Glass jars are not only used to store food, but can also be used for many other purposes. Many people like to use it as a flower vase, as a pencil holder, or just as a simple decoration. Even though plain glass jars already look pretty, you can paint them to add a touch of color to your home. You can even use certain colors that match your home decor or adapt it to a celebration that will be commemorated in the near future.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Painting the Exterior
Step 1. Remove all labels, then clean the jars
Peel off the label or price tag attached first. Wash the jars thoroughly with soap and water, then pat dry. As an extra precaution, there's no harm in rubbing the jar with rubbing alcohol.
- The advantage of using this method is that you can add fresh flowers after filling the jar with water.
- The downside to this method is that the brush strokes may be visible.
Step 2. Apply two coats of acrylic paint
After applying the first coat of paint, let it dry. Then apply a second coat. It will take about 20 minutes for the first coat to dry. You can paint with a brush or foam brush. Once the jar is dry, you can turn it over and apply 2 equal coats of paint to the bottom of the jar.
- Work systematically from top to bottom. Try to make a thin layer to reduce brush strokes. If you want, you can always add a third layer.
- Put your hand in the jar to twist it. That way, your fingers don't get dirty or leave finger marks on the paint.
Step 3. Let the paint dry overnight
There are some acrylic paints for crafts that are actually made of enamel. Therefore, it takes a long time to dry. In some cases, it may take about 20 days. Read the label to be sure.
- You can tell if the paint is enamel by checking the label or drying instructions on the back of the package. If the instructions say you have to wait a few days for the paint to dry, you're pretty sure it contains enamel.
- If you use acrylic paint for your regular craft, let the paint dry overnight.
Step 4. Give the jar an old-fashioned look by sanding it, if you like
Carefully sand the threads on the top of the jar using 120 grit sandpaper. Use the same sandpaper to polish the bottom of the jar. Smooth out any protruding designs on the surface of the jar with 100 grit sandpaper. If the jar has an embossed design, such as forming a "Ball" word, you can sand it down with a nail file.
Step 5. Apply 2 coats of acrylic varnish for protection
You can choose any varnish. Use a glossy varnish for a glossy finish. If you are sanding a jar, use a satin or matte varnish for better results. Spray varnish will give a nice finish, but you can also use paint lacquer.
Step 6. Wait for the varnish to dry and harden before using the jar
Since you're only painting the outside of the jar, you can use it as a vase for fresh flowers. If the outside of the jar is dirty, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth. Do not scrub or soak the jars as the paint will peel off.
Method 2 of 4: Painting the Inside
Step 1. Clean the inside of the jar with soap and water
Then, dry. It is recommended to wipe the inside of the jar with rubbing alcohol to remove oil that can prevent the paint from sticking well. Also, if there are labels or stickers on the jars, it's a good idea to remove them at this point.
- The advantage of using this method is that you get a clean finish without any brush marks.
- The downside to using this method is that you can't fill a jar with water and use it as a vase.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of acrylic paint for crafts into a jar
The amount of paint needed depends on the size of the jar: the bigger it is, the more paint you will need. Keep in mind, though, that it's better to use less paint because you can add more if you need to.
As a general rule, use 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of paint for most types of jars. For jars of 250 ml or smaller, use 1-2 teaspoons of paint
Step 3. Roll the paint all over the inside of the jar
You can tilt the jar in any direction. Turn it sideways and roll to help spread the paint evenly. Keep doing this step until the paint covers the inside of the jar as desired. You can cover the entire inside with paint or leave some parts clear.
- If the paint doesn't cover the desired area, add a little more.
- If the paint doesn't move, it means the paint is too thick. Add a few drops of water to the paint, then stir with a spoon or skewer, and try again.
Step 4. Flip the jars over the stack of paper napkins
Cover the surface of the work area or tray with a waterproof material, such as wax paper. Stack a few sheets of paper napkins together, then place the jar upside down on top. Excess paint will drip off the walls of the jar and collect on paper towels.
If you accidentally leave some parts clear, don't be surprised to see lines of paint melting on the clear areas. If you don't like it, don't overturn the jar
Step 5. Wait for the excess paint to dry
The time it takes will depend on the size of the jar, the amount of paint you're using, and how thick the coat of paint is. You may have to wait a few minutes or even hours.
Skip this step if you want some parts of the jar to remain clear. However, you will get a thicker coat of paint at the bottom of the jar
Step 6. Flip the jar to its normal position
You can wipe off excess paint on the rim of the jar with a damp cloth if you prefer. If there is paper residue stuck to the mouth of the jar, scrape it off with your fingernail or a nail file. After that, apply paint on the peeling part using the remaining paint and a small brush.
Step 7. Let the paint dry
Most acrylic paints take about 20 minutes to dry. You may take longer if you use more paint. Keep in mind that some of the paints sold in the acrylic paint aisle may contain enamel. In this case, the paint must be specially dried. Read the label for more information.
Step 8. Apply a second color if you want
You can repeat the same process to add a second color. If you covered the entire wall of the jar with paint in the previous step, the coat of paint will be visible from the outside of the jar, while the second coat of paint will be visible from the inside. If you only partially coat the walls of the jar with the first paint, a second coat of paint will fill in the clear part, creating a two-tone effect.
