• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Momcrieff
  • About Me
    • Contact me
  • Recipes
    • Three Ingredient Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
    • Salads and Dressings
    • Soups
    • Baked Items
    • Desserts & Treats
  • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Protein
    • Air Fryer Sides
  • Gardening
    • Spring Gardening
    • Fall Gardening
    • Gardening And Landscaping
    • Planters / Containers
    • Misc. & Chores
  • Misc.
    • My 100 year old home
    • Home Ownership
    • Vacations
      • Family Vacation
    • DIY
      • DIY
      • Valentine's Day
      • Spring
      • Fabulous Fall!
      • Christmas & Winter
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • 1923 House
  • Easy Recipes
  • Gardening
  • DIY
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Gardening & Outdoors

    Flower Pot Painting

    Published: Jan 28, 2023 · Modified: Jan 15, 2023 by Susan Moncrieff · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Spending just a bit of time painting a planter pot will give you a pretty and unique planter! It doesn't take long to do, is not expensive but can give you a fun and distinct high-end look.

    black and white painted planters on the grass

    Painting plastic flower pots

    This is such an easy way to make them look pretty or to stand out! Surprisingly, with all the color variations we see on plastic items, it's rare to see a pretty plant pot.

    Look at this fun black and white triangle design on my planter on the right. I wasn't sure if this project would work but it sure did!! And, judging from the comments I get when I'm out in my yard, people like the bold designs on the planters.

    Black and White Flower Pots

    If you are looking for large flower pot black and white painting ideas, you are in the right place!  This pot has a circumference of almost 40 inches, so it is big!  Obviously, you can scale your design to any size you'd like.

    black and white triangle painted planter

    Where did you get your idea/inspiration to paint a black and white planter?

    I saw black and white designed flower planters in a Frontgate catalog that was mailed to my house. I absolutely LOVED the styles of the outdoor flower pots shown and really wanted a black and white container garden! BUT, the planters would have cost me over $250 each and would have been about ⅓ of the size of the planters I already had. After walking around with that ripped-out page from the catalog in my purse for about a week, I decided I could make something similar for a fraction of the cost!!

    ***Update***

    The planter below is now 4 years old! It is kept outside in Wisconsin and used for year round seasonal pots.

    black and white painted planter


    I've been asked to share my fall planter posts so here it is!
    My Fall Planters!

     

    black and white planter with purple mum and a pumpkin

    Supplies to paint planters

    Planters (mine were plastic). Use some that are in good shape.
    My planters are 39 inches around the top.
    Sandpaper & sanding block or small sander
    white spray paint (1 can)
    **I used a Rustoleum paint that specifically said it bonds to plastic. Other brands have spray paints that also are for painting plastic.

    Instructions

    If you are looking to recycle or upcycle flower pots, this is how!  Empty pots and spray thoroughly with water to get any dirt off.  This is the 'before' of my two planters.   I had purchased them because they were BIG.  These planters are 39 inches around the top.  They were a lucky clearance find at Costco a couple of years ago.  But, I never loved the color!

    two big burgendy platic planters


    Do a quick rough sand to get the glossy finish off and to smooth any imperfections.

    chocolate banana muffins
    FREE SIGN UP

    Looking for super easy delicious recipes? Sign up and I'll send them!

    spraying planters with water after sanding

    The planter on the right is what the planter looked like right after sanding.   I just used the jet setting to spray the sanding dust off of my planters.

    After the planters have dried, spray paint the base coat on.  I painted them both white.

    spray painting the planters

    It's hard to see here, but I have the pot elevated with a small pot so I can easily paint the bottom edge.  Then I have an old sheet (that I use when there are frost warnings) covering everything so I don't paint my driveway.

    Make sure to follow the directions on the paint can as far as weather and technique!  Less is more.  You are better off painting extra thin coats than trying to rush the job and get all kinds of paint runs.

    planters painted white

    It took three coats to fully coat these.   The one on the right had one coat and the closer one (on the left) had two coats.  After three coats, they looked like I wanted them too.   This does not take long to do!  The paint is dry to the touch in a few minutes and then I just painted the next coat.   The only thing that makes this take long is if you don't buy enough spray paint and you have to get more paint!

    painters tape on white planter with a geometric design

    The first planter that I painted, I used a lot of math and strategy.  I figured out that if the circumference was 39 inches and I wanted each shape to be roughly 5 inches wide, there would be 8 shapes.   I marked the measurements on the painter's tape.

    painters tape design complete on white painted planter planter
    putting painters tape on planter to create a painted design

    Honestly, after I spent all the time measuring the top section, I became impatient. I eyeballed the bottom section and it turned out just as nice but way wayyyy faster. The key was to try to make sure the design looked even. For example, I tried to keep the shapes the same size and the tape the same angle.

