Transform an Ordinary Patio Planter into a Custom Side Table

Your deck or patio is an extension of your home. It’s a place to relax, entertain and enjoy the sunshine. Because your outdoor living space is part of your home, it’s important to put a personal touch on it too, and what better way to do that than with some custom furniture? 

A side table is an essential complement to your seating. But it’s more than just a place to put your drinks. Outdoor side tables are a great way to introduce pops of color and texture. But rather than settle for a basic table you can get at the store, you can express your creativity and make your own.  

Here, we’ll show you an easy, affordable way to transform a basic planter into a magnificent patio table. All you need is a few hours, a couple cans of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1 and your imagination.  

 

Safety guidelines  

You should apply spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage. Be sure to avoid open heat sources like electric heaters with exposed elements and gas heaters and keep paint cans stored away from heat. Also never paint near open flames or sparks, and never smoke while using spray paint.  

1. To start, you’ll need a large planter and something that fits on top.

• For the planter, you can choose almost anything, but we recommend going with something durable. For Plastic or Galvanized metal planters, use Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer to ensure the paint sticks to the surface. Avoid terracotta because it’s just a little too fragile to use as a side table that you’ll want to move around from time to time.
• For the top, we used a pizza pan, because it’s flat and lays perfectly on top of the planter.

2. Lay down a drop cloth somewhere outside or in a well-ventilated area, like the garage with the door open. This is where you’ll be doing your priming and painting.  

3. Clean the surfaces of the planter and the pizza pan. If they’re brand new, you can just wipe it down with some soap and water. But if you’re using an older planter that’s been sitting outside, scrub off any accumulated dirt on the surface.  

4. If the planter has been painted previously or if it has been outside and developed rust, lightly sand away the old paint/rust. In cases where extensive rust has developed, use a wire brush, or a wire wheel attached to a drill or angle grinder to remove it before sanding.   

5. If your planter is made of smooth plastic or metal, it should be sanded to give the paint some texture to adhere to.

6. Within the hour or after 48 hours, you can start painting the surfaces with the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Custom Spray 5-in-1. Shake the can vigorously for one minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle. Use the #1 High Output to cover the sides of the planter.

•  If you’re using a tall planter, spray up and down with the #5 Horizontal Fan for even coverage on the sides.  

 

7. Use the #3 Low Output to paint under the lip of the planter and any details on it.  

• If you really want to give it some flair, you can use stencils to add design touches. Paint those using the #3 Low Output.  

8. For added protection and lasting color, repeat these steps with Stop Rust Crystal Clear Enamel with Custom Spray 5-in-1 within one hour, or after 48 hours when the paint has fully cured.