Step 9. Use the jar as you wish, but make sure the inside is not wet
Do not fill the jar with water as the paint may peel off. If you want to use it as a flower vase, use dried/plastic flowers.
Method 3 of 4: Trying Different Techniques
Step 1. Make designs on the walls of the jars with hot glue before painting them
Clean the jars before making designs with hot glue. Wait until the glue is completely dry, then apply paint (spray paint is recommended). Let the paint dry, then give it an old-fashioned effect or apply varnish if you prefer.
- You can create simple patterns, such as dots, spirals, or hearts. You can also write something like “Love” or “Magic Potion”.
- If you don't have hot glue, try using puffy paint. The resulting embossed design will not stand out too much and will take longer to dry.
Step 2. Create a smoother design using a small brush
You only need to apply one coat of acrylic paint. Otherwise, the edges of the design will be blurred or uneven. Depending on the thickness of the paint layer, the design will appear slightly translucent and will give the jar a soft look.
Print the image you like, then paste it inside the jar. Apply paint following the image as a guide. When you're done, remove the image
Step 3. Use a self-adhesive stencil to paint a specific pattern
Clean the jar first, then attach the stencil you want to use. Apply two to three coats of acrylic paint on the inside of the stencil with a plunger (a round-tipped foam brush). Remove the stencil and wait for the paint to dry. After that, apply a coat of varnish if desired.
If using a regular brush, apply paint from the outside edge to the inside of the stencil
Step 4. Use self-adhesive vinyl to create the opposite effect of the stencil
Clean the jars first, then cut the adhesive vinyl or contact paper into the desired shape. Adhere the design to the wall of the jar carefully so that no parts stick out. Apply 2-3 coats of acrylic paint. Wait for the coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat. Then remove the vinyl. Repair any chipped or unpainted areas using leftover paint and a small brush.
- If you want to coat the paint with varnish, do so before removing the stencil.
- Avoid painting the stencil to minimize the amount of paint that will peel off when you remove it.
- Draw the design by hand or use a cookie cutter to trace it.
Step 5. Make adjustable jars using chalkboard paint
You can paint the entire wall of the jar with chalkboard paint or apply it with an inverted stencil/stencil. Let the paint dry for a few days. Make a base coat by rubbing chalk on the paint surface, then blot it out. Draw pictures or writing using chalk.
For a different touch, coat the acrylic paint with chalkboard paint, let it dry, then sand down any uneven areas to reveal the black paint underneath
Step 6. Spray paint on the walls of the jar if you are in a hurry
Check the jars to make sure they are clean. Then place it upside down on top of the newspaper in a well-ventilated area. Hold the spray can about 30 cm from the jar, then spray the paint lightly. Allow the paint to dry before applying a second coat of paint if necessary. Finally, spray a layer of transparent acrylic for protection according to the desired finish: matte, satin or glossy.
- In warm weather, it usually takes about 30 minutes for the paint to dry and about an hour in cold weather.
- Be careful when handling jars that have been sprayed with paint, as they tend to peel or scratch easily.
Method 4 of 4: Decorating the Jars
Step 1. Draw a design on the jar after the paint dries
For a unique look, use a thinner brush. If you want to create a polka dot, use a round foam brush to apply the paint. Another alternative is to paint with a stencil; stick the stencil, apply paint on the inside of the stencil, remove the stencil.
Step 2. Use decoupage glue to add glitter to the painted jars
After painting the jars, let them dry completely. Then apply decoupage glue with a regular brush or foam brush about 3 cm wide on the bottom quarter or third of the jar. Put your hand in the jar to rotate it as you sprinkle the very fine glitter on top of the glue. Tap the jar to remove excess glitter and place the jar upside down while waiting for the glue to dry. Coat the glitter with a glossy acrylic varnish to protect it if you wish.
- If you're painting the jars by hand, try wrapping tape around the jar to get a neat border. Remove the tape before the glue dries.
- Do not use masking tape if you are painting the jar with spray paint, as the paint may peel off when you remove the tape.
Step 3. Wrap a ribbon around the jar to make it more beautiful
For an old-fashioned effect, use raffia or jute rope. You can wrap the ribbon in the center of the jar or around the neck. If you're adding a design using a stencil technique, it's a good idea to wrap a ribbon/raffia/string around the neck of the jar so it doesn't cover the design.
Step 4. Fill the jars that have been painted using a stencil technique with a vase filling if you like
This idea is perfect for jars decorated with an inverted stencil design, but it's also pretty for regular stencil designs. Use enough fill so that you can see it popping out from under the inverted stencil design. If you're using the regular stencil technique, fill the jars to your heart's content.
Marbles make a great vase filling too, but you can also use colored sand. You can buy them in the flower section of a craft store
Tips
- The jar should be cleaned because the paint will have a hard time adhering to a dirty surface.
- If you're having trouble removing the label, soak the jar in warm water and rub the label off.
- Some people find it helpful to coat the jar with a primer first.
- If you want to make colored jars, do some research on the Internet.
- You can also apply this technique to other glass objects.
Warning
- Do not soak jars that have been painted on the outside.
- Do not fill jars that have been painted inside with water.
