With all the clear glass pieces at thrift stores and the number of bottles and jars that go in our recycling bins, it’s no surprise that crafters love all kinds of glass painting. There are a lot of different paint products and techniques that can be used on glassware, creating something special from something plain. With that in mind, here are some inspiring painted glass projects that are clever and unique.
Mercury Glass Painting
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Mercury glass has been a longtime staple of various home decor trends. From vases to bowls and everything in between, its vintage elegance looks gorgeous in just about any setting. And if you’d rather not pay the hefty price tag for something at the antique store, you can make your own pieces with this glass painting tutorial.
Faux Terracotta Clay
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Thanks to faux finish paints like this terracotta spray paint, you can transform clear glass in any number of ways. And these glass bottles look like clay vessels now– but they started out clear and plain. Makeovers like this will definitely keep them out of the recycle or trash bin, that’s for sure.
DIY Coastal Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wine bottles, or any interesting glass vessels for that matter, are ideal for incorporating into your home decor. And if you enjoy coastal decor, then transforming your empty bottles of rosé into these beachy bottles might really appeal. You can change the color with specialty paints and add some nautical netting- either the DIY kind or pre-knotted.
Alcohol Ink Bottle Lights
Image credit: The Navage Patch.
If you’ve never played with alcohol inks on glassware, then you are definitely missing out. Look how stunning these glass bottles turned out! And the addition of twinkle lights to them just sends them over the edge into pure amazement.
Glass Painting with Color Shift Paint
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Color shift paint is one of those craft products that makes a makeover project super simple. And in this case, it was used to turn vintage spice bottles into wizard-esque potion bottles for Halloween decor. Trust me when I tell you that photos don’t do the end result justice- they’re absolutely stunning in real life!
Tinted and Transferred
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
While this liquor bottle started out clear, colorless, and plain, it certainly isn’t now! It’s been tinted to a healthy shade of cobalt blue and a transfer decal was added for a mid-century modern touch. Such a great way to extend the life of a whiskey or wine bottle that was destined for the recycle bin.
Color Block Glass Painting
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Color block paint makeovers clear glass is a great way to repurpose them into modern decor. Especially when metallic gold paint like this is used. The secret to this kind of makeover, however, is those crisp clean lines- aren’t they gorgeous now?
Cloisonné-Style Vases
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Can you even tell that these exotic vases started as clear glass vases from a thrift store? They’re the kind you would get with a small bouquet from the florist or even a hospital gift shop. But a globally-influenced paint job gives them such an exotic look, like you brought one home from an overseas trip.
Painted Pumpkins and Gourds
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Fall aficionados may really enjoy this glass painting project- transforming bottles into decorative pumpkins! If your empty bottles have the right shape, they can be carefully painted to give them a very gourd-y appearance. Some twine and a leaf around the neck finish give them the perfect finishing look for your autumn decor.
Pressed Glass Painting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Pressed glass vases are about as common as it gets when it comes to thrift store glass. And while they’re perfectly fine in their naked state, the right paint can really make those pressed patterns pop! In this case, a special kind of paint from the craft store turns plain pressed glass into modern boho pottery.
Mirrored Finish
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With this glass painting technique, you can fake a mirrored finish like this with a special kind of spray paint. Now, I wouldn’t recommend you use this kind of “mirror” to do your makeup in, but it’s a great way to transform a thrifted picture frame into a dresser tray.
Experimenting with Glass Paint
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
One of my favorite things to do is experimental projects with specialty glass paints. Whether it’s using it on unusual glass surfaces, trying it on a unique piece of glassware, or layering colors like this, it’s a fun way to expand my creativity. And doing it on a thrift store find that only cost a dollar or two makes it even more worthwhile.
Dramatic Makeovers
Image credit: Salvaged Living.
There are so many amazing spray paints out there that are perfect for completely revamping clear glassware. And this one even has a color-shifting look for extra interest, curiosity, and drama.
Sea Glass Painting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once you learn that “sea glass paint” is a thing, your glass bottles will never be the same. Because you can transform plain, clean wine bottles into DIY sea glass bottles like this! And it’s a spray paint, so anyone (and I mean ANYONE) can make this craft project look this good.
Making Milk Glass
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage pieces of candy-colored milk glass are highly sought after, especially in Spring. But they can be both pricey and hard to find- so why not create your own with thrift store finds and this glass painting idea?
The Wonder of Hydrodip
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
If you’ve never heard the word “hydrodip” before, well now you have and now you’ll want to try it! It’s the DIY technique of getting beautiful swirls of color like this on glass vases and bottles. Think of it like paint pouring or tie-dye, but on any kind of clear glass vessel. And definitely a craft project that your older kids might want to try with you.
Frosted Glass Painting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
While a lot of frosted glass pieces can be found at thrift stores, sometimes you just need a specific size or shape. Thanks to inventive craft paints, though, you can easily create your own frosted glass for any number of upcycling projects like this.
Caffeinated Creations
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
What was once a clear glass vase now looks like old stoneware or pottery thanks to paint and…coffee grounds! Quite the unlikely craft supply, I know, but such a fun way to “weather” and age your painted glass projects like this.
Two-Tone Glass Painting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You can paint the inside of glass bottles…you can paint the outside…and in this case, both! Painted bottles or jars with this two-tone effect is a fun way to give previously clear glass a lot of personality and charm.
Glass Painting Techniques and Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope these glass painting ideas and techniques have given you fresh inspiration for your next project. Personally, I love finding new glass paints to try and then sharing them with my readers, so maybe you’ve discovered a new product to try, too. Either way, have fun on your next painted glass project and let me know how it goes.
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!