I hate to beat a dead horse, but I have read every entry regarding these planters and I am still confused. I have a pair and am ready to attempt this but I have yet to read one entry that tells me these held up outside or for how long they have held up....and if they did, which of the many ways did you use to do it? Plaid stiffener followed by Americana product? Sugar followed by spray on urethane? Starch followed by urethane? Glue followed by urethane? And what did you coat the inside with to make them waterproof? I really do not want to spend a mint on making them but I also do not want to do it and have them fall apart after the first rain or plant watering..... if someone could please tell me that you have one that held up through weather and watering and how you did yours, I would be so thankful.....