Do you have beat-up, sad looking planters, that have seen better days?
I do, or rather did. I finally got around to tackling a project that was easier than I thought making me regret my procrastination.
I found a very large foam planter at a garage sale. It was in pretty bad condition but I loved the classic urn style. I bought it and loaded it into the car~ a big, dirty, chippy mess.
Look at it now! Filled with greens and flowers, it stands quite impressive by the front door.
Here is where I began…
You can see why I procrastinated.
I went over the container with a wire brush to remove as much flaking as I could then wiped it with a rag to be sure it was free of dust and particles.
You all paint on your kitchen counter too, right! Please, say you do 🙂
I gave the planter a coat of paint using Valspar latex enamel interior/exterior (for wood and metal) in Satin Black. It did a great job covering and I only needed a light second coat.
Before filling with potting soil, I placed an inverted flower pot into the bottom. No need for soil where roots don’t go. A few sticks from the back yard for height, and pieces of ivy and a primrose dug from the garden were added to the planter. 
Then coleus and impatiens that were started from seed and grew on a window still until ready for planting.
Lastly, I added a gorgeous colored sweet potato vine. It matches pillow covers I made to accent the cushions and pillows I covered a few years ago.
Just a little time and already it has filled in and spilling over. 
Just a little time and already it has filled in and spilling over.
Updated Photo August 17th:
I used the same paint on a pair of concrete planters.
These rascals were way too heavy to hoist onto the kitchen counter!
This pair of planters have been on my front porch for many years and now look renewed with a few coats of paint.
The wicker could use a fresh coat of paint and the bench is chipping. The lawn needs mowing and there are weeds to pull. Always work to be done but I think I will sit a spell before moving on to the next project. Love for you to join me!
lindsey says
July 7, 2014 at 9:06 amThat is one very smart looking porch…well done!
Pondside says
July 6, 2014 at 4:48 pmWell done! It's amazing what a little imagination and elbow grease can accomplish!
Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness says
July 3, 2014 at 7:16 pmTotally blown away with the transformation. I have 3 planters in need of help and wanted to paint them black. I see now there is nothing that should hold me back, yours are stupendous and you brought new life to them. And I might add the choice in plants are perfect in every way.
Have a blessed 4th.
Keri On says
July 3, 2014 at 3:12 amWhat a lovely transformation! Quite inspiring!
Thanks and Happy 4th of July!
Lea says
July 3, 2014 at 1:57 amGorgeous planters and love your porch! It looks so welcoming! Yes, there's always a project to work on……….Happy 4th of July!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
July 2, 2014 at 10:14 pmVery pretty and your porch is inviting! Love the amazing colors in your coleus-enjoy! Happy 4th of July, hope we stay dry:@)
Ann says
July 2, 2014 at 9:00 pmI would have procrastinated too because it's what I do best 🙂 That turned out really nice. I love the look of your porch too.
Just a little something from Judy says
July 2, 2014 at 9:45 pmYou continue to inspire me! What a beautiful job you did! I like how you shared the before and after, and even better, I like that you shared your inviting looking porch. Everyone would love to sit with you there.
Debbie Huffaker says
July 2, 2014 at 8:17 pmYour porch is gorgeous ….so neat. Love the green and black together. HOPE you have a great 4th of July weekend!
Blackberry Lane says
July 2, 2014 at 8:11 pmYou did a beautiful job! I notice that Raider was keeping an eye on you from inside the door!
Your porch looks very inviting.