Learn how to make a plastic planter pot look like aged stone. This is a great way to update cheap plastic planter pots. All you need is a plastic planter, paint, and a type of plaster or joint compound. After trying three methods, I learned which method looked best and which method is the most durable.
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It is my favorite time of the year! I love to walk into a nursery or garden center and see all of the planters, pots, and containers. I want them all but I really love the ones that look aged and made from stone or clay. Also, I love the texture on the aged pots. My plan was to purchase several of the pots this year. The problem is that I have collected so many plastic pots over the years so I hate to throw them away. Home decor Instagramers have been making thrifted jars and vases into jars that look aged with several different DIY techniques. So why can’t I try to make my plastic planter pots look like aged stone as well?
Inspiration Photos
I love the texture on these pots from Target.
One technique that I have seen used is using plaster or joint compound to give the planter pot texture before painting the planter pot. I decided to try several methods to see which technique looks best and most durable. We have a workshop full of this stuff so I got to work.
I tried Plaster of Paris, Patching Plaster, and Joint Compound. One of these was definitely the winner.
First, let’s go over the products that I tested before I show you how to make it.
What is Plaster of Paris?
Plaster of paris, quick-setting gypsum plaster consisting of a fine white powder (calcium sulfate hemihydrate), which hardens when moistened and allowed to dry. Plaster of Paris does not generally shrink or crack when dry, making it an excellent medium for casting molds.
What is Patching Plaster?
DAP Patching Plaster is a ready-to-use repairing product that works on most interior surfaces. It dries hard and has minimal shrinkage if any. Its working consistency is very smooth. Pre-mixed, it can be applied right out of the tub with a small joint knife or another straight edge tool.
What is Joint Compound?
Joint Compound is a white powder of primarily gypsum dust mixed with water to form a mud the consistency of cake frosting, which is used with paper or fiber joint tape to seal joints between sheets of drywall to create a seamless base for paint on interior walls.
RESULTS
Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris was a fail for me. It is very fragile. That may because Plaster of Paris doesn’t adhere to plastic well. As the product dried, it fell off the pot. If I picked up the pot, pieces would fall off.
Patching Plaster
I was very pleased with the look of the patching plaster. It definitely works but it is a little fragile. Not as fragile as Plaster of Paris but I noticed a few tiny pieces chipping off.
THE WINNER
Joint Compound is the easiest to apply and the most durable. I accidentally dropped the pot with the Joint Compound down the steps and it did not chip or crack. The joint compound was easy to apply. It goes on pink and turns white when dry. It also adhered well to the plastic pot.
The joint compound worked best but I thought the first one I made had more texture than I desired. I made a second one and smoothed the joint compound more.
You can see the difference in the photo above. I smoothed the joint compound out more on the pot on the left. They both look good. You can make the texture any way you like.
Supplies
Plastic planter pot
Spray Paint for base coat-I like to use a satin finish spray paint instead of a glossy finish.
Acrylic paint-your choice of colors
How to make a plastic pot looked aged
You need a plastic planter pot.
If your pot is a different color, you may want to spray paint the pot before adding the joint compound.
- Apply the joint compound to the pot using a putty knife.
2. Create the texture that you desire with the putty knife.
This joint compound will turn white when the pot is dry. This pot is still slightly wet in places.
3. Spray the textured pot with spray paint. I like to use a satin finish instead of gloss.
Painting the pot
To make the pot look aged and weathered, use a brown or light brown craft paint first. I used acrylic craft paint that I had on hand.
You really can’t mess the project up. If you do not like what you have painted on the pot, add more spray paint and start over. The messier the paint job, the more weathered the pot will look.
Painting the planter pot
- Lightly add brown paint in random places. I tried to think of it like adding dirt to the pot.
2. Next, add some cream or off-white colored paint on top and around the brown.
3. Soften the paint marks by dabbing and smearing the two colors of paint.
Do this paint technique all over the pot at random places.
I am so happy with these aged stone pots that I created. These look beautiful with herbs and flowers in them. Not only did I save a lot of money by making these aged pots, but I also got to reuse all of my old pots. By creating these pots yourself, you can make them look exactly like you want the pots to looks.
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