Painting plastic planters - any ideas?

scrimperjan

We've just moved to a rented house where the back 'garden' has been paved over. However I have a motley collection of large pots and planters which I have gathered up over the years, and I fancy painting them - either all the same colour, or some kind of stone effect, or even with folk-arty designs. They're mostly either dark green or terracotta-colour plastic. Can anybody suggest what kind of paint I could use, and whether I would need to prime them or anything? Any ideas welcome!

Edinburghlass_2

I spray paint everything!! When I did my daughter's room I spray painted drawer fronts, shelves, plastic storage bins, blind, shades, stool in fact anything that was standing still got sprayed silver! I used some expensive sprays and some of the cheap decoration sprays and both worked equally as well.

For speed and a cheerful look you can't beat it

Queenie

You can find basic How To's for painting on anything plastic here:-

http://www.mrsfixit.com/Fixits/FixitDetails.asp?id=636

and here: (UK): http://www.homeandleisure.co.uk/_diy/how_to/gardering/gardening_18.shtml

HTH

scrimperjan

Oo, thanks, both! Can't wait to get started now.

Galtizz

A couple of years ago I painted an old green plastic table with some B & Q's own hammerite type paint and it's still going strong even though it lives outside in all weathers.

I have also painted terracotta pots in the past with emulsion paint. I usually put them in the shed over winter but they still look good after a couple of years too.

needmoney

I have painted pots with ordinary emulsion and they do last for ages I have even painted them in a dusty condition you know when there are bits o compost or whatever on the pot, just paint it in ;D

Ticklemouse

When I moved to this house, I wanted some nice blue terracota pots, but couldn't afford them, so bought lots of plastic ones and painted them with blue gloss. They looked great and even tho' they've been outside for 2 1/2 years, still look OK - couple of bits flaked off but that's down to Mr TM or kids bashing them.

Cullumpster

I like the old terracota pots esecially the big ones, but unfortunately they are a lot of money to buy.

Did you know that if you buy the plastic ones and paint them with plain yoghurt (yes you did read right!) after a couple of weeks in the sun they look just like the terracota ones and just as good too!

I've saved myself a fortune doing this.