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.

You will need

  • 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).

Resene Triple Ash

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.