Easy Steps to Create Durable Planter Covers

Last year, I transformed 2 outdoor planters I found at the At Home Store. I loved the shape and size of the planters but not the color. So I painted them and then added faux boxwoods that I found at Hobby Lobby. ( For the full process click HERE)

I kept them out through the Christmas season because they were a part of the decorative decor. But the colder temps, snow and wind caused a crack in one.

I didn’t want to throw them out. so I decided to repair the crack ( I used silicone caulk, then painted the planter and added 3 coats of polyurethane as a protective measure). 

Once the crack was repaired, I realized that this same thing could happen again just due to the fact that water will get trapped in the bottom of the planters, so I decided to create a top cover for both planters. 

First I took the weighted pieces off both planters. Then I removed the poles from inside the boxwoods. 

Once I had the poles I knew they would be put into the center of whatever material I used as the top cover. I chose foamboard, because it’s easy to cut, sturdy and would give me a little give when adjusting it to fit the planter. I think you could do the measurements and use a piece of wood too.

After cutting the foam board to the planter top size, and tracing the hole for the pole, I cut into the center of the foam board and made sure the pole fit snugly into the opening.

Next I hot glued the bottom of the pole to the foamboard, I used a lot of glue to make sure it also filled some of the hole too.

After the glue was fully dried, I sprayed boths sides of the foam board with Flex Seal. Flex Seal is a protective coating that is made to weatherize outdoor items. I followed the directions and let the first coat dry for 24 hours before spraying the second coat.

Once both coats were dried, I added the top covers to the planters. They were pushed down firmly into place and I made sure they were snug with no give. I sprayed more Flex Seal, focusing on the sides and filling any gaps and cracks.

I waited another 24 hours for the Flex Seal to completely dry and then added the faux boxwood to the poles. I’ m very happy with how solid the top cover feels and how secure the base is within the planter.

Working with Flex Seal was easy, the smell is very strong, so make sure you work with it outside and allow your items to dry outside as well. I look forward to seeing how the planters hold up this holiday season, but so far, so good.