How to Paint a Rain Barrel

A rain barrel is a huge container that gathers rainwater. However, it can store water that would have previously gone into the sewage system and may utilize to wash automobiles, irrigate vegetables and fill pools.

Therefore, rain barrel water will assist you to improve your garden health and reduce the risk of storm runoff. Interestingly, a regular 55-gallon barrel may be full in minutes during a rainstorm.

Furthermore, painting and art satisfy the sense of accomplishment. Painting a rain barrel enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

There is no denying the fact that rain barrels are a garden need and they must be decorated to amplify the beauty of your garden.

Essentials Needed To Paint Rain Barrel

• Plastic Barrels to be painted
• Warm water
• White distilled vinegar
• A scrubbing brush to clean
• Hose for painting
• Ultra-fine sandpaper
• Spray Paint
• 2 cans of acrylic plastic primer
• 2 cans of polyurethane sealer
• Acrylic paint for decoration
• Assorted paintbrushes
• Drop cloths

Fundamental Steps to Paint Rain Barrels

Wash Rain Barrel Before Painting

A painting rain barrel can enhance the beauty of your garden but it requires following steps to make it wonderful.

The first and foremost step is to wash your rain barrel with warm water and white distilled vinegar.

Moreover, a scrubbing brush is used to clean the dirt from your barrel. The barrel must be cleaned first to paint otherwise the paint will not stick well on the barrel.

Use of Fine Grit Sandpaper

The next step is to use fine-grit sandpaper to pummel the outside of the rain barrel. To expedite the process, you can use an electric palm sander.

Moreover, sanding by hand is also perfectly fine. You need to sand the rain barrel until it seems dull. This is a crucial step that must not be omitted.

Use of a Towel

After using warm water and a scrubbing brush to clean the dirt, use a clean towel to dry off the rain barrel wholly.

Use of a Primer

Priming is an essential step in painting a rain barrel. Before applying primer, shake the priming spray vigorously to get the best results. After that, you can apply a light layer of primer to the exterior of the rain barrel.

Spray back and forth across the barrel in a sweeping motion. This primer is perfect for plastics as it improves spray paint adhesion. After spraying the rain barrel, it is necessary to let the barrel dry to get a flawless result

Use of Acrylic Spray Paint

You can choose the color of acrylic spray paint of your choice to make it appealing and alluring. To uniformly coat the rain barrel, you can use the same sweeping motion for priming. After doing this, allow it to dry between applications while applying the paint on the rain barrel.

Use of a Polyurethane Spray Sealer

When you are done with the color of the rain barrel, the next step is to seal it using polyurethane spray sealer.

To achieve complete coverage, you can use the same sweeping motion to apply three coats of sealer. Until you satisfy, keep adding paint coats then seal it with polyurethane spray sealer.

Adornment on Rain Barrel

You can ornament your rain barrel with multifarious designs according to your desire. You may embellish your rain barrel once the spray paint has dried.

For making distinctive and unique designs, you can use acrylic paints with paint brushes. If you are a free-painting lover, stencils may not be useful.

If you want to make your rain barrel alluring then you may use whatever design you want. As soon as you are done with the decoration, give it some time to make it dry and then seal it.

Precautionary Measures

Following are the tips and cautions when painting on your rain barrels:

Spray Guard

A spray guard is a pertinent step while painting rain barrels. Form a nice booth from huge cardboard boxes with the top and one side cut out to keep the spray from getting everywhere. This will not ruin your surrounding areas.

Well- Ventilation

Painting and spraying must be done in well-ventilated areas to keep you safe from inhaling problems.

Therefore, if you decided to paint your rain barrels outside then it is compulsory to do it in a well-ventilated area otherwise it will deteriorate your health.

Avoid Windy Days

Windy days can surely ruin your painting as wind distorts the direction of your spray while applying it to a rain barrel.

Therefore, once you decided to paint your rain barrel, try to avoid windy days and prefer sunny days to make your painting dry soon so that you can apply multiple coatings in minimal time.

In conclusion, jazzing up your rain barrel with a touch of paint is not only enjoyable but also a breeze. Feel free to express your creativity and personalize your barrel to your heart’s content.

This colorful addition will breathe new life into your garden, making it even more inviting. Be it a minimalistic striped pattern or a captivating abstract masterpiece, the transformation of your rain barrel is bound to impress.

All you need are a few cans of spray paint and some patience during the drying process, and voilà – your rain barrel will sport a fresh and one-of-a-kind appearance.

PS. Numerous digital platforms offer guidance on constructing a rain barrel, including resources from institutions like the Cornell University Extension Service.