How to Waterproof & Decorate a Vintage-Style Planter

Have you ever wished your decoupage planter could hold a real plant without the worry of water damage? In this tutorial, Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows us how to turn a simple cement planter into a stunning waterproof piece of art using rice paper, paint, varnish, and molded clay embellishments. The result? A vintage-style planter that’s both decorative and functional.

Step 1: Preparing and Waterproofing the Planter

Donna starts with a plain cement planter and wipes away dust and debris. To make it waterproof, she coats both the inside and outside with Polyvine Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish (satin finish). This product is made for exterior use, dries ultra-hard, and protects against water, UV rays, and chemicals—perfect for keeping live plants safe in a decoupaged container.

Step 2: Painting the Base

She then applies Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton White, making sure the surface is opaque. Painting in white or light colors ensures that rice paper designs remain vibrant instead of looking muddy against a dark background.

Step 3: Applying the Rice Paper

For this project, Donna chose a gorgeous A3-sized rice paper (11.7 x 16.5 inches) that wrapped completely around her planter. She tore it to size with a water brush and adhered it using the same Polyvine varnish as her glue. Because the varnish seeps through, it secures the paper beautifully while adding another waterproof layer.

Step 4: Adding Clay Embellishments

Using Das air-dry clay and silicone molds, Donna created floral details. After freezing them briefly (for easy release), she glued the still-soft clay onto the planter with Aleene’s Tacky Glue, wrapping stems and flowers gracefully over the edge. Once dry, she painted the embellishments with Pentart White Gold paint, adding subtle shimmer.

Step 5: Antiquing for a Vintage Look

To give the planter depth and character, Donna mixed her own antiquing glaze using Pentart Pine Green, Dark Blue, and Dark Gray paints with a glazing medium. Applied over the metallic embellishments, the glaze settled into the crevices, creating an elegant aged effect.

Step 6: Final Sealing and Gold Highlights

The entire planter received three coats of Polyvine varnish for maximum protection. Donna then applied Redesign Decor Wax in Eternal Gold, buffing the embellishments until they shone with a rich golden finish. The result is a waterproof, marble-like planter that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

⚠️ Note: While the varnish protects against water and makes the planter safe for live plants, do not submerge it in standing water for extended periods. Prolonged soaking can damage both the clay embellishments and the varnish finish. Hand-wash only if cleaning is needed.

Why This Project Works

• Durable & Waterproof – Thanks to Polyvine varnish, the planter can safely hold a live plant.

• Elegant Design – Rice paper and clay details create a timeless vintage look.

• Versatile Technique – You can apply these steps to other containers, jars, or decorative vessels.

✨ All the products used in this tutorial—rice paper, molds, clay, paints, waxes, and Polyvine varnishes—are available at DecoupageNapkins.com, your one-stop shop with over 9,000 craft supplies. Don’t forget: free shipping on orders over $75 and bonus points on orders over $100!

A special thank you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her creativity and expertise with us. This waterproof planter project is not only fun but also opens up endless possibilities for functional, artistic home décor.

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