Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Thrifted Planter Makeover

Today, I want to share with you a super simple planter makeover we just completed with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

One of my favorite parts about this job is that I often have to source materials and decorative items for clients, family members and friends. We shopped for three months for the items we used at the horse farm project, I’ve spent a good portion of this week sourcing items for Loblolly Manor and I’ve also been picking out paint samples for a laundry room makeover at Marsh Winds.

Over the years, I’ve been able to build up a good rapport with local vendors, estate sale managers and antiques dealers which makes my job a lot easier. It’s honestly like having a second set of eyes at locations in other parts of the country I wouldn’t necessarily have time to travel to. If you guys have a chance to get to know people like this in your area it definitely pays off.

These metal planters fell into my lap because a vendor saved them back for me. She thought they would be perfect because of all the pretty detailing. I about fell over when I picked them up and they were only a $1 each.

“Ok, you gotta tell me what you’re going to use these for,” she said.

I hesitated for a split second before responding, “I don’t know yet…maybe plants or little soaps or bath salts…or to hold office supplies or maybe for a cute outdoor hot chocolate buffet…they would be awesome at containing paint brushes or craft supplies and I can totally see them all dressed up with berries for summer on the porches too.” Then I thought about something way more obvious, “Oh my gosh, you could even use them for a shell collection!”

She immediately started laughing and said, “I didn’t even want them until I heard you rattle off that list. I think I want them back now. My only thought was that they would be used for planters but now that I know they can be used for all of that, I’m rethinking this transaction.”

Thankfully, she was totally kidding and I made it home with the planters and a box of other things too. It had me wondering how many times we pass something up because we can’t think of a way to use it outside of the obvious, you know?

Here’s a look at a quick and simple planter makeover in case you find dollar containers like this at your own local thrift store or you have something similar around the house…( Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

SUPPLIES:

A cup of water

Lint free paper towels

Fine Grit Sandpaper (I used 180-grit)

Paint Brush

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (we used Pure White but you can use whatever color you like best)

Tarp or protective covering for your project surface

Dark Paste Wax

Wax Brush (I use this one and I’m not really sure why it didn’t get better reviews)

STEPS:

If your metal planter is new or has any kind of shiny finish to it, you’ll want to sand it just a bit with a fine grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to give it some tooth.

I almost always start with a damp paintbrush which means I dip the paintbrush into a cup of water, blot the bristles on a lint free paper towel, then dip the damp paintbrush into the paint. It’s worth noting here you don’t want the bristles soaking wet or your paint will run.

Once you’re finished painting the planter, set aside and allow it to completely dry.

After the paint has had plenty of time to dry, use a wax brush and your choice of dark furniture paste wax (I had to use Minwax dark wax because I was out of the Annie Sloan Dark Furniture Wax and the finish was definitely lighter than the Annie Sloan dark wax)

and apply the dark paste wax directly to the painted planter.

The last step is to distress as desired.

Could this be any easier you guys! Some of you may recognize this piece from our winter mantel but there are so many other ways and in other rooms you can use this same metal painted planter…

the breakfast nook

the kitchen…

the home office…

the bedroom…

and the bathroom just to name a few.

I don’t want to get all “Bubba Gump” on you guys with a million ways to use containers like these but I do hope it helps you to see similar items that may be in your home in a completely different light.

What do you have in your home right now that can be reused in a fresh way? We’d love to hear about it!

See you guys back here tomorrow. I’ll share scenes from our week and all of our favorite things from around the web. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo