Learn how to upcycle dirty outdated planters! This Painted Urn Planters tutorial will show you how to clean and paint them so they look new!!
Y’all, this is the project that almost didn’t happen. Let me tell you the story real quick….
First things first, these urns were super dirty. They had been outside since we used them for my daughter’s wedding in 2019 and they needed a scrub. So, naturally, the first thing I needed to do was clean them up. But before I began, I set my paint off to the side on the fender of our Jeep. Next thing I know I go to grab my paint when I realize that Scott, my hubby, had just driven off in the Jeep. Oh, NO!! My paint is on the fender.
So, I walked the driveway and all the way up the road looking for my paint, but it’s nowhere to be found. I tried to call him, but he didn’t answer. Once he got home I asked him if he has my paint. No. What paint?!? It’s gone.
Well, now I’m stuck with two clean urns and no paint. Thank goodness for my local Dixie Belle Stockiest! Tina at Special Moments The Shop On Main came to the rescue with a new can of paint and I was able to get my urns painted for this post. Thanks, Tina! You totally saved the day. Now, let’s get to the project.
**This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission from the sale – at NO cost to you! I only recommend products that I love & want to be sure you can find them all super easy!**
Supplies you’ll need to paint your urn planters:
- Urn Planters
- White Lightning Cleaner from Dixie Belle
- Gator Hide Clear Coat from Dixie Belle
- Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint
- Dixie Belle Paint Brush OS
- Very Fine Sanding Foam Sponge
Let’s start the Spring Refresh!
I started this project with two old fiberglass urns that were made to look like concrete. They had been sitting out in the weather so they were very dirty and needed to be thoroughly cleaned so that the paint would stick.
After spraying them down with the hose, I cleaned them with Dixie Belle’s White Lightening Cleaner. Be sure and get in all the nooks and crannies.
I even turned them upside down to be sure all sides were thoroughly cleaned.
Once the urns were clean, I used a very fine sanding sponge to lightly scuff the surface. This will give them some “tooth” allowing for better adhesion of the paint.
Next, wipe back any dust with a wet rag. Make sure your surface is clean and dry before you begin to paint.
Now that the urns are clean and dry, it’s time to add the paint!
I used Silk All-In-One-Mineral Paint in the color Anchor, but you can use whatever color best matches your front porch décor.
I started from the bottom, turning my urn upside down for easier application.
Be sure and work your brush into all the nooks and crannies.
I used a circular motion, and if that didn’t quite get it, I tamped or stippled the end of the brush into the tight spaces to achieve coverage.
Let the first coat of paint dry and then add a second coat.
As you can see here, you will not get all the little spaces in the first round.
Once both urns had two coats of paint and were dry, I added two coats of Gator hide for additional protection.
This is the finished look! Purchasing new urns for my porch would have cost a pretty penny, but I was able to save with this simple DIY.
What will you be upcycling this season? Find me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and let me know. Also – be sure to share your finished projects with me by tagging @rusticorchardhome on Facebook and @rustic_orchard_home on Instagram!
Also, be sure to check out these posts while you’re here:
