Painting Concrete Planters Made Simple

Concrete planters are a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. But plain gray concrete can become dull over time. Painting these containers opens up endless possibilities to make them pop with personality! With some simple preparation and the right paints, you can easily transform your concrete planters into stunning works of art.

In this post, we'll walk through all the key steps for painting concrete planters. We'll cover proper surface prep, priming, choosing the right paints, application techniques, and sealing the finished piece. Follow our tips below for showstopping planters that will bring life to your garden or home decor.

Gather Your Concrete Planter Painting Supplies

Having the right tools and materials on hand will make your painting project go smoothly. Here's what you'll need:

• Exterior acrylic latex paint
• Concrete primer
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Sandpaper and sanding block
• TSP cleaner or pressure washer
• Drop cloths and painter's tape

For paint, look for good-quality exterior acrylic latex formulas made specifically for masonry and concrete surfaces. These paints are durable and provide excellent adhesion. Avoid cheaper exterior house paints, which may not hold up as well on concrete over time.

In addition to standard paintbrushes, a roller with a 1/4" nap is ideal for quickly covering the large flat surfaces of planters. For sanding, 60-80 grit sandpaper will properly rough up the surface. And for cleaning, TSP (trisodium phosphate) removes stubborn dirt and grease.

Prepare the Concrete Surface

Taking time to properly prepare your concrete planters before painting is the most important step for success. Follow these tips to prep planters for the very best paint adhesion:

Clean Thoroughly

Start by washing planters to remove built-up dirt, mildew, and grease. A pressure washer is ideal, but you can also scrub surfaces with a TSP solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow planters to dry fully before moving onto sanding.

Sand Away Imperfections

Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to scuff up the entire surface of concrete planters. This abrasion helps the paint grip better. Sanding also smooths away imperfections for a more uniform finish.

You can sand by hand using a sanding block, or use a power sander for larger planters. Be sure to sand all sides and the interior rim too. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth when finished.

Spot Repairs

Inspect planters closely and make any needed repairs before painting. Fill divots, cracks, and holes with concrete patching compound and let dry fully. Use a concrete resurfacing product to smooth over severely uneven areas.

Apply Concrete Primer

Priming is a must before painting concrete -- it simply won't turn out well without this essential step. Use an exterior concrete primer designed for masonry. Apply 2 coats with a brush or roller, allowing proper drying time between coats.

The primer fills pores in the concrete surface so paint won't be quickly absorbed. This prevents the need for many coats of paint to achieve opacity. Priming also promotes maximum adhesion so paint will really stick to the planter long-term.

Choose the Right Exterior Paint

For the best looking and most durable finish, be sure to choose an exterior paint formulated specifically for masonry surfaces like concrete, stucco and brick. Here's what to look for:

• Exterior acrylic latex paint - Offers outstanding adhesion, durability, and flexibility on concrete planters. Look for masonry-specific acrylic paint.
• Match paint finish - Satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal. Flat hides imperfections but lacks durability.
• Tintable base colors - Opt for neutral base colors like grays or beiges then tint to your desired hue.

Some top-rated paint options include:

• Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint
• Valspar Duramax Exterior Acrylic Latex
• Sherwin-Williams Exterior SuperPaint Acrylic Latex

Consider Specialty Paints for Texture

For unique, textured finishes, try these paint options:

• Concrete resurfacer paint - Extra thick to hide imperfections. Can create a knocked-down look.
• Concrete tinting colors - Mix into paints for a mottled, variegated finish.
• Chalk paint - Applies heavily, then can be distressed for an aged look.

Application Techniques for Painting Concrete Planters

Now comes the fun part! Follow these tips to apply paint smoothly and evenly:

• Use quality nylon or polyester brushes, and a 1/4" nap roller for best results.
• Cut in edges and details with the brush, then quickly roll larger flat areas.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats. Two to three coats provides ideal coverage.
• Allow proper drying time between coats according to manufacturer directions.

Achieve Full Coverage

It's better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat of paint. Thin passes lead to a more even finish without unsightly brush marks or drips.

For the deepest color payoff, first apply coats of properly tinted primer and base paint. Then finish with 1-2 coats of the fully colored topcoat. Adding layers builds up richness and depth of color.

Get Creative with Unique Finishes

Plain painted planters look nice, but you can take them to the next level with textural paint techniques like:

• Rag rolling - Dab paint on with twisted rags for an organic, mottled look.
• Stenciling - Use stencils and a stencil brush to create intricate designs.
• Troweling - Apply concrete resurfacer with a trowel for knockdown texture.
• Sponging - Dab on paint with a natural sponge for texture and dimension.

You can also add sand or small gravel to paint before applying to create an ultra-realistic concrete appearance. The possibilities are endless!

Seal Painted Concrete Planters

The final step is applying a sealer to protect painted concrete planters when they're displayed outdoors. Allow paint to cure fully first, around 48 hours. Then choose:

• Acrylic sealer - Offers UV protection, water repellency, and stain resistance.
• Clear polyurethane - Provides a protective coating that stands up to weather.

2-3 coats of sealer ensures complete coverage. Reapply sealers annually or as needed to maintain protection on your painted concrete planters.

Tips for Achieving a Textured Finish

For a more organic, rustic look, try these easy techniques to add realistic texture:

• Use a sponge or rag to dab paint onto the surface, creating a rough, mottled texture that mimics aged concrete.
• Mix sand or small gravel into the paint before applying. The particles will create a rough, stone-like texture.
• Use a dry brush technique, where the brush is barely damp with paint. Light, irregular brush strokes build up subtle texture.

Create a Distressed or Worn Look

If you want your painted planters to mimic time-worn antique concrete, try these tips:

• Lightly sand the edges and corners before painting to distress them.
• Use a dry brush technique, allowing some of the original color to show through.
• Apply a clear wax over paint, then buff with fine grit sandpaper to reveal concrete color beneath.

Paint Intricate Designs and Patterns

Get creative with painted designs like:

• Use painter's tape and a small brush to create stripes, geometric patterns, or defined edges.
• Try different tools like combs or toothbrushes dipped in paint to apply dots and textured layers.
• Cut custom stencils from cardstock. Tap paint over the stencil with a sponge.

Achieve an Ombre or Multi-Colored Look

Take your paint job up a notch by blending and combining colors:

• Start with a base color, then lightly sponge over sections with a second hue, blending them together.
• Use a damp cloth to soften and fade the edges where two colors meet.
• Experiment with detail work by hand-painting designs, dots, stripes and more.

Make Painted Planters Waterproof

Since concrete is porous, take steps to waterproof planters used outdoors:

• Apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane over the cured paint to seal the surface.
• Coat the inside of planters with a clear waterproofing sealant before filling with soil.
• Use an epoxy-based paint formulated for pools and patios. Epoxies are extremely durable and water-resistant.

With the right preparation and paint products, it's easy to refresh your concrete planters with color, texture, and designs. Properly sealed, your painted creations will provide many years of enjoyment indoors and out.

Don't limit yourself to basic greens and terra cottas. Have fun and get creative with different colors, finishes, and embellishments. Painting concrete planters allows you to put a personal stamp on your garden or living space.

We hope these tips gave you the confidence to tackle painting concrete planters like a pro. Grab a brush and refresh those worn containers with your unique style!