Caring for Your Concrete Planters - Tips to Help Them Last for Years
- Astrid van Essen
- Dec 31, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Home gardeners who love the look of concrete planters will quickly learn that they require extra care to keep them in good condition. These hefty pots are durable, but as a porous material, they can still deteriorate from freeze-thaw cycles, stains, scratches, and other damage.
The good news is that cement planters can enhance your outdoor space for many years with proper maintenance.
Follow these tips for keeping them protected and preventing common issues:
Choose a Sun-Safe Planter Location
Location plays a crucial role in concrete planter longevity. Placing pots in direct sunlight can cause damage to the concrete over time, as moisture expands and contracts. The harsh UV rays can also fade decorative finishes. Positioning your planters in an area with partial sun or dappled shade is ideal. Watch for cracks around drain holes, as they can indicate problems with sun exposure. You can also stain or seal with a UV-protectant to minimise fading.
Use Gravel or Pot Feet Underneath For Drainage
Excess moisture leads to many problems. Elevating concrete planters is essential to creating better drainage. Place pots up on feet or plant stands, if available. Or add a base layer of pea gravel in plant saucers to lift the planters from water. Do not let them sit directly in saucers full of water, as the saturated concrete base can deteriorate over time due to freeze-thaw cycles or promote bacterial growth.
Lift Your Planters with Concrete Pot Feet
Using concrete pot feet to elevate your planters is a simple yet highly effective way to protect them from moisture and prolong their lifespan. By lifting planters just an inch off the ground, pot feet improve drainage and reduce the risk of standing water soaking into the concrete. This can be especially beneficial in areas with heavy rainfall or cold climates, as water exposure and freeze-thaw cycles can weaken concrete and cause cracks over time.
Also, lifting the pots allows for better air circulation around the base, reducing mould and mildew growth potential. When selecting pot feet, choose ones that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of your planter and weather-resistant to ensure they can withstand outdoor elements. By incorporating this small detail, you’ll help keep your concrete planters in top shape season after season.
Apply an Acrylic Sealer Periodically
Maintaining a protective coating is especially important for textured concrete planters, which have more surface area where moisture and debris can collect. Sealing all types of concrete pots with an acrylic sealer on a yearly or every two-year basis helps water bead off the surface rather than soaking into the material.
This extends longevity and resists staining over time. Check for sealer wear if planters look extra dirty with well-defined water lines. To recoat, clean the pot and follow the sealer application directions.
Understanding Sealing's Impact on Porosity and Maintenance of Concrete
When sealing concrete, it is important to understand how this process affects porosity and maintenance, particularly in comparison to planters.
The Role of Sealing in Reducing Porosity
Concrete is a porous material by nature. Without sealing, it can absorb moisture and other substances, potentially leading to undesirable effects such as staining or degradation. Sealing acts as a protective barrier, significantly decreasing the material's porosity. For indoor items like coasters, candles, or key holders, this reduction in porosity helps prevent the concrete from becoming powdery and losing its sleek appearance over time.
Maintenance and Durability
Sealing also plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and durability of concrete crafts. Unlike planters, which are often exposed to soil, water, and frequent weather changes, concrete crafts inside your home are typically shielded from the elements. However, they still benefit from sealing to protect them from everyday wear and tear, like scratches and minor spills. While sealers aren't a guarantee against damage, they substantially enhance the craft's resistance to surface stains and scratches, thus extending the product's life.
Wash Regularly with Mild Soap and Water
Prevent stubborn grime buildup by thoroughly cleaning your concrete planters at least a few times per season. Cleaning also makes inspecting for sealer damage or cracks easier. Use a soft sponge or brush with mild soap and hose off well. Routine cleaning and resealing go hand in hand to maintain that like-new shine. Stay on top of it!
Cover or Seal for Winter Months in Cold Climates
In regions with sub-freezing winters, concrete pots require protection. Water seeping into the concrete and freezing/expanding causes irreparable internal cracking called spalling.
Store concrete planters in a sheltered location, such as a shed or garage, or seal drainage holes with a foam plug to prevent moisture from entering.
Adding extra waterproof sealant before storage also helps. Winter protection is unnecessary if you don’t live in an area with sustained below-freezing temperatures.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to caring for your concrete planters?
A- Water stains or marks
B- Cracking or weather damage
C- Keeping them clean and looking new
Conclusion: Caring For Concrete Planters
By proactively caring for your concrete planters using these essential methods, you can minimise damage and deterioration over many growing seasons. Know that a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Set yourself a seasonal reminder and inspect/clean your planters regularly. With just a bit of extra concrete TLC, they’ll continue enhancing your space beautifully for years!
FAQ
1- What steps are involved in sealing a concrete planter using the brush-on method?
Prepare Your Workspace: Spread a drop cloth over your work area. This will protect the surface from any accidental spills or splashes of sealant.
Apply the Sealant to the Exterior: Use a quality brush to spread the sealant over the bottom and sides of the planter's exterior. This initial coat protects the outer surface from moisture and environmental damage.
Seal the Interior: Next, move on to the inside of the planter. Carefully apply a generous layer of sealant to cover all internal surfaces. This inside layer prevents water from penetrating and cracking the concrete.
Consider a Second Coat: For enhanced protection, especially in harsh weather, apply a second coat of sealant inside and out. Wait for the first layer to dry thoroughly before adding this additional layer. Always follow the drying times recommended by the sealant manufacturer.
2- What steps are involved in sealing a concrete planter using the spray method?
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Planter
Clean the Planter: Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the planter, removing any debris or cement dust.
Protect the Workspace: Lay down newspapers or a drop cloth to manage the mess, as the process can be messy.
Step 2: Apply the Sealer to the Exterior
Shake and Spray: Thoroughly shake the bottle of concrete sealer. Begin applying the sealer at the top of the planter's outer surface, ensuring even coverage.
Ensure Thorough Coverage: Work down the planter, keeping the surface thoroughly wet but avoiding drips.
Reapply: This first coat will penetrate for about 3-5 minutes. Then, apply a second coat. After 30 minutes, wipe off any excess to maintain uniformity.
Step 3: Seal the Interior
Check Dryness: Make sure the exterior is dry and not tacky.
Repeat Application: Apply the sealer to the inside surface similarly. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before adding a second layer.
Final Wipe: At the 30-minute, remove any remaining excess and gently rub in the sealer.
Step 4: Add Additional Protection
Apply Extra Coats: After an hour, repeat Steps 2 and 3 for additional sealing on the outside and inside surfaces.
3- What materials and tools are needed to seal a concrete planter?
To effectively seal a concrete planter, gather the following materials and tools to ensure a smooth and successful process:
Concrete Sealer: Choose a high-quality, durable sealer specially formulated for concrete surfaces. Several options are available, and each offers unique benefits, such as water resistance or a matte finish.
Foam Brush or Paintbrush: A foam brush is ideal for applying the sealer evenly over the planter's surface. A standard paintbrush can also work, but ensure it’s suitable for sealer application to avoid shedding bristles.
Cloth Rag: Use a lint-free cloth rag to remove any excess sealer, ensuring a clean and uniform finish. This helps in preventing drips and uneven coating.
When selecting your materials, it’s helpful to research various concrete sealers and choose one that meets your specific needs. Whether you prioritise water resistance, UV protection, or a specific surface texture, there’s likely a sealer formulated to match your desired outcome.