Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Sprucing Up Foam Planters

 Do you have one of these, (a lightweight foam planter)? More than likely you do!

 I have several of them! The containers are still in great shape but over the years they have lost the original paint and they are an ugly orange color. It is very obvious that they are foam.

As I was thinking about creating a container for the May Lowe's project, I decided to spruce up these as well.
 

 So I painted them! Doesn't it look like a concrete planter? So much better! I had searched the internet and even Pinterest to see if I could find out how to paint them. I saw very little information so I had to experiment. Here is what I did, just in case you have one in need of painting too.

Several months ago I found some Valspar flat paint in the mistint section of Lowe's. I added about a level tablespoon of unsanded grout to some hot water, (in a clean sour cream container),  and stirred until it was dissolved. Then I added about a cup of Valspar flat paint and stirred it well.I wanted a rougher concrete look so I applied the paint with a kitchen sponge and sponge paint brush.


I have a variegated euonymus, I believe it is 'Emerald 'n Gold', in the planter. It is a fabulous plant for a large container! It was becoming a bit unruly in my garden so last fall I dug it up and put it in the container. It is evergreen and during the winter had a lovely blush of pink on the leaves! 

I left it in the container when I painted and just wrapped it in a bungee cord to lift it up. Easy, peasy project!



Disclosure: As a blogger for Lowe’s Creative Ideas Garden Club Network I was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase the materials for my project.


Lowes


9 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Excellent idea Robin. I really like the way this turned out. I have one of those planters too that could use an updated look. I wonder how long this paint job will last?? I guess we will find out.

Barbarapc said...

I think it looks great. I've got a couple of planters I'm going to keep in mind for this treatment - love their shape, but when that paint gets too chipped they definitely are undergoing the paintbrush.

Cassie Perry said...

Robin,

The container came out beautiful. I have seen some of those lightweight containers at yard sales, but I've always passed them by because of their appearance. I will grab one up next time I see it to try out this great idea!

I can't wait to see the next idea you come up with. You are so clever!

ttfn,
Cassie

F Cameron said...

Looks good! I've been doing the same with a few of my old pots. Interesting to add the grout. I've not tried that.

Cathy and Steve said...

Fabulous idea - and they look great. (Also a good way to use up leftover flat paint AND leftover grout!!)

A Garden of Threads said...

What a neat idea. It looks so much better, great job.

Diana said...

It looks so fresh and new -- what a wonderful difference. You are so creative -- good luck with the new Lowes gig.

Rosemary said...

Terrific idea love how your "new " planter looks

Claudia said...

I love this idea. Great job.