    Before spray painting. Make sure all the tape (especially the ends & edges) are firmly attached. I just did that by hand. Then I spray painted the pots with black spray paint.

    spray painting white pot with painters tape design black

    My neighbor couldn't figure out what the heck I was doing and came over to see what my project was about!  Can I tell you that it was really fun pulling the tape off and exposing the white lines?  I was honestly surprised at how sharp the lines were!

    I only painted two black coats and waited about ½ hour before pulling off the tape.

    taking painters tape off of painted planter

    The black and white triangle painted planter

    I totally eyeballed the placement of the painter's tape on this one. It was MUCH quicker and turned out just as good. Actually, this planter is the one everyone seems to love the most!

    I put the painter's tape in a triangle formation, making sure each triangle was roughly the same size. The joy of painter's tape is you can reposition it!

    putting painters tape on planter to create a painted design

    I wanted some solid black parts and also to keep some triangles and diamond shapes white. So I just carefully filled in the parts I wanted white with lots of small pieces of painter's tape.

    filling in areas to remain white with painters tape.

    You can be a precise as you would like to be.  The more precise you are, the longer this project will take.  I didn't measure anything with this one.  I just tried to keep the sizes visually the same and kept the lines from the top section to the bottom even.   I also visually tried to keep the sections where the painter's tape crossed even from the bottom so the finished design would look uniform.

    spray painting the black and white diamond planter

    Two light coats of black spray paint about 20 minutes apart was all this took!

    pulling off painter's tape to reveal design

    I have to say the most enjoyable part of this painting project was pulling off the painter's tape.   I totally enjoyed exposing the patterns and straight lines!

    The finished black and white triangle & diamond-shaped painted planter.

    black and white triangle painted planter

    Here are my two planters side by side.   I debated making two the same but really wanted to do two different patterns.  I decided I don't have to have matching planters, I'm going for the artsy coordinated look.

    black and white planters on the grass

    One positive thing that happened is these plastic plants look much more high-end.  They even look like they might be made out of a heavier material like cement.

    This is one of my favorite spray paint projects!  I could have paid over $500 to get two much smaller black and white planters.   But I bought about $20 in supplies (spray paint on sale and one roll of painter's tape since I also used up some old tape).

    Don't be afraid to try spray painting things.  They always turn out better than I expect and I get unique pieces at a very inexpensive price.

    Some of my other spray painted projects

    Spray painted herb garden planter (updating a kitchen container)

    Spray paint dried hydrangeas

    Spray paint your old Christmas village white!

    25 Outdoor Planter Ideas

    black and white painted planters on the grass
    Print
    5 from 1 vote

    Flower Pot Painting

    How to paint beautiful black and white planters
    Calories:
    Author: Susan Moncrieff

    Materials

    • 2 large plastic planters
    • 1 piece sandpaper
    • 1 block sanding block
    • 2 cans white spray paint I use Rustoleum paint that specifies it bonds to plastic
    • 2 cans black spray paint
    • 1 roll painter's tape

    Instructions

    • Empty pots and spray thoroughly with water to get any dirt off.
    • Do a quick rough sand to get the glossy finish off and to smooth any imperfections
    • Place pot on protected surface (tarp, garbage bags, old sheets) and elevate pot so you can spray bottom edge without having to turn pot around.
    • Ensure planters are thoroughly dry, then spray paint your base color on (in my case it was white). Thin coats are best. It took me 3 light coats (do not spray heavy coats).
      Read the back of spray can for information of temperature, technique and drying time.
    • Tape your design onto pot with painter's tape. All covered areas will be white when tape is removed.
    • Ensure everything you would like to be your base color (white) is covered well with the tape. Double check!
    • Paint any exposed area with the secondary color (black). Thin coats! The black only took me 2 coats for each planter.
    • Once you have ensured spray paint is dry (per can instructions), fill with soil and happy planting!
    black and white painted planters

    Looking for some planter ideas and Inspiration?

