d.i.y.: stained bottles
Written by designfolder on May 23, 2011 – 2:23 pm -
Speaking of handmade, here’s one easy craft project to up-cycle your empty glass jars and bottles into decorative vases.
MATERIALS
1. Empty glass bottle/s (make sure it’s clean and free from grease/oil)
2. Vitrail glass paint (P99 in National Bookstore; available in several colors)
3. Acetone or nail polish remover (used as a thinner for the paint)
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine glass paint with a small amount of acetone (just enough to partially thin down the paint’s consistency) in the bottle.
2. Mix them together. Slowly swirl the paint mixture until the entire interior of the glass is coated with paint.
3. Don’t worry if the paint looks cloudy. It will eventually become translucent with a glass-like finish as it dries. Let the paint dry completely for a couple of days before you put water in it and use as a flower vase.
Fuchsia looks great with turquoise, so I went out and cut some bougainvillea flowers. I never knew these flowers would look great in a vase! I’ll let you know how long they’ll last. (UPDATE: The bougainvillea flowers lasted for five days! Not bad.)
If you have a lot of bottles, you can stain/paint all off them in the same color and display them together near a window like some sort of vintage glass collection. They also make great containers if you want to give small flower bouquets as gifts. df
Tags: budget decorating, conscious living, diy, interior decorating, recycled bottles
Posted in diy: design-it-yourself | 90 Comments »
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By ea on May 23, 2011 | Reply
i never knew staining bottles could be that easy. thanks for sharing!
By designfolder on May 23, 2011 | Reply
happy you liked it!
just be patient when swirling the paint around to avoid bubbles and to get an even coverage.
By Weng on May 23, 2011 | Reply
They’re pretty. I’d like to give this a try.
By Weng on May 23, 2011 | Reply
I forgot to add – good bye ugly Lorins Patis bottles! Hahahahaha!
By designfolder on May 24, 2011 | Reply
enjoy making them weng
By Krissy on Jul 10, 2011 | Reply
Hello, how much Vitrail paint do you need to stain a bottle? Is it one bottle of Vitrail=1 bottle? Thank you!
By designfolder on Jul 10, 2011 | Reply
hi krissy. thanks for clarifying. nope, you just need a couple of drops of the glass paint mixed with the acetone. you can add as you go, depending on how dark and opaque you want the finish to become
By victorine on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
would it have the same effect if the staining is done in the exterior of the bottle? thanks!
By designfolder on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
hi victorine! hmmm, i’m afraid not. you’ll need a paintbrush to apply the paint to the exterior of the glass, which will leave visible brush/brushstroke marks on the surface.
By victorine on Aug 18, 2011 | Reply
I couldn’t find any Vitrail bottle in any NBS branch I visited. Had a friend search for it in Cebu, but she came up empty-handed too. Know where else Vitrail is sold? thanks!
By designfolder on Aug 18, 2011 | Reply
Are you in Manila? I bought mine in National Bookstore in Shangri-la Mall. Funny, most of their staff are not familiar with that brand. Initially, they told me that it’s out of stock. But when I checked the locked display cabinet where they keep the expensive oil paints, the Vitrail glass and ceramic paints are there! You can also try their branch in Katipunan
By victorine on Sep 2, 2011 | Reply
Thanks a lot!
By brooke on Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
Have you tested the permancy of this technique? Have you washed the bottles by hand and in a dishwasher? They look great, I just want to know if they are really permanant.
By Ann on Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
Love the color you chose! I’m going to try this with some of the glass paints at our local Michael’s, see how they work. Beautiful idea for wedding or party centerpieces! Kudos for your creativity.
By Lizzie on Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
Oh man. I wish I’d seen this tutorial a few weeks ago. I made a whole bunch of these with Pebeo Vitrea 160 and thinner which I brushed on with a fan brush. It was all streaky. Blerg. We tried the “swirl around in the inside” way as well, but it wouldn’t stick to the glass and I just ended up with a pool of dye. This time, I’m trying the Vitrail paint. Thanks!!
