How to make a rusty tub planter

Habitat bright ideas with Fleur Thorpe – DIY projects

Create a rust effect on a metal tub and turn it into a planter for your garden. Fleur Thorpe shows you how.

How to make a rusty tub planter
Weatherboard colour – Resene Triple Ash

You will need

Metal tub/drinks cooler
Sandpaper
Resene Galvo-Prime
Electric drill and large drill bit
Resene FX Faux Rust Effect kit
Paint stirrer
Paintbrush

Plastic container
Rubber gloves
Spray bottle and water
Cardboard
Potting mix
Plants

Instructions

Step 1: Start by using a large drill bit and an electric drill to drill some holes in the bottom of the tub for drainage. (Photo 1).

Step 2: Give the outside and the top 8-9cm on the inside a sand with a medium grit sandpaper. Dust the tub down with a soft dry cloth.

Step 3: Use Resene Galvo-Prime to paint the outside of the tub, as well as the top 8-9cm on the inside. (Photo 3).

Step 1 - Rusty tub planter
Step one

Step 3 - Rusty tub planter
Step three

Step 4 - Rusty tub planter
Step four

Step 4: Use a strong paint stirrer to give the can of Resene FX Faux Rust Effect a good stir. Paint it on to the tub, including the inside edge, and allow time to dry. (Photo 4).

Step 5: Paint on a second coat of Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. After an hour, or when it is still slightly tacky, use a clean paintbrush to paint on the Resene FX Faux Rust Effect Activator. Pour the Activator into a clean plastic container and brush it on. It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves at this stage and to have the tub sitting on some cardboard to collect any drips. (Photo 5).

Step 5 - Rusty tub planter
Step five

Step 6 - Rusty tub planter
Step six

Detail - Rusty tub planter
Rust detail

Step 6: Allow the tub to dry for 12 hours. After 12 hours, use a spray bottle to spray clean water on to the tub. (Photo 6).

Step 7: Put a layer of stones in the bottom of the tub to help with drainage, fill with good quality potting mix, and add your favourite plants. (Finished project).

Top tip: You can practice the Resene rust effect technique on a sample panel first to make sure you achieve the rust look you desire, then use that same technique on your main project. The sample can be used as a reference for the main project to help you get a consistent finish.

Styling and images by Fleur Thorpe. December 2020.

Habitat bright ideas
Need to add colour, pattern or a little creativity to your place? Check out these easy step by step DIY project ideas created in collaboration with Fleur Thorpe. We hope you enjoy making and painting these bright ideas and bringing colour to your home inside or out.

Fleur's projects | Habitat bright ideas

Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com