How To Make A Plastic Planter Look Like Aged Concrete

Mix your favorite paint color and sand together. It produces a textured finish on anything you paint. I mixed gray paint and sand together to achieve an aged concrete look on a plastic planter.
Hometalk Recommends!
Plastic pieces are great for experimenting with new paint techniques!
This is how the plastic pot looked when I found it at the junk shop. I liked the lines on the pot. Kind of art deco looking.
This was definitely a trial and error project. But that’s the way I work most of the time.
I started the project with this small sample of Behr paint in off white.
Next I have my bag of beach sound for projects just like this one.
I mixed the sand and paint together without measuring anything because that’s how I roll.
Right after painting the plastic pot I decided the color was too white.
I found a gray color in my stash and mixed up more sand and paint and brushed that mixture over the white paint.
It was still too light for me. I found a dark gray paint and added black to the paint to make it darker. Then I added the sand to the paint. I brushed the dark gray mix on and let it dry. Then I mixed more black paint with the dark gray mixture and just brushed it over a few areas on the pot.
Don't be afraid to experiment or change the original plan on a project if it isn't working. See my water dipper flower pot here..... Upcycled and Recycle Flower Pot Ideas.
Then I dry brushed the original light color paint over the dark gray pot.
The pot looks great! Find more of my unique planter ideas here.... Upcycled Flower Pot Ideas.
Enjoyed the project?

Comments
Join the conversation
-
-
-
-
Em on May 15, 2025
An easy way to get the sand on is to do one side at a time. Spread the paint on thick then sprinkle the sand on it while it is on it's side and still very wet. When dry keep turning it to the next side until you get all 4 sides and corners. Paint the next layer (color) (s) of paint on top until you get the look you want. It is easier than trying to spread sand with a brush mixed in the paint.
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What are Funky ideas?
How to clean it when dirt/mud gets on surface?
I painted 3 using regular kids play sand. 5lb.bag 3.99. Leftover plenty projects 😉 Mixed, but, added some school glue ( for weathered tight & water tight ) help. As painting a specific color anyhow? After rock hard drying. Then applied paint. Not @ all heavy, just l👀k it! They haveheld up great! 😉 I'm glad to see I'm not the only busy 🐝 out there 🤗