Last month I showed you how to take rusty, crusty farm tools and turn them into farmhouse decor. For today’s project, I chose two different thrifted planters: (1) a plastic swan found at a local thrift shop (2) a metal tub from my mother. Not only are they both in solid state, but also really don’t look well together as-is and could use a bit of updating.
If you’re not familiar with my faux zinc finish tutorial, you can all the details on how to achieve this look over there. Take a minute to catch yourself up to speed…I’ll wait. 🙂 Here’s a close look at my other project.
These two planters are going to be part of our ginormous patio makeover project. I plan to give more details on that later this week, so stop back to see!
Now, what could be easier than updating with spray paint?Seriously, you can buy the zinc in a can, but before we do that to a plastic planter, we need to use a special plastic primer.
Next, after giving the surface a good coat of primer and letting cure, now we can grab our can of zinc – aka. Cold Galvanizing Compound Spray Paint.
Here there are ready for the next layer. Lookin’ spiffy, eh?
NEXT STEPS
Then, as detailed in my faux zinc tutorial, I give the surface a wash of white paint which gives us that gorgeous patina appeal.
Finally, here they are all gussied up and part of a sneek-peek of our patio makeover. See the urn from my tutorial? It was painted in early spring and has held up to wind, rain, and hot, hot sun.
Don’t they look great? Likewise, you would never know they weren’t some pricey Restoration Hardware finds.
Additionally, they work with my color scheme I’m using on our patio, and I am excited to have only spent a few dollars to get this look.
So, go on, give this method a try, and create unique decor (indoors and out). You’ll be spraying everything in sight!
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, pin and share so others can makeover their own thrifted planters.
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Also, more of my DIY projects like these thrifted planters:
I was so not sure about that swan, but it looks totally cute now! It almost looks like concrete in the photos. Excellent upcycles, Larissa!
Thank you, Christy! Amazing what a bit of paint can do, isn’t it?
And how great with mums for Fall! Can’t wait to relax with you in the new room!
Yes, mums are everywhere now, and I love filling in with their gorgeous colors for fall decor. I’m ready to relax in our space too!
Wow. I too was thinking “The swan? No way…”. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I’m going to have to try this on a few of my uglies!
Swan, goose, duck…whatever it is, was UGLY, that’s for sure. Grab some paint and give it a try! Before long, you’ll be spraying everything in sight.
Great job Larissa! I love how a little paint changes so much! 🙂
xo
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy! There was no way that swan was going to stick around here in its current condition. Now it fits in nicely.
Love how they turned out. Where did you find the Swan? I’ve been looking for one just like this.
Thank you, Jean! It was at our local Goodwill, but I’m assuming it came from dollar store or WalMart originally. 😉
Wow you really got me on that swan! I can usually see some potential, but I didn’t see it in that! Shame on me though because that ugly duckling really did turn out to be a beautiful swan! Love it so much! Great job!
hee hee hee. It was a fun little project and am happy to have it as a part of our patio decor. My littlest always walks up to it and says, “duck”. Thanks for the love!
What a wonderful transformation. Your patio is so inviting.
Thank you, Debra! We are working on it daily building, staining, painting, and are hoping to have the reveal soon. I’m not a patient person, so I’m very excited! 🙂
Who knew that a plastic swan could look so good Fabulous transformations!!
We had long discussions in our house about if it was a swan or goose. It was fun to have it hear and happy to make it useful. Thanks for the love!
Only you could turn a plastic swan into a gorgeous, expensive looking planter. When I started reading this post I thought, Junk Queen or not, there is no way in heck she is going to make that ugly thing look good. No surprise you proved me wrong.
Thank you for the moring giggle, Marie. (and thanks for the confidence, BTW! 😀 ) When I saw it in the store, I hesitated, but thought to myself, “There’s only one way to find out!”. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh no, this knowledge could be seriously dangerous for me. And my bank account. 😉 I want to paint. all. the. things.
hahaha…yes! I’m hooked and spray painting couldn’t be easier. Have fun and share what you do!
Looks fantastic!! Great job!
Thank you so much!
Such a very cool makeover! Who knew that plastic swan could look so chic?! 😉
Thank you, Jen! It’s a quirky find for sure.