Repair and Makeover for a Garden Planter

This frog garden planter has lived a long life. I’ve had him 25+ years and he has acquired plenty of warts and cracks during that time.

He’s made out of heavy duty clay material that is stronger than a normal terracotta, which is why he hasn’t just crumbled away after all these years outdoors. He’s been sitting empty for a couple of years and it was time to either discard him or see if I could do a little repair and give him a much-needed facelift.

I strolled the aisles of the paint department at Lowe’s, searching the fillers and spackle for a product that might work to repair the cracks, and ultimately picked up some Dap Platinum Patch Advanced Exterior Filler. It was around $7 for a 16 oz. container.

The product information says:

Platinum Patch provides exceptional weatherproof protection that prevents discoloration, cracking and crumbling. It has strong multi-material adhesion to tough porous and non-porous materials making it ideal for exterior applications such as the installation, finishing or repairing of fiber cement siding, PVC trim board, vinyl siding, metal, composite, concrete, brick, wood and more.

Platinum Patch creates a strong, durable bond that won’t crack or lose adhesion over time and is also is sandable, paintable, easy water clean-up and low in odor. Exterior/Interior use.

. . .Sold!

I hosed him down and let him dry thoroughly before beginning to remove any loose dirt and debris. The worse crack was along his mouth, with a couple of hairline cracks along the bottom (see arrows in first photo).

The product information reads: One application is usually sufficient for small repairs, but for repairs deeper than 1/8”, apply two or more layers. May be sanded and/or painted in 2 to 4 hours depending on temperature, humidity and depth of fill. Allow product to fully cure before exposing to water, approximately 24 hours.

Using a putty knife, I added the patch to the cracks and crevices, smoothing it out as much as possible. I allowed the first application to dry half a day in the summer heat, before adding a second coat. After it was completely dry, I sanded it using a sanding block and gave it a day to cure completely before I began painting.

Note: Follow the directions on the package and warning for sanding as Platinum Patch contains crystalline silica and sanding may generate dust which can cause adverse respiratory effects and eye and skin irritation. If you have respiratory problems, it advises to wear a NIOSH‐approved dust mask or wet sand to avoid dust.

Now the makeover fun begins! I had some leftover She Shades, a chalk-based paint formulated for exterior surfaces, that I used to refresh some other garden ornaments. 

You could the paint of your choice as long as it is recommended for outdoor surfaces.

I gave him a base coat of “Iron Gate”, a nice deep gray. One of the benefits of using chalk paint, is how quickly it dries, in about an hour or less, especially outdoors in the summer heat. I was prepared to give him two coats, but one coat was enough to cover the terracotta.

I wanted a finish that would mimic the appearance of a lead garden ornament, so I dry brushed a layer of “Farmhouse Linens” and then “Evening Eucalyptus” on top of the “Iron Gate”.

If you’re not familiar with ‘dry brushing’, it’s a paint technique using an almost dry brush to apply paint. Dip the ends of your brush in the paint, then blot your brush on a some paper towels or newspaper (I used a piece of cardboard) wiping most of the paint off, before lightly dragging your brush over the surface.

I recommend practicing on a scrap piece of wood to get the hang of it and starting on an inconspicuous place first.

Here’s how Mr.Frog looks after his facelift with his patch where the crack used to be and new paint finish.

Mr. Frog is now ready to have his belly filled with flowers! 

I used a ready-refill I found at the garden center at Lowe’s with a combination lantana and spike, both heat tolerant plants for our 90+ degree August temperatures.

If you’re looking for an easy to grow, low maintenance shrub in your garden that is heat tolerant, will provide you with both beautiful cut and dried flowers, plant a Limelight Hydrangea or 5! If you need more convincing, read: How To Grow Limelight Hydrangeas.

If you’re in need of an exterior fill product for holes, cracks or crevices, I highly recommend you hop over to your local home improvement store and pick up some Dap Platinum Patch Advanced Exterior Filler! It was extremely easy to use, worked as promised and saved Mr. Frog from his demise.

More photos of my Potting Shed and details at the blog link below!