Custom Turtle Sandbox with Ombré Spray Paint

Ready to give your kids’ play area a colorful upgrade? This step-by-step tutorial from Jenna Gibbs will show you how to make a custom turtle sandbox with a vibrant ombré gradient using COLORSHOT Premium Spray Paint! Whether you're a seasoned DIY-er or just getting started, our easy-to-follow instructions and vivid spray paints will help you create a playful DIY sandbox that kids will love!

What you need:


COLORSHOT Premium Spray Paint(This project uses Kale, Cash, Mermaid, Scuba, Splash, and Clear Skies)

COLORSHOT White Primer (optional)

COLORSHOT Clear Sealer Gloss

Drop cloth or protective surface cover

Acrylic paint

Paintbrush

Sandpaper


Prepare the turtle sandbox to be painted

Prepare the turtle sandbox to be painted

Before you get started on this DIY sandbox makeover, prepare your turtle sandbox by taking the components apart. Use sandpaper to lightly sand shiny surfaces as needed and ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and dry. Place your turtle sandbox onto a drop cloth or protective surface cover in a well-ventilated area. For maximum adhesion and color vibrancy, we recommend using COLORSHOT White Primer on your project before painting!

Apply Kale spray paint to sandbox base

Apply Kale spray paint to sandbox base

For this DIY sandbox makeover, Jenna Gibbs is creating an ombré effect with COLORSHOT to give this fun turtle sandbox more dimension! Start by applying a light layer of Kale spray paint at the bottom section of the turtle’s body and allow to dry to the touch.

Apply Cash spray paint to sandbox base

Apply Cash spray paint to sandbox base

Next, apply a light layer of Cash spray paint on the midsection of the turtle sandbox base. Remember to shake your spray paint can well and apply in smooth, even strokes to create an even gradient on your DIY sandbox makeover. Let the paint dry to the touch.

Apply Mermaid spray paint to sandbox base

Apply Mermaid spray paint to sandbox base

Finally, apply a light layer of Mermaid spray paint to the top section of the turtle sandbox body and allow the paint to dry to the touch.

Apply spray paint to the sandbox lid

Apply spray paint to the sandbox lid

Use COLORSHOT in Scuba, Splash, and Clear Skies to create a vibrant blue ombré effect on the shell lid of the turtle sandbox. Repeat the steps above to create a spray paint gradient, starting with the darkest shade around the edges and the lightest shade in the center. Allow your DIY sandbox lid to dry to the touch.

Use a paintbrush to hand-paint the details

Use a paintbrush to hand-paint the details

Use a small paintbrush with acrylic paint to add details to your turtle sandbox as desired. For this project, Jenna Gibbs hand-painted the spots on the turtle’s body and the lines on the turtle’s shell.


Finish your DIY sandbox makeover with COLORSHOT Clear Sealer Gloss

Finish your DIY sandbox makeover with COLORSHOT Clear Sealer Gloss

Once you’re done painting, finish your DIY sandbox makeover with a coat of COLORSHOT Clear Sealer Gloss. This sealer adds a shiny, protective finish to your turtle sandbox!  

Custom turtle sandbox makeover with ombré spray paint

Custom turtle sandbox makeover with ombré spray paint

Once the paint and sealer have cured completely, your custom turtle sandbox is ready to use! Re-assemble any hardware, fill with plenty of clean sand, and let your little ones enjoy their new play area!

How cute is this custom turtle sandbox?  Show us how you’re using COLORSHOT for your DIY sandbox projects and tag us on social media @mycolorshot!

Check out these helpful links and get ready to give your DIYs a vibrant makeover with COLORSHOT!