How to Turn an Old Tire Into a Pretty Planter

Don't toss those spent tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and a few basic materials from the hardware store.

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April 23, 2021
Don't toss those old tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and some materials from the hardware store.

Upcycled Tire Planter

Don't toss those old tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and some materials from the hardware store.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Materials Needed

Clean & Paint

Thoroughly clean your old tire with a degreaser, then follow up with soap, water and a hard bristle brush to get the majority of gunk out of the grooves. Let the tire dry completely, then spray with a base coat of white exterior paint + primer-in-one. Let that dry, then follow up with a second coat. Once paint is dry, lay the tire on its side and spray the bottom with navy blue spray paint, using quick short bursts to create the beginning of an ombre effect.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Create Ombre Effect

Spray a layer of light teal paint just above the navy blue paint in quick, short bursts, allowing the overspray to create the appearance that the colors are bleeding into one another. Leave the top layer white. Let dry.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Paint & Attach Base

Find a plastic saucer to fit the base of your tire. Paint the bottom of the saucer the same navy hue as your tire, then apply a line of construction adhesive along the saucer's top edge (Image 1). Turn the saucer over, center it and press firmly into the bottom of the tire (Image 2). Wipe up any excess adhesive with a cloth, then let it dry according to package instructions (Image 3). Once dry, create a seamless look by spray painting the white adhesive navy blue (Image 4).

Drill Drainage Holes

Most plastic plant saucers come with pre-determined divets that you can drill into to create drainage holes. If yours does not, drill about five equally spaced holes across the bottom of the saucer that will allow water to drain when planted.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Make It Mobile

We found this rolling plant caddy at the hardware store for $8. If you can't find one of these in your area, any plant stand with casters will work. Squeeze a line of construction adhesive along the top of the rolling stand, then flip over and press firmly into the saucer base. Be careful not to cover any drainage holes! Let the glue dry before planting.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Show It Off

Fill your pretty new planter with colorful blooms and enjoy! When you're ready for a new look, simply roll it to another location or paint it a fresh, seasonal color.

Don't toss those old tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and some materials from the hardware store.

Upcycled Ombre Tire Planter

Don't toss those old tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and some materials from the hardware store.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

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