Upcycling project: how to create your own colourful terrazzo planters
Follow this easy step-by-step project and smarten up your pots with an on-trend paint makeover

Brighten up your indoor or outdoor space with colourful terrazzo designs you can paint at home. Terrazzo prints have been top of the interior trend list for a while now, so why not grab a paintbrush and set about livening up a set of plain planters? Simply pick colours to match your garden scheme then protect from the elements by adding a coat of clear varnish. You can fill them with on-trend succulents or maybe some trailing foliage.
Terrazzo is a great way to add subtle pops of colour to your decor, and with this simple paint technique you can create a bespoke design. If you prefer a more neutral palette, swap bright shades for Mediterranean yellows and oranges or industrial blues and greys.
You may have some existing planters to jazz up or you could buy some brand new. If you’re doing a set then stick to odd numbers and stagger them at varying heights. Scroll on for an easy-to-follow step by step on how to decorate your pots, then head over to our garden design ideas for more outdoor inspiration.
- Thanks to Rust-Oleum for sharing this stylish step-by-step guide with us
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Dust sheet
- Rust-Oleum surface primer
- Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish furniture paint
- Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch brush paints
- Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear protective coat
- Plant pots
- Paintbrushes
STEP ONE: PREPARE YOUR POTS
Give your plant pots a thorough clean with soapy water then leave to dry. Once dry, place a large dust sheet or some old newspapers in a well-ventilated area.
STEP TWO: PRIME THE SURFACE
Spray the pots with Rust-Oleum surface primer and leave to dry. Apply a thin coat of Chalky Finish furniture paint and allow to dry, before applying a second.
STEP THREE: CREATE A SPECKLED BASE
Dip the tip of a dry, stiff-bristled paintbrush into a pot of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch. Use your finger to flick small specks of paint all over the planters. Allow to dry completely.
STEP FOUR: PAINT YOUR TERRAZZO PATTERN
Use a small, clean paintbrush and several different shades of Painter’s Touch to add a variety of coloured blobs in different shapes and sizes to form a terrazzo design. The more random the pattern, the better!
STEP FIVE: PROTECT YOUR PLANTERS
Finish your pots by applying two light coats of Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear protective coat spray to protect your planters. Leave to dry between each coat. Plant your finished pots with succulents and place in a sunny spot to admire. Head over to our how to grow succulents feature for top growing tips.
More step-by-step garden projects
-
-
Are you planting out your sweet peas too early? Here's how to tell, according to gardening experts
Plants How do you know when to plant out sweet peas? This is the correct way to tell if it's time
By Anna Cottrell •
-
Want to have a go at sowing flower seeds? Flower expert gives her top 5 tips for success
Plants Follow our flower expert's seed sowing tips now and you'll get to enjoy gorgeous blooms in a few months
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
Budget garden ideas: 28 simple ways to update your outdoor space for less
Ideas Our budget garden ideas are perfect for giving your outdoor space a fresh new look without having to splash the cash
By Fiona Cumberpatch •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •
-
5 stunning plants for spring scent: add them to your planting list
Plants Treat your garden (and yourself) to some heavenly scented blooms this spring. Here are our top picks
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
5 easy jobs to do in your greenhouse this month
Garden Buildings Although this is a quieter time of year in the garden, there’s still some prep work that can be done to get you ready for spring
By Sophie Warren-Smith •