    More Gardening & Outdoors

    • Over 20 flower planter ideas from my neighborhood!
      31 Planter Ideas and Inspiration
    • vintage planter with green patina
      How to Find Cheap Planters (and Repurpose What You Already Have)
    • dark pink peony in full bloom.
      16 Spring Garden Flowers for Late Spring
    • A patch of blue siberian squill flowers.
      What Are Those Blue Flowers in Your Lawn? (It Might Be Siberian Squill)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Leslie

      May 08, 2025 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love these pots! They will definitely elevate any exterior…it will take your curb appeal up a couple of notches! So creative, thanks Susan

      Reply
    2. Kim

      May 12, 2022 at 7:39 am

      Classic colors for any season! Just beautiful!!

      Reply
    3. Kate

      May 09, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      These are so fun! I love the black and white geometric patterns that you chose to do and that they cost so little to transform!!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        May 11, 2022 at 9:01 am

        Thanks for your kind words! I'm just planting them for their second year and am happy to report they are just as pretty and the paint held up perfectly over the winter.

        Reply
    4. Sara

      May 09, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      These are both fabulous! I wouldn't have the patience to even start with doing the math lol! So i don't blame you for winging the rest. Couldn't have turned out better!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        May 11, 2022 at 9:02 am

        Sometimes, I just call a project ART. Then it shouldn't involve math!

        Reply
    5. Brooke Fedigan

      May 09, 2022 at 12:44 pm

      What a fun project! I just love DIY planters. We have planters all over our backyard, patio, and garden. This is for sure giving me some amazing ideas to try. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Rosemary Palmer

      June 13, 2021 at 7:50 am

      No telling how many coats of paint some of my planters have - such an easy, and cheap way to change things up. And black and white has always been a favorite for me.

      Reply
    7. Michelle Leslie

      June 07, 2021 at 11:34 am

      My hubby says I'm obsessed with planters, so he's going to flip when I steal your idea for some of ours 😀 I love how they turned out, Susan

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        September 30, 2021 at 12:11 pm

        They are fun to make and inexpensive if you use a planter you already have!

        Reply
    8. Sara

      June 07, 2021 at 9:06 am

      Love how these turned out. Black and white is classic!

      Reply
    9. Denise

      June 07, 2021 at 8:45 am

      The planters turned out great. I love the black and white. i have a couple of planters I'd like to try this on.

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        September 30, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        It's been almost 5 months since I've made these planters and they still look great! I think you will be pleased with the results when you make yours!

        Reply
    10. Anita Holland

      June 07, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Wow, they look so classy and expensive. I would never have guessed they were plastic. The colours and designs you chose work perfectly together.

      Reply
    11. Cat Michaels

      June 07, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Wow! I spray paint my planters all the time, Susan, but just a single color. Can't wait to try your technique to do those awesome geometric designs. Thanks for the tips!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Susan! I love sharing easy recipes, especially those that take less than 30 minutes and have less than 5 ingredients. I'm passionate about gardening and creating flower planters. My home is 100 years old and sometimes you will see it in my posts! It was a true fixer upper and I love it!

    More about me →

    Subscribe to Momcrieff

    Trending Articles...

    • An air fried sweet potato with a pat of butter melting in it and salt and pepper on it.
      Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
    • close up of three ingredient peanut butter cookies
      3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Easy & Naturally Gluten-Free)
    • pasta bar ingredients including cooked spaghetti, spiral pasta, tomatos, cucumbers, steamed broccoli, hard boiled eggs, feta cheese, cut up rotisserie chicken, peppers.
      Easy Pasta Bar Ideas
    • 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins in muffin tin
      2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
    • Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes in a blue bowl with a sprig of rosemary beside the bowl.
      Easy Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes
    • shortbread cookies on a white plate
      Simple and Delicious Shortbread Cookies
    • 3 ingredient chocolate banana muffins
      Banana chocolate muffins - 3 ingredients.
    • a serving of peach cobbler with a crispy topping and peaches showing. Served on a white plate.
      3 Ingredient Peach Cobbler
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Susan Moncrieff
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact

    Categories

    • Easy Recipes
    • Gardening
    • Flower Planters / Container Gardens

    Most Popular

    • 31+ Outdoor Planters
    • My Raised Garden Beds
    • Three Ingredient Peach Cobbler
    • Deconstructed cabbage rolls

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.