Create a Beautiful Wine Barrel Planter in 1 Day
I recently turned a used Sonoma Valley wine barrel into a beautiful outdoor planter in just one day. While I usually don’t write about this kind of thing, I’m so happy with the outcome I thought I would share how I did it.
Before You Begin
Wine barrels are heavy. An empty barrel weighs anywhere from 90 pounds to 110 pounds. So, if you’re working alone and unsure of your ability to move the barrel around as needed, you may want to wait until help is available.
There are plenty of videos available that show how to refinish wine barrels, but rest assured you do not need any special barrel holder or to remove the steel bands (or hoops).
Tools & Supplies You Will Need
- 400-grit sandpaper
- 60-grit sandpaper
- Orbital sander (small hand sander) or a belt sander
- 1 quart of Minwax Wood Finish (Golden Oak 210B)
- 1 quart Helmsman Spar Urethane (clear semi-gloss)
- 2-inch paint brush (x2)
- Clean rags and/or tack cloths
- Latex or disposable gloves
Step 1
Use your 400-grit sandpaper to remove any rust, stains or marks on all of the steel bands. This is important — do not use less than 400-grit sandpaper. Anything more coarse than 400 grit will leave noticeable scratches on your steel bands. I used 400-grit square sheets on a small oribtal sander and the process was fast and easy.
Step 2
Change over to your 60-grit sandpaper and begin sanding the wood portions of the barrel to your liking. What does to your liking mean?
It is possible to sand all the way down to fresh wood, removing just about all stains, marks, and other imperfections. However, if you want to maintain some of the original character of your barrel you do one pass and then check to see what remaining marks you don’t like and work on those. I chose to leave some imperfections and stains to keep some of the barrel’s original character.
Repeat this process for the top and bottom of the barrel. However, most barrels will come with the barrel maker’s name, a logo, and a barrel number carved and/or stained on the top. If you want to keep these (which I like), don’t go crazy sanding too much off the top.
Step 3
Wipe down your barrel thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust. Mix your Minwax Golden Oak stain before using. Then use your 2-inch brush to begin staining your barrel.
Keep a clean rag in your free hand. Don’t worry about getting the stain on the steel hoops. That’s what your rag is for. Just wipe away the stain as you go.
Try to stain with the grain. However, this can be challenging between the top hoops, which are very close together. Just apply and wipe away.
Dry times vary depending on where you are working, humidity, heat, etc… But you will need at least 2–3 hours of drying time. I worked on mine outdoors and it dried quickly.
Step 4
Before applying the Urethane, go back around your steel bands with a fresh piece of 400-grit sandpaper and touch-up.
Next, take your fresh paint brush and begin applying your Spar Urethane coating. Again, apply with the grain of the wood and apply over the entire barrel (including the steel bands, top and bottom).
It’s important to use Spar Urethane because it provides the protection necessary for an outdoor planter.
It is up to you if you want to sand you first coat and then apply a second coat. It’s probably recommended by the pros, but I was happy with 1 coat. We will see how that holds up during the winter.
Drying time for the Urethane is at least 3 hours (outdoors) before you will be able to handle the barrel to place it where you want it without damaging your seal. It will take a fully 24 hours for it to properly dry.
