DIY Planter from Upcycled Paint Cans

For this trash, to treasure DIY we will be transforming discarded paint cans into farmhouse-style DIY flower pots that offer a touch of vintage simplicity.

Today, I will be showing you how I transformed these empty gallon paint cans into beautiful SPRING DIY flower pots. My goal was to find something budget-friendly that would match my decor and be functional. So I went on a search through my empty container stash!

These paint cans fit the bill! Not only were these gallon cans the perfect size but they were sturdy enough to safely carry my plants outside on warm days for sun!

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I count it as a bonus anytime we can create beauty using items we already have on hand – It’s a win-win for our budget and our environment.

In this post, I will also share with you 3 FREE printable designs that you can print out and use to create your own flower pot containers. I designed two different sizes to fit gallon cans as well as pint-size ones.

DIY flower pots are just one way to use an old paint can

Spring is finally here in the North Country as we anxiously await warmer temperatures to be able to dig in the dirt and plant our gardens. Here indoors we have flowers in full bloom along with seeds that have sprouted and grown at an incredible rate.

I’ve been blessed with some gorgeous flowering plants as gifts and wanted to have them on display while we wait for warmer planting temps.

How can I reuse an old paint can?

I love to repurpose and restore items with a fresh coat of paint giving them new life. Taking an old or scuffed item and adding some paint not only brightens and refreshes but transforms making them visually appealing.

Between our old shop and home restore projects, I have quite a few empty cans of paint just waiting for a repurpose project like this one. Looking back I knew if I hung on to them that someday I would be glad that I did.

Cleaning out the paint cans wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Hot soapy water, my plant-based cleaner, and lots of elbow grease! Not going to lie, removing the latex paint all in one giant removable layer was mesmerizing. However, the flat ceiling paint with primer took a lot more work but a Magic Eraser and a putty knife did the trick.

Materials & Tools

• Empty Paint Cans
• White Spray Paint w Primer
• Painter’s Tape
• Copy of Labels (use sticker paper or regular copy paper)
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Small Paint Brush

How to make DIY flower pots/planters

This project is not only easy but can in a day – the only trick is to allow the paint to dry between coats properly so you won’t have peeling or chipping.

1. Remove the label along with any glue or stickiness. (Use Goo-Gone or a couple of drops of lemon oil to remove stubborn label glue)
2. Wash the can with hot soapy water
3. Spray a thin layer of paint with primer. Let dry for a few hours & repeat.
4. Print out your label. You can choose to print on sticker paper, transfer, or regular copy paper.

5. Apply your label. If using regular paper add a thin coat of Mod Podge “one small area at a time” directly on the can. (not on the label because it can cause label wrinkling).
Gently smooth the label with your thumb as you go to ensure air pockets are removed.
6. Allow the label to completely dry then add a thin layer of Mod Podge to the entire can. A second coat may be needed once the first is fully dried. This will help your paint & label adhere and prevent cracking and chipping of your paint.
7. If you plan on planting directly into the can be sure to drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

How can I add my own style to these DIY flower pots

The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do with your labels! It will depend on what style of look you want. Anything from shabby chic to primitive grunge is possible.

• Distress edges of can or label w fine-grit sandpaper or add some distressing using a fine tip sharpie.
• Skip the labels and decoupage the entire can using paper or napkins.
• For a vintage-aged look, you can rub coffee grounds or dab a wet tea bag onto your label.
• Print your label out on music sheets, a typed or handwritten note, or an image.
• Slightly tearing off the outside edges of your label also adds a shabby or vintage look lightly distressed w fine-grit sandpaper. 
• You can also add embellishments after your can is dry. Some options are to add buttons, 3d stickers, bows, ribbons, fabric flowers, fabric scraps, twine, etc. 
• You can decorate the paint can lid and add a drawer knob to the top to use as a container. 

Pin & Save for Later!

Free Printable Labels for You!

3 images in two sizes images to download & print!

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I hope this post has inspired you to grab some old paint cans & give them a new purpose! Please comment below & share your upcycled paint can ideas!
Blessings,
Kim