Do you have some terra cotta planters (or any other material) that needs some sprucing up? This fun and easy planter project can transform your flower pots and planters in just an afternoon! Hydro dipped planters also make a beautiful gift!
What is hydro dipping?
Hydro dipping has been around for years, even when I was younger, but called something different. Hydro means water, and this technique involves using water and spray paint. The paint sits on the surface of the water, and then an object (shoes, pots, etc.) are dipped into the water. The paint sitting on the surface of the water sticks to the object being dipped and voila! You have a hydro dipped object.
Hydro dipping creates beautiful swirls of color on whatever object being dipped and each project can vary based on what colors you have on hand and how you choose to layer the colors in the water. There are some great video tutorials on Youtube to help you if you like a visual.
What you need to hydro dip
- bucket or plastic container
- water
- spray paint (3-4 colors)
- object to dip
- latex gloves
How to hydro dip a planter
- Begin by filling your bucket or plastic container at least halfway with water. You want to be able to dip your planter all the way in, so be sure the water is as deep as your planter. (Set your water out in the sun to warm up or add some hot water to bring the water up to a lukewarm temperature.)
- While water is warming up, be sure your planter is clean. Shake up your spray paint cans and decide which colors you want next to one another once you being spraying.
- Begin to make the dip by spraying paint onto the surface of the water. The pattern is completely up to you, but we chose to spray the paint in different areas all around the container, instead of just spraying in the middle of the container. (Spraying in the middle works well if you’re going for a less swirled pattern.)
4. Once you have the surface covered with paint and in the pattern you want, you’re ready to start dipping!
5. Dip your planter in the water, turning to make sure the paint grabs onto the surface of the planter. (For an added pop of color, paint your planters white a day before hydro dipping.) Pull the planter out of the water and let dry for several hours.
6. Once your hydro dipped planters are dry, grab your favorite plant or flowers and plant them! Keep them in a bright spot or gift a hydro dipped planter to a friend or teacher.
Other DIY garden projects:
- DIY Striped Flower Pot
- Raised Garden Bed
- Garden marker tutorials
- Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe Board
- Dollar Store Garden Gathering Basket
I’d love to know if you give this DIY garden project a try and what colors you choose to create your hydro dipped planter. Have a great week and happy gardening!
Hydro Dipped Planters
Update old and worn out flower pots and planters by hydro dipping beautiful swirls and patterns onto them with just spray paint and water.
Materials
- bucket or plastic container
- water
- spray paint (3-4 colors)
- object to dip
- latex gloves
Instructions
- Begin by filling your bucket or plastic container at least halfway with water. You want to be able to dip your planter all the way in, so be sure the water is as deep as your planter. (Set your water out in the sun to warm up or add some hot water to bring the water up to a lukewarm temperature.)
- While water is warming up, be sure your planter is clean. Shake up your spray paint cans and decide which colors you want next to one another once you being spraying.
- Begin to make the dip by spraying paint onto the surface of the water. The pattern is completely up to you, but we chose to spray the paint in different areas all around the container, instead of just spraying in the middle of the container. (Spraying in the middle works well if you're going for a less swirled pattern.)
- Once you have the surface covered with paint and in the pattern you want, you're ready to start dipping!
- Dip your planter in the water, turning to make sure the paint grabs onto the surface of the planter. (For an added pop of color, paint your planters white a day before hydro dipping.) Pull the planter out of the water and let dry for several hours.
- Once your hydro dipped planters are dry, grab your favorite plant or flowers and plant them! Keep them in a bright spot or gift a hydro dipped planter to a friend or teacher.
Peggy
Sunday 16th of May 2021
I have been hydro dipping clear glass. I finish them with a clear spray finish to help insure it stays on. Instead of using spray paint I have collected gobs of everyone’s old unwanted nail polish. Something they would have tossed in the trash anyway. The clear vases are from everyone what has that unwanted collection in their basement. Accept the clear finish spray everything I use is absolutely free and prevented from the landfill. I propagate plants and plant these hydro dipped vases and sell them at a local market.
Courtney
Sunday 16th of May 2021
That's a wonderful idea, Peggy! I hope people love your creativity and resourcefulness at your local market!
karen
Thursday 17th of September 2020
I have lots of clay coloured plastic planters. do I need to prepare the planters somehow, like roughing up the surface?
Courtney
Friday 18th of September 2020
Hi Karen! Good question. The only way I prepared mine was making sure they were clean, but for plastic pots, I could see how roughing up the surface might be a good measure to take. Let me know how it turns out!