Mason jars are great in so many ways. Today, we’re turning them into pretty painted mason jar drinking glasses. But you can turn them into nightlights, herb gardens, and even wall decor.
Painted Mason Jar Drinking Glasses
I’m always on the lookout for mason jars. I love to make luminaries from them, but I noticed that my kids were using them occasionally as drinking glasses.
My kids are teens and up, so they like the heavier, sturdy glass over a plastic cup. Plus, I think they believe that the jars actually hold more.
That gave me an idea. Painted mason jars.
A few years ago I picked up a box of drinking glasses at the thrift store. I painted them (tutorial – Crystal Enamel Drinking Glasses), and they were great, and really pretty, for a while. Not because of any problems with the paint, the glasses were thin and delicate and it didn’t take long before they were all broken.
But, when I noticed the kids drinking from mason jars, I thought they would make really pretty cups for a summer barbecue. I had stopped at a garage sale recently that had some nice big jars for 50 cents each. So I cleaned them up and went to work!
I used the same type of paint I used for the glasses a few years ago. Americana’s Crystal Gloss Enamels.
Keep in mind that this is not a “paint them today use them today” type project. The paint needs 4 days to cure. So please plan ahead!
As always, a full printable supply list and instructions are at the end of this post.
For this project you will need the following supplies:
- Glass wide mouth mason jars (mine are quart size)
- Paintbrush
Crystal Gloss Enamels:
Once your jars are nice and clean, paint a coat of Citron (green) onto the body of the jar, up to about the spot where the glass begins to curve.
You don’t want to paint too high, in order to leave room for the flowers. But more importantly, while this paint is non-toxic, it is not approved by the FDA to touch food. So you don’t want to paint the rims where your lips will touch the jar.
Use the handle end of your paintbrush dipped in the different colored enamels and dot on flowers. Couldn’t be easier! Use a different color to dot on the centers. You may notice the petals dripping a little. If they do, just “draw” circles with your paintbrush handle in the petal to spread it around a little. You can also turn the jars upside down for five minutes then right side up for five minutes, and alternate now and then to keep gravity confused. ;-)
This step is important. Now that you are done painting, the paint needs to cure for FOUR DAYS. Just put them somewhere where they won’t be bothered.
After the four day curing period, follow the instructions on the back of the paint bottle for baking them. Then you are good to go!
Next step is to have a barbecue and invite me. :) And don’t forget to make my mason jar lid coasters! Have any leftover wine bottles you’d like to upcycle? Try these pretty Painted Wine Bottles! They’re perfect to use as a centerpiece with flowers or as home decor for around the house!
More mason jar crafts
I love to craft with jars. You can see all my jar crafts here, or here’s a few I’ve hand picked for you below. And don’t forget to print my free mason jar spice labels!
Painted Mason Jar Drinking Glasses
Supplies
- Glass wide mouth mason jars mine are quart size
- Paintbrush
Crystal Gloss Enamels:
- Pink
- Turquoise
- Orange
- Purple
- Yellow
- Citron
Instructions
- Once your jars are nice and clean, paint a coat of Citron (green) onto the body of the jar, up to about the spot where the glass begins to curve.
- You don't want to paint too high, in order to leave room for the flowers. But more importantly, while this paint is non-toxic, it is not approved by the FDA to touch food. So you don't want to paint the rims where your lips will touch the jar.
- Use the handle end of your paintbrush dipped in the different colored enamels and dot on flowers. Couldn't be easier! Use a different color to dot on the centers. You may notice the petals dripping a little. If they do, just "draw" circles with your paintbrush handle in the petal to spread it around a little. You can also turn the jars upside down for five minutes then right side up for five minutes, and alternate now and then to keep gravity confused. ;-)
- This step is important. Now that you are done painting, the paint needs to cure for FOUR DAYS. Just put them somewhere where they won't be bothered.
- After the four day curing period, follow the instructions on the back of the paint bottle for baking them. Then you are good to go!
Expert Tips & FAQs
This post originally appeared here on Jul 9, 2014.
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isaias acosta says
Me and my fiance are having a backyard bbq wedding. And we want to make these as party favors for our guests. How many mason jars can you paint with one 2 ounce bottle of green?
Amanda Formaro says
It would be difficult to give you an exact number, but I would guess probably ten or even more. I painted 6 jars for this project and still had paint left. However, better to err on the side of caution and buy one bottle for every 6 jars. You can always return any unopened bottles or use the paint for another project :)
Marquita says
Hello I would like to paint jars that I would later put baked goods in. Are there darker colors available. Like dark red or black. And can I bake in them once painted?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Marquita. I spoke with DecoArt, the manufacturer of the Americana brand of enamel paints and here was their response:
“This is not recommended. Our glass paints have specific cure/baking times and temps. Hotter temps and longer baking times could cause the paint to blister and/or discolor.”
Ona says
Does it have to be enamel paint? Could it work with acrylics?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Ona! Enamel paints are made specifically to last through washing, including in the desihwasher. Regular acrylics will not last. However if you are painting for decorative purposes only, regular acrylics should be just fine!
Cas says
So these CAN go in the dishwasher? How durable is the paint?
Amanda Formaro says
The manufacturer says that can be washed top rack, I always hand wash so I don’t have first hand experience with the durability in the dishwasher.
Sydney says
That orange beverage looks really good, what is it?
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sorry Sydney, I honestly can’t remember!
BECKY HOPKINS says
I WANT TO LEARN TO DO STAINED GLASS PROJECTS—NO BAKING
COULD I HAVE INFO ON WHAT TO GET & HOW TO APPLY FROM YOU, AS YOU ARE
A WONDERFUL CRAFTER & GIVE GREAT DIRECTIONS..
THANK YOU, BECKY
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Becky! I’m afraid I haven’t dabbled in real stained glass. I have used glass stain paints, which are more like a faux stained glass. You can see those projects here https://craftsbyamanda.com/?s=stain+glass
Cindy says
How cute! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Cindy :)