How to Care for Concrete Planters: Cleaning, Sealing & Seasonal Tips
- Astrid van Essen
- Dec 31, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Concrete planters are loved for their modern look and long-lasting durability, but without proper care, they can suffer from grime buildup, cracking, or damage from the elements. In this guide, I’ll provide practical tips to help your concrete pots stay beautiful and functional for years.
Why Concrete Needs a Little Care
While concrete is incredibly strong, it’s also porous. This means it can absorb water, dirt, and even salts from soil, which can cause surface wear or internal damage over time. Luckily, a few simple habits can make a big difference.
Essential Concrete Planter Care Tips
1. Let It Breathe – Use Pot Feet
Placing your planter directly on the ground can trap moisture underneath. Use concrete pot feet or small risers to improve airflow and drainage, helping to prevent moss, mould, and freeze damage.
Also, lifting the pots allows for better air circulation around the base, reducing the potential for mould and mildew growth. 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.
2. Protect Against Water Damage
Concrete absorbs water, so avoid overwatering your plants and ensure adequate drainage. If your planter has no hole, use a nursery pot inside so water can escape easily. 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.
3. Keep It Clean
Prevent stubborn grime buildup by thoroughly cleaning your concrete planters at least a few times per season and at the end of each growing season. Use mild soap and water with a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers—they can wear away the surface and compromise the structure.
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!
4. Reseal Annually
To reduce water absorption and weather damage, reseal your concrete pots with a breathable, concrete-safe sealer once a year. Maintaining a protective coating is especially important for textured concrete planters, which have more surface area where moisture and debris can collect.
Both brush-on and spray options work well—just make sure the sealer is suitable for outdoor use if needed. 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.
5. Winter Protection
If you live in a cold climate with regular freezing temperatures, your concrete planters need extra care during winter. Water can seep into the concrete's pores and, when frozen, expand, causing internal cracks or spalling that are often beyond repair.
To prevent this:
Store planters in a sheltered space (shed, garage, or porch)
Raise planters off the ground, and cover them loosely with a tarp or breathable fabric. Avoid tightly wrapping them in plastic, which can trap moisture.
Seal drainage holes with a removable foam plug
Apply an additional layer of waterproof sealant before storing
Last But Not Least: Choose a Sun-Safe Planter Location
Location plays a crucial role in the longevity of concrete planters. Placing pots in direct sunlight can damage 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.
Understanding How Sealing Affects Concrete Porosity and Maintenance
Sealing is a simple yet essential step in extending concrete's life, whether making decorative pieces like trays and candle holders or using sturdy planters outdoors. Because concrete is naturally porous, it can absorb moisture, oils, and grime, which over time can lead to staining, cracking, or surface deterioration. A good-quality sealer helps protect against these issues by reducing porosity and making ongoing maintenance much easier. This section’ll explore what that means for indoor and outdoor use.
Why Sealing Reduces Porosity in Concrete
Concrete is naturally porous, absorbing water, oils, and other substances over time. Without sealing, this can lead to staining, surface wear, and even structural damage in the long run.
Applying a concrete-safe sealant helps form a protective barrier that significantly reduces porosity. This is especially useful for indoor items like candle holders, trays, or coasters, where you want to maintain a smooth, dust-free surface that won’t absorb spills.
Maintenance and Durability: Sealing for Everyday Use
Even though indoor concrete items aren’t exposed to rain or soil like outdoor planters, they still benefit from sealing. Sealed surfaces are easier to clean and more resistant to scratches, smudges, and everyday wear.
While no sealant can make concrete completely damage-proof, it does help preserve the appearance and structure of your pieces, meaning they’ll last longer and require less maintenance over time.
How to Seal a Concrete Planter: Brush-On vs Spray Method
Sealing your concrete planter helps protect it from moisture, staining, and surface wear—especially when used outdoors. Here’s a breakdown of how to seal your planter using either the brush-on or spray method, plus a checklist of tools and materials you’ll need.
Brush-On Method: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Lay down a drop cloth or dust sheet to catch any drips or spills.
Ensure your planter is clean and dry before starting.
2. Apply Sealant to the Exterior
Using a high-quality brush or foam applicator, apply the concrete sealer to the outer sides and base of the planter.
Work in smooth, even strokes to avoid drips and streaks.
3. Seal the Interior
Apply a generous coat of sealer to all internal surfaces.
Pay extra attention to corners and the bottom of the planter, where water can collect.
4. Consider a Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions), apply a second coat for added protection.
This is especially recommended for outdoor planters exposed to rain and frost.
Spray Method: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Planter
Wipe down the surface using a lint-free cloth to remove dust or debris.
Protect your workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth, especially in enclosed areas.
Step 2: Apply Sealer to the Exterior
Shake the spray bottle well.
Begin spraying from the top of the planter, working downward in an even, sweeping motion.
Keep the surface evenly wet but avoid heavy drips.
Wait 3–5 minutes, then apply a second light coat.
After 30 minutes, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Seal the Interior
Ensure the exterior is dry and no longer tacky.
Repeat the spray process on the interior surfaces.
Again, allow 3–5 minutes between coats and wipe away any remaining excess after 30 minutes.
Step 4: Optional Extra Coats
After one hour, you can apply additional coats to both interior and exterior for long-lasting protection.
Tools and Materials Needed to Seal Concrete Planters
Gather the right supplies before you start to ensure a smooth sealing process.
Concrete Sealer: Choose a breathable, water-based or solvent-based concrete-safe sealer. Options include matte, satin, or gloss finishes depending on your preference. Look for sealers with UV protection for outdoor use.
Foam Brush or Paintbrush: Use a foam brush for a smooth finish or a synthetic bristle brush suitable for sealers. Avoid brushes that shed fibres.
Lint-Free Cloth or Rag: Helps to wipe away excess sealer and ensure an even finish without streaks.
Drop Cloth or Protective Covering: To protect your workspace from drips or overspray.
Tip from BotanicalBlueprint.com
Not all sealers are the same—some offer waterproofing, others provide a natural matte finish, or resist UV damage. When choosing the right one, consider your planter’s location and use. Indoor pieces like trays or coasters may only need a light coat, while outdoor pots benefit from multiple layers and resealing over time.
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!
And if your planter has already developed cracks or chips, don’t worry—many issues can be fixed with simple DIY repairs.
Caring for Your Concrete Planters: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do concrete planters need to be sealed? Yes, sealing concrete planters helps reduce porosity, protect against water damage, and prevent surface stains. It’s essential for outdoor pots exposed to rain, soil, and frost.
2. How often should I reseal my concrete pots? For outdoor planters, resealing once a year is ideal, typically at the end of the growing season. Indoor pieces may only need sealing every 1–2 years, depending on use and exposure.
3. Can I plant directly into a sealed concrete planter? Yes, you can plant directly into a sealed planter, but using a nursery pot inside can help drainage and make repotting easier. Always ensure the sealer is labelled as non-toxic and breathable.
4. What’s the best way to clean sealed concrete planters? Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid abrasive tools or harsh cleaners, as they can wear down the sealer over time.
5. Will sealing stop concrete from cracking in winter? Sealing reduces moisture absorption, which helps prevent frost damage. Store pots indoors or raise them off the ground for full winter protection and cover them loosely with breathable fabric.