth taking the extra time on this first step. Be sure to scrub away any existing flaking paint or stubborn stains before starting. A pressure washer can help blast away tough grime. Wear goggles and gloves when pressure washing.

Choosing the Right Supplies

In addition to sealant and paint, gather together these supplies before starting your project:

• - Drop cloths or cardboard to protect surrounding areas from drips and spills
• - Paintbrushes in a variety of sizes for corners and edges
• - Paint roller and extension pole for large flat spaces
• - Small foam rollers for smoother finish on borders or patterns
• - Angled sash brush for precise trim painting
• - Painters tape for creating patterns, designs, or sectioning off areas
• - Sandpaper in medium and fine grits
• - Tack cloths for removing dust
• - Stencils, stamps, or stickers for adding decorative details

Gathering supplies ahead of time prevents having to stop mid-project. Having the right tools makes the painting process much easier.

Tips for Painting Textured Concrete

If you're painting an extra porous or textured concrete planter, take these additional steps:

• - Apply masonry sealer designed for parged concrete surfaces
• - Use a small masonry brush to work paint into deep crevices
• - Apply three coats of paint for proper coverage over rough texture
• - Opt for textured spray paint to help disguise uneven surfaces
• - Select a satin paint sheen to help hide imperfections

Textured concrete requires a bit more effort but following these tips will lead to great results.

Choose the Right Outdoor Paint

For painting concrete planters that live outdoors, be sure to use a high quality exterior paint:

• - 100% acrylic latex paints offer excellent adhesion and durability.
• - Enamel paints provide a durable, glossy finish.
• - Chalk paints create a matte, distressed look.
• - Textured spray paints add interest.

In addition to the type of paint, consider the sheen - flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Glossier paints tend to be more durable outdoors. Also, choose a color scheme. Neutral colors work well for a minimalist look, while bold colors make the planters pop.

Selecting the Right Paint Finish

Consider these factors when deciding on paint sheen:

• - Flat paints disguise imperfections but require more frequent touch-ups.
• - Satin paints offer slight sheen while still hiding flaws.
• - Semi-gloss resists moisture and stains better than lower sheens.
• - Gloss paint is most durable but magnifies surface issues.

If your concrete planter is textured or imperfect, stick with flat or satin finishes. For very smooth planters, semi-gloss or gloss provide a vivid pop of color.

Choosing a Color Scheme

Picking the perfect paint color is all about personal preference. But here are some popular options:

• - Neutral colors like beige, gray and ivory for a clean, modern look.
• - Bright, vivid hues like turquoise, violet and coral for an eye-catching statement.
• - Metallic paints like copper, bronze and gold for a glamorous touch.
• - Complementary colors like blue and orange for a bold, contrasting combo.

Visit your local paint store to browse color swatches. Many stores also offer sample sizes so you can test colors before committing.

Paint the Planter

Now comes the fun part - it's finally time to start painting! Follow these tips:

• - If desired, use painter's tape to mask off sections for painted designs.
• - Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• - Stir the paint thoroughly before starting and periodically as you go.
• - Apply 2-3 thin coats rather than 1 thick coat for best coverage.
• - Use a high quality angled paintbrush to neatly paint corners and edges.
• - Use a roller for quickly covering the main flat areas.
• - Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another - usually 1-2 hours.

Take your time with each coat and don't rush the drying between coats. Careful painting leads to a smooth, evenly coated finish. If using multiple colors, start with lighter colors first. Tape off sections if painting intricate designs. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.

Achieving Full Coverage

Getting full, even coverage when painting concrete can be tricky. Try these tips:

• - Apply a tinted primer or base coat to help cover in 1-2 less layers.
• - Start by painting the inside of the planter, then do the outer rim last.
• - Use a small foam roller in crevices, then smooth out with a brush.
• - Inspect in natural sunlight and touch up any thin spots.

Don't settle for a spotty first coat. Take the time needed to achieve full, flawless coverage for best results.

Creating Painted Patterns

Jazz up your painted concrete planters with fun patterns like these:

• - Paint different size stripes or blocks of color
• - Create geometric designs with painter's tape
• - Use stencils to make shapes, floral patterns, etc.
• - Affix ceramic tiles, sea glass, shells, or pebbles
• - Add hand-painted designs using acrylic craft paint pens

Let your creative juices flow! Painted patterns give boring planters personality and custom flair.