Learn how to spray paint planter pots. Get my best tips and recommendations on how to paint plastic plant pots. An easy DIY project for indoor pots.
Spray Painted Planter Pots Look Beautiful
A lot of plants that I buy come with planter pots that don't fit my decor. Often, the plant pots come in a dull grey or just a plain white.
While I love the look of real ceramic or porcelain plant pots, I wanted to upcycle and see what I could do with my current plant pot collection before buying new.
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That gorgeous plant above is my Monstera Standleyana Albo (Cobra).
Can You Spray Paint Planter Pots?
Yes, you can easily spray paint planter pots! This is a quick DIY project that will only take a few minutes. It's a really simple way to upgrade any plastic planter pots that you may have laying around.
It's also a very low-key way to make your indoor garden decor look more cohesive. Keep reading, and I'll describe how we did it, In addition, I'll share some of our best tips.
How To Spray Paint Planter Pots
One evening, we set out the cardboard and got to work. It's really easy to spray paint plastic planter pots.
- Wash and completely dry the plastic planter pots
- Set out cardboard or drop cloth to protect your surface
- Place the planter pots on a smaller pedestal (like an empty soda can or other recyclable)
- Spray paint in thin layers all around the plant pot, making sure to get a bit inside the top lip and underneath the bottom edge
- Allow to fully dry before use
In five simple steps, we had matching gorgeous planter pots! Once they are sitting on my shelves, no one can tell that these are DIY spray painted plant pots.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use On Plant Pots?
To spray paint these indoor planter pots, we used this Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Paint and Primer in Peony Pink. This color only comes in a gloss finish, and it turned out beautiful.
Spray paint is easy to use on plant pots because it gives an even coverage. Also, spray painting doesn't leave any visible brush strokes on the finished pot. Moreover, it's affordable and easy to buy. And lastly, spray painting plant pots only takes a few minutes per planter.
What Is the best paint for plastic plant pots? We love Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2x Ultra Cover Paint and Primer. You only need this one can of spray paint.
Does Gloss Paint Work For Planter Pots?
Yep! The gloss spray paint looks gorgeous.
The gloss spray paint ends up just as glossy as glazed ceramic pot. It's not overly glossy, and the sheen pairs well with many different plants.
Initially, I was a bit hesitant because I often like matte finishes. But my daughter really loved the color so we gave it a try. In the end, I'm glad we did because we both love how it turned out.
Would I use gloss spray paint again? Yes! So if you aren't sure about gloss finish, take a look at our finished photos.
Tips for Spray Painting Plant Pots
Here are a few handy tips if you are trying out this DIY project.
First, make sure you wash and clean any pots thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely. Any small specs of dirt or remnants of potting mix will show up as tiny bumps under the spray paint on the plastic planter.
Second, spray paint in light thin layers to avoid the paint from dripping. I did 2 coats of paint on these planters, leaving a few minutes between each coat.
Third, only spray paint the visible parts of the planter pot. If you can tell in the photo with my snake plant, it is potted directly into the spray painted pot. I only spray painted the outside of the pot and the very inside of the top lip. That way, the potting mix and roots are not in contact with any spray paint.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with colors. We used only one color spray paint, but mixing and matching would be fun too.
An Easy DIY Project
Originally, we intended to put these spray painted plant pots in my daughter's room. However, I loved them so much they are now in multiple places around the house.
She wanted to help out too. So while spray painting is not typically a kid activity, I got her involved. Here's how she helped:
- Pick the spray paint color
- Pick a spot to do the spray painting
- Lay out the cardboard
- Set up the pot for painting
- Inspect the painted pot to see where I needed a second coat
We really enjoyed doing this project together. I had her step away while I actively spray painted because of the fumes and mess. But besides that, she participated in so many ways. It turned out to be a fun quick family activity.
How to Spray Paint Planter Pots
Equipment
- large sheet of cardboard or drop cloth
- 1 empty can, box or jar (from the trash) smaller in diameter than the pot you are spray painting
Ingredients
- 1 can spray paint I used Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2x Ultra Cover
- plastic plant pot
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and completely dry the plant pots that you want to spray paint.
- When ready, protect your surface with a large sheet of cardboard or drop cloth. I used laid a large cardboard piece outside on the ground.
- Place the planter pot on top of a can, box or another plant pot that you don't mind getting paint on. The pedestal should be smaller in diameter than the plant pot you are painting, so you can spray underneath the planter pot a little.
- Spray paint the planter pot in light layers. Make sure to spray under the pot a bit, so you don't see the original pot color. Also make sure to spray inside the top lip of the planter pot so you don't see the original pot color when looking down at the planter.
- Allow the planter pot to dry. After about an hour, I moved my freshly painted planter pots into the garage. I let them fully dry and off-gas for several days in the garage before bringing them into the house.
Notes
Any questions? Ask below. I'd also love to hear about how you spray painted your plastic plant pots too!
Lee Ann Barnhart says
I, too, love the sansevieria for the same reasons you listed, plus, if well kept, they are a neat, streamlined plant that comes off looking elegant as well, in my opinion. No pruning is needed to keep them neat looking. I feel they give an air of stoicism as if they've been standing at attention and always will be, no need to worry about them - they can be counted upon. And it's fun to watch them reshape their container if it's a bendable plastic pot. Right now I'm in a smallish apt, but have found room for a Moonlight about 2 ft tall, a couple of birds nests that had to be divided, one of those "assorted foliage" plants whose id I still need to chase down but that has nice broad, about 4in. wide leaves, and a trifasciata that's pushing 36 in. I was looking for one cuz the last one I had got drowned. I didn't know I'd be so lucky as to find it at Walmart for $3! Same as at the nursery for about $25 I'd been looking at. I got there on watering day and saved its life by emptying out about 2 gal of water that wasn't dumped after its shower from an uninformed employee. It's now showing it's gratitude by pushing out 2 new babies! I love a good win like that. In the past I've done as you and spray painted pots, to refresh them, as well as some decorative lidded boxes I was using for craft storage. Their Christmas clearance themes just didn't go with my shabby chic look. lol I'm going to spray some books too so I can paint on the spines, and tie them with ribbons for Christmas gifts. Nice talking to you. I will talk plants and crafts anytime. Lee Ann Barnhart