Gabby emailed me asking:

Hello, can you help me find the right type of paint for a large concrete planter? It is grey concrete and I want to achieve a tuscan look. Also where do I buy this paint?

Thank you sooooo much … Gabby

My reply:

Hi Gabby:
I will be happy to help and answer your questions.

#1) For information on what paints to use and info on what I think will be an easy way for you to get a tuscan look, please refer to my article: Decorative Sponge Painting.

Note: in this article I do not mention concrete planters (but I should – think I’ll add that to the page) but acrylic OR latex paints will be fine for your planter. Follow the directions in my article and you ought to have a nice long lasting decorative paint finish for many years.

Getting the “Tuscan look” you want will of course rest upon your artistic abilities. If need be … practice on a large piece of cardboard to get the color combination and appearance right. Sometimes my color choices aren’t always the greatest after I see them applied together. I have to do trial runs myself sometimes!

#2) In the USA, acrylic craft paints can be found at stores like Michael’s Crafts, Hobby Lobby, even the Wal-Mart in my area has a huge array in their craft section.

Or, regular latex paint can be purchased at stores like Sherwin Williams (though probably pricier than what you need to spend), Home Depot, even Wal-Mart sells latex paints, or most large hardware stores. You do not need to buy the most expensive paints.

#3) Make sure to apply at least 2 or 3 good coats of clear sealant, too. There are matte, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. For a Tuscan look I will say a matte finish is what you should use.

In addition, I suggest you take a few extra minutes to read all the pages I have in the decorative paint techniques section of my website. You’ll get lots more helpful how-tos that will not only help you have success with this decorative paint project, but any others you decide to to try.

Best of luck in dressing up your concrete planter! A Tuscan-type technique really isn’t a too-difficult decorative paint project for even a beginner to try.