Spice Up Your Outdoors with Modern Geometric Planters
Outdoor spaces like patios, porches, and decks are ideal spots to let your creative side shine. An emerging trend that brings modern flair to gardens and yards is painting and displaying black and white planters outdoors . Graphic black, white, and gray geometric patterns instantly catch eyes while complementing both classic and contemporary home styles.
In this easy DIY project guide, learn how transforming affordable plastic pots allows you to expand your living area and design prowess. Discover a simple technique for creating striking planters that upgrade lackluster exteriors into enviable sanctuaries meant for relaxing and entertaining.
Gather Supplies to Transform Tired Containers
Before breathing new life into plain planters, stock up on several fundamental supplies:
- Plastic pots: Opt for weather-durable plastic in varying shapes/sizes to enable lots of arrangement flexibility.
- Primer: Preparing with primer boosts spray paint adhesion to plastics.
- Paint: Both spray paint and acrylic craft paints work, allowing creativity.
- Painting tools: Stock drop cloths, painter's tape, rollers, and sponges.
Choosing planters made from sturdy plastic that can withstand changing weather allows for longevity and durability compared to more delicate ceramic or terra cotta materials. Select containers ranging from small to oversized for plenty of styling variety. After gathering basics like primer, paints, and application tools, the fun can begin!
Plan Eye-Catching Geometric Patterns
Geometric shapes like circles, rectangles, diamonds, triangles, zigzags, and crisscrossing lines lay the foundation for making an artistic statement. Sketch out inspiration by combining varied or repetitive patterns across your pot selection. Chart out color blocking with painter's tape if precision is preferred, or opt for freehand designs if you wish to tap into your creative spirit.
Beyond basic black and white, add modern nuance blending in shades of gray. Even dashing in colors like vivid yellow, ocean blue, or cherry red enlivens the classy high-contrast aesthetic with pops of brightness. The possibilities for customization are endless.
Prep and Prime Surfaces for Painting
To help spray or craft paint properly adhere, thoroughly clean planter surfaces removing lingering dirt and plant debris using warm soapy water and abrasive scrub brushes. Allow pots to fully air dry before lightly sanding slick plastic exteriors with medium grit sandpaper. Finally, wipe sanded pots down with tack cloth.
After prepping, apply 1-2 base coats of plastic-bonding primer for improved spray paint adhesion. Let dry fully between applications. Primer establishes a roughed up surface to grip onto.
Get Creative Transferring Paint to Planters
This project's success hinges on properly applying paint for crisp definition between contrasting hues. Here are some techniques for flawlessly transferring paint:
Making Masking Tape Designs
If you sketched precise geometric patterns, use painter's tape to mask off triangles, diamonds, lines, and other shapes. Press tape firmly along pot edges for clean borders between colors. Spray or brush paint contingent upon selected hues, then carefully peel away tape before paint fully dries.
Freehand Painting Patterns
For more whimsical designs, forego patterns and bravely freehand paint on dots, shapes, and angles using various paint brushes, sponges, rollers for achieving differing textures and finishes. Experiment with shading by lightly misting lighter tones over bold black and white foundations using spray paint cans for pops of depth and dimension.
Pro Tip: Use stencils as guides when hand painting challenging graphics like concentric circles and parallel lines if lacking confidence initially. Tracing their outlines with a paintbrush builds skill.
Applying Finishing Protective Top Coats
Allow painted planters to fully dry 24-48 hours before handling to prevent damage. Next, seal designs by coating pots with clear matte spray paint, polyurethane, or outdoor acrylic sealants. These provide a protective barrier against fading and add durability.
Display Planters for Dramatic Effect
Thoroughly dried and sealed pots are now ready for installation outdoors. Dig below frosts lines when planting directly, amend soil, fill, and water thoroughly before showcasing your modern masterpieces atop porch pedestals, along stair railings, mounted on walls, or clustered in artistic vignettes.
Creative planter styling ideas include mixing varied sizes and patterns for lots of visual interest. Repeat colors and shapes for a pulled-together collected look. Blend matte and glossy finishes for texture and depth. Mass display different combinations for major impact!
Since plastic painted planters grace outdoor areas, exposure to harsh weather and UV rays take a toll on even the most durable. Help safeguard container longevity and curb fading by:
- Applying fresh sealants annually
- Storing pots in sheds or garages during winter months or extreme weather events
- Rinsing grit using pH-balanced cleaners instead of abrasives
- Touching up paint nicks immediately