How To Use Quikrete To Transform Glass Vases Into Stunning Planters

The more plants, the merrier, but that means you'll also need to find ways to house them all properly. Concrete planters are a coveted choice for their sturdiness, texture, and versatility, a great combination any gardener will appreciate. But there is one downfall: Authentic and high-quality pieces can retail for hundreds of dollars,  with large and more ornate pieces running into the thousands. If you want to capture the look without falling victim to the price tag, there are easy DIY concrete planter approaches to trick the eye into thinking you just bought a high-end piece from Pottery Barn. Crafter Liz Fenwick DIY on YouTube achieves the same look with thrifted glass vases and Quikrete. 

A cost-effective, easy-to-tackle, and fun approach, Liz's DIY doesn't require much to get underway: Your vases of choice (she recommends using round selections in different sizes), a pair of latex or nitrile gloves, a sponge, and Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement. With a few coats, your thrift store finds will have an entirely new look with dimension and flair. Keep in mind, while this is an engaging and simple approach, things will get messy, and each coat of concrete will take about a day to cure. So, if you have to apply multiple layers and want these planters to be ready in time to display for a gathering, you'll have to plan ahead. 

Once you've selected the vase to repurpose, remove any unwanted labels and clean the surface until it's dry. It's in your best interest to put down a sheet or newspapers before bringing out the Quikrete. Add some of the mixture to a paper plate with water and stir it before applying the first coat to your vases with a sponge. (This is where those plastic gloves come in handy!) If you want to experiment with different colors to mix up the look and complement your other decor, you can even add in some Quikrete Liquid Cement Color into the water. The mixture should be runny, according to the video creator, and you should cover the entire surface. Wait for it to dry overnight before adding your second coat, which will also need to dry overnight. This will ensure that the visible glass spots you might've seen after the first coat are covered, and two coats will leave you with a textured finished product that looks straight out of a catalogue. 

When all is said and done, the creator adds faux succulents to the planter to achieve a high-end aesthetic. Rich, smooth-textured, and leafy green plants complement the material's natural texture. It's best to work with artificial plants or dried floral bouquets, as your DIY does not include a drainage hole. If you like the textures of the planters and want to add a little more movement with your next project, try leveling up and expanding your plant pot collection with a concrete planter towel hack that results in a sophisticated, fluted container for your growing collection of greenery.