---
title: Make some Colorful Plant Pots
slug: make-some-colorful-plant-pots
description: Let's transform plastic into vibrant plant pots.
tags: ["product","mould","compression"]
category: Products
difficulty: Easy
time: < 5 hours
location: Munich, Germany
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Make some Colorful Plant Pots
<Image src={import('./F8WEQTXKQ6MQD59.jpg')} alt="Make some Colorful Plant Pots" />
Let's transform plastic into vibrant plant pots.

User Location: Munich, Germany
## Steps
### Step 1: Requirements

To create pots, you need the following materials and tools:

* Leftover plastics (sorted by type and color)
* Silicone molds
These molds, typically used for concrete casting, withstand temperatures up to 200°C (392°F). Search for "concrete silicone mold" on online marketplaces.
* An oven, such as a compression oven, is used only for its heating function.


<Image src={import('./F8AA09WKQ6MQD94.jpg')} alt="F8AA09WKQ6MQD94.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FLHBXXUKQ6MQD93.jpg')} alt="FLHBXXUKQ6MQD93.jpg" />

### Step 2: Preparing Your Plastic

Plastic must be reduced to smaller pieces to fit silicone molds. Use a shredder if available or alternative tools like a hammer (for brittle plastic), shears, or bandsaws to downsize. Precision isn't crucial as the plastic will melt to conform to the mold. Experiment with color patterns based on the piece sizes used.


<Image src={import('./F5L2YJJKQ6MQDSV.jpg')} alt="F5L2YJJKQ6MQDSV.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FQFDSB1KQ6MQFLC.jpg')} alt="FQFDSB1KQ6MQFLC.jpg" />

### Step 3: Filling Up the Molds

Once your plastic is ready, densely pack it into your silicone molds. Consider using creative color combinations. For instance, we suggest a mix of green/yellow and blue/red.

Ideally, the plastic should collapse into itself as it melts without spilling over the mold, ensuring minimal supervision is required during the heating process.


<Image src={import('./FCISVBQKQ6MQDUG.jpg')} alt="FCISVBQKQ6MQDUG.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FCD7P04KQ6MQE19.jpg')} alt="FCD7P04KQ6MQE19.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FFBDHRIKQ6MQDUH.jpg')} alt="FFBDHRIKQ6MQDUH.jpg" />

### Step 4: Filling the Oven

Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature for your plastic type. For PLA, use 170-180°C (338-356°F). Oven settings may vary, so start low and adjust as needed. Consult datasheets from your filament supplier for specific guidance on other plastics.


<Image src={import('./FE2XV94KQ6MQE1A.jpg')} alt="FE2XV94KQ6MQE1A.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FF8ONVQKQ6MQE1U.jpg')} alt="FF8ONVQKQ6MQE1U.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FKD8Y44KQ6MQE5F.jpg')} alt="FKD8Y44KQ6MQE5F.jpg" />

### Step 5: Melting, Squishing, Refilling

Monitor your molds consistently, particularly when they are filled to capacity. Watch for any plastic overflowing the edges. If this occurs, carefully remove the mold while wearing welding gloves and use a flat-head screwdriver to push the plastic back inside.

This method is also effective for compressing larger pieces of softened plastic into the mold.

Continue adding material gradually to fill the mold, considering your desired color scheme and pattern.


<Image src={import('./FODUN14KQ6MQEDS.jpg')} alt="FODUN14KQ6MQEDS.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FZT8CG6KQ6MQEGE.jpg')} alt="FZT8CG6KQ6MQEGE.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FPHMREMKQ6MQEGF.jpg')} alt="FPHMREMKQ6MQEGF.jpg" />

### Step 6: Cooldown

### Cooling Process for Molds

Once the molds are filled, carefully remove them from the oven using appropriate gloves. Before allowing the pots to cool, you may puncture air bubbles with a screwdriver. Extended time in the oven can reduce air bubbles, though they cannot be entirely eliminated.

We are testing the addition of a 0.08-0.12 inch (2-3 mm) metal sheet atop the mold during cooling. This can improve top and bottom consistency, but may sometimes cause deformation. Experiment to see if this method suits your needs.

Allow the molds to cool completely, preferably overnight.


<Image src={import('./FUAMC9NKQ6MQHIB.jpg')} alt="FUAMC9NKQ6MQHIB.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./F51MECBKQ6MQHID.jpg')} alt="F51MECBKQ6MQHID.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FAY0EWLKQ6MQHJ6.jpg')} alt="FAY0EWLKQ6MQHJ6.jpg" />

### Step 7: Demolding

### Instructions for Removing Pots from Molds

Once the molds and plastic have cooled thoroughly, remove the pots. Carefully invert the flexible silicone mold to release each pot. Exercise caution to avoid tearing the molds at the corners.


<Image src={import('./FD3LSJ8KQ6MQJJC.jpg')} alt="FD3LSJ8KQ6MQJJC.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FZV5YIJKQ6MQJJF.jpg')} alt="FZV5YIJKQ6MQJJF.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FXZZI0QKQ6MQJJG.jpg')} alt="FXZZI0QKQ6MQJJG.jpg" />

### Step 8: Marking the Plastic Type

To facilitate future material identification, mark your pots with their plastic type. Consider using branding irons designed for this purpose to imprint the recycling symbol and corresponding number and text. Alternatively, employ metal punching letters to inscribe the plastic type on the bottom of your pots.


<Image src={import('./F20A0BPKQ6MQKGM.jpg')} alt="F20A0BPKQ6MQKGM.jpg" />

### Step 9: Fill Them Up With Plants

Now, select small plants to fill your pots. Consider obtaining succulent cuttings to grow your own plants or purchase them from a gardening store if time is limited. Remember to water them immediately after replanting and regularly thereafter.


<Image src={import('./F5WJWK8KQ6MQKT6.jpg')} alt="F5WJWK8KQ6MQKT6.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FTYQC1PKQ6MQKT8.jpg')} alt="FTYQC1PKQ6MQKT8.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./FW55ME5KQ6MQKT9.jpg')} alt="FW55ME5KQ6MQKT9.jpg" />