How to Camouflage an LP Tank in the Garden

Clean the tank thoroughly with soap and water, removing any dirt, grease or oil. Brush it several times if necessary Let dry.

Tape around the valve handle and gas outlet with masking tape, along with any warning labels to keep paint away from the mechanism. Set the tank on a stable surface covered with newspapers.

Spray the tank with a coat of primer. Start the spraying at the top of the tank and with the nozzle about 12 inches away from the tank use sweeping arm movements that cover from side to side. Gradually work toward the bottom of the tank, and then move to another side and repeat the spraying. Continue until the entire tank is covered with the primer. Let dry.

Spray the tank with a coat of medium green paint. Follow the same technique you used with the primer to give the tank a smooth, drip-free coating. Let dry.

Pour a cup of light green paint into a paint tray. Pour another cup of light blue-green paint into the tray at a different spot.

Moisten the sponge and wring it out so that it's lightly damp. Dip an edge of the sponge into the green paint and another edge into the blue-green paint. Wring the sponge so the paint is distributed through the sponge, but not quite meeting together.

Dab the sponge over the tank in random patterns, leaving behind a mottled surface with both paint colors. Continue to dip the sponge into the paints and dab the tank until a pattern that pleases you develops. The overall effect should be of a light colored tank so that it's protected from absorbing too much of the sun's energy. Let the paint dry and remove the masking tape.

Set the tank in the garden near the plants with the bottom resting on a hard surface such as a flagstone or several bricks laid side by side. The mixtures of greens with the irregular surface colors will help it to blend in with the plants and become virtually invisible unless you're looking for it.