Today I'm sharing an easy way to dry brush planters with paint to give them new life. This is a great way to give fiberglass pots in good condition a new look!I have had these fiberglass pots for 20 years. They were given an update in our old home 10 years ago using acrylic paint in raw umber pure pigment and a bit of water. These are still in good condition and I love the look of them so there's no reason to throw them away. Plus, this is a great way to keep pieces out of landfills. So, this is a sustainable project which is good for the environment.Well, let me tell you how the decision to give these flower pots a new life began.Before I visit the garden center to by our annuals for our front porch and deck, I take my flower pots out to remind myself of their size. This is a great way to remember the amount of plants we need to buy to so we don't need to run back to the garden center. Last year when I took our plastic planters out of the shed, I decided to update the color using chalk paint with a dry brush. Â Did you know this is good to use as outdoor paint? It is and with no priming chalky paint is perfect for outdoor pieces.The good news a dry brush technique is easy way to update fiberglass material, furniture, home decor and more!
Step 1: Start Your Easy DIY Dry Brush Planters with a Clean Slate
Before beginning the dry brush technique, clean the fiberglass flower pots or plastic planters with soap and water, and let these dry completely.
I recommend adding paper to your work area to catch any paint splatters.I did this dry brush technique outside, so I covered our outdoor furniture.
If you are adding your first coat of paint, make sure it has a smooth finish.My fiberglass pots have already been painted so I am skipping this step.old-dark-container-planter paint-cans
Step 2: Transform Your Planters: Give New Life With a Dry BrushÂ
Now dip the tip of your brush to grab a small amount of paint and dab the chalk or acrylic paint on paper towels or a rag to remove excess paint.Begin adding paint to the flower pots.When I dry brush, I add the colors in different directions, and in tiny spots, I use circular motions.This adds more dimension and is one of the reasons I love this painting technique.
First I begin adding my blue paint. I did this heavier in some sections to give these plastic planters a true aging appearance.I also added paint to the top edge of the pot.adding-the-first-color starting-to-dry-brush-flower-planters first-color-blueÂ
Step 3: Adding Different Colors for Textured Brilliance
Now I add the Farmhouse Beige or color of your choice using a new paint brush.Again, dip the tip of the brush wiping the excess on paper towels or a rag.
Here's a great opportunity to add tons of character and texture to your planters for the front porch.When I apply my second coat of dry brushing, I rub the paint in a few areas using more pressure.Using these different techniques gives these the look of being left outdoors for years in the backyard.Again, add your paint to the top edge of each planter.showing-the-first-color-dry-brushed-with-blue-paint showing-paint-process
Step 4:Â Beauty in Outdoor Spaces
When using chalk paint, I find it’s best to let it cure for at least 24 hours.Because these planters will be on our front porch where we get harsh afternoon sun, I’m applying two coats of matte polyurethane.I let these cure overnight before planting begins.finished**Check my tips and tricks in my blog post**Happy CraftingÂ
