The Kind Of Paint You Should Use On Concrete Plant Pots

If you have concrete plant pots that need some decorating, paint offers one basic solution. Since concrete plant pots have highly porous surfaces though, you must choose the right kind of paint to get a lasting paint job. Some post-painting work can also help keep the new paint job looking its best.

Before painting concrete plant pots, you must apply a latex primer to the surface of the pots. The latex primer prevents the paint used on the surface of the plant pots from seeping in through the concrete to the soil inside, which may be detrimental to plant health and growth. Apply spray primer or brush primer on with a paintbrush, allow the primer to dry and add a second coat of primer, allowing it to dry fully before painting.

If you want to spray paint a concrete plant pot, make sure you choose a spray paint labeled for masonry, which adheres to the concrete more effectively than standard spray paints. Do not spray paint the concrete plant pots while they have plants inside of them. To paint, turn the pots upside down on a covered surface, hold the spray can 8 to 12 inches from the pots and spray in an even coat.

Any type of paint labeled for masonry or cement can be used on the outer surface of a concrete plant pot once the pot has been primed. Many of these paints are labeled as floor paints, but should also list individual surfaces on which the paint is effective. Brush cement paints onto the exterior of the plant pots using a paintbrush, and allow the first coat to dry fully to see how the color turns out. If the color appears too light, add additional layers of paint as needed.

When you finish painting a concrete plant pot with either masonry or spray paint, apply a coat of sealer to the exterior of the pots. Sealer creates a waterproof exterior to lock the paint in and prevent the release of water through the planter. Make sure the planter has drainage at the bottom though, or you may water log the plant, which can lead to mildew and root rot.