How to seal timber planter boxes?

[Lynda-Jane]

Good morning,

I just moved and bought a heap of timber planter boxes with trellises. I will be honest, they were cheap. I plan to plant a dwarf citrus plant in each and other vegies (organic) in the other. I have a disability so paint brushing isn't an option. What would be the best spray option? Buy a tin of ? clear sealer or protection coat. Buy a spray gun and do it that way? What protection paint should I use? Does anyone have an idea of a small spray gun that doesn't need a compressor. Once completely sprayed, I will line the inside of the tubs in heavy duty plastic and drill some holes for drainage. I think, if that is the right way to go? Novice to beginner gardener.

Thank you

[EricL]

Hello @Lynda-Jane 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your planter boxes.

One quick way to seal the planter boxes is to cover the sides with builder's plastic. I'm under the impression that you only wish to cover the sides but still allow the bottom to drain out and prevent the water from being kept in the planter box. The plastic can be fixed in place using a staple gun, but once the soil is in place, it will hold the plastic in its position.

Another option is to spray the sides with Crommelin 400ml Grey Sprayable Exterior Grade Waterproofing. However, it becomes an expensive exercise especially if you have a lot of these planters. The only other option is to hire a handy person to coat the inside of the planters with Gripset Betta 1L Waterproofing Membrane Bitumen Rubber.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[EricL]

Hello @Lynda-Jane 

My apologies for the miscommunication. Spraying the outside would be easily achieved by using an Ozito 400W Power Paint Spray Gun. It's an excellent beginners sprayer and is easy to use as it does not need a compressor to operate. It's perfect for small to medium sized projects that does not need meticulous spray requirements. My best advice is to clean the sprayer after every use, do not leave used paint to sit in the sprayer components overnight. 

In regards to the paint, I propose using Dulux Weathersheild or Taubmans Sunproof. These are self priming paint and can withstand outdoor conditions.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Lynda-Jane 

I second that recommendation that @EricL had with the Ozito 400W Power Paint Spray Gun A mate of mine has one and he has been very impressed with its performance and value for money.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Lynda-Jane 

I missunderstood as well lol I was thinking you wanted to waterproof the inside of the boxes I was actually going to suggest the same thing in regards to lining the inside with plastic and the soil would hold it in place.

As to the painting, @EricL 's and @Nailbag 's suggestions is also the route I would take. I havnt tried using a spray painter however the subject has come up a fair few times and its always good things said about that spray paint machine. 

Some drainage holes in the bottom of the garden beds with some scoria/gravel sized pebbles to aid drianage across the bottom would help whatever you grow.

Would love to see a project done showcasing the sprayer and lining as a lot of people ask about these issues, please take lots of photos

Dave