By designfolder on Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
Thanks girls!
Brooke– washed them by hand but haven’t tried washing them in a dishwasher. the paint is permanent and is really meant for glass and ceramics. just make sure the paint is completely dry (when the paint smell is almost gone)before you wash them.
By Donna on Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
This is the best one I’ve seen yet! Thanks for sharing!
By Leslie on Mar 24, 2012 | Reply
as you’ve done it here, the effect is still temporary (you can wash off the color by soaking in rubbing alcohol). with the vitrail, you can permanently set the dye by baking in the oven. check their website for details. just make sure totally dry first, or it will bubble. also as a heads up, the oven treatment stinks a little, but it will make it totally permanent and dishwasher safe.
By designfolder on Mar 25, 2012 | Reply
thanks for the tip leslie
By Lisa on Mar 30, 2012 | Reply
Can you use other types of glass paint to do this? Not sure i can get this where we live in PA.
By Susan on Apr 1, 2012 | Reply
I just found Vitrail and other glass paints at:
http://www.dickblick.com/categories/glassdecoration/#glasspaints
By Renee on Apr 4, 2012 | Reply
Just tried this today with a mason jar. Probably should have read the comments 1st before trying. Used a whole bottle of the glass paint. Turned out dark, but I’m sure the 2nd time I try it, it will turn out much better. Thanks for the TIPS!! For those on the States side, Michaels has this paint on the shelf for about $1.89 a bottle.
By Tanya on Apr 4, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Renee! I was getting ready to ask if anyone knew where to find this in the US, cheapest I could find with
shipping was around $10.
By Heather on Apr 13, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for sharing! Just finished coloring a bunch of Ball jars for my wedding!
By Stackers on Apr 17, 2012 | Reply
Wow some beautiful techniques!! so simple <3 thank you!!
By Paige McCoy on Apr 21, 2012 | Reply
I want to stain some cylinder glass vases for my wedding. Would this technique work on a glass piece with such a large opening?
By Corinne on Apr 25, 2012 | Reply
The color you used, was it a turquoise or was there a different name for it?
By Deborah Lee on Apr 27, 2012 | Reply
The link to the Vitrail paint is not in English. Do you have a U.S. source for it? Thanks!
By Deborah Lee on Apr 27, 2012 | Reply
Should have read the other posts. Sorry.
By Yvonne on May 3, 2012 | Reply
Hello i justy tried this technique and you can see brush strokes will this disapear????
By Stacy on May 11, 2012 | Reply
Do you dry the bottles with the lids on or off?
By Ellie on May 15, 2012 | Reply
If you put these in the oven to seal the paint, are these jars safe to drink from? I’m thinking of dying rims of drinking glasses, but I don’t want to poison any guests….
By Meagan on May 19, 2012 | Reply
@Ellie, I was thinking the exact same thing. I think I’m going to try it myself. I would think that after you oven seal the paint everything would be fine. As long as I don’t taste paint I’m not going to worry about it!
By Liz on Jun 15, 2012 | Reply
Love it! Try it but the vitral paint is not so thick and at the end all remains in the bottom! So then I have to take out the rest of the paint of the bottle or let it down there? Thank you?
By Jeanne on Jun 16, 2012 | Reply
Would this technique hold up if the vases were used as candle holders? Would tea lights affect the finish or make a weird odor?
By vicki ross on Jun 16, 2012 | Reply
Just FYI: Not all nail polish remover has acetone in it. They changed the formula. My nail stylist (and best friend)buys cans of acetone from the hardware store and puts it in an old polish remover bottle for her station.
By Marcy on Jun 17, 2012 | Reply
I want to make a bottle tree this is a perfect idea.
By Deborah Lee on Jun 21, 2012 | Reply
Definitely trying this … so pretty and such a lovely way to reuse bottles and jars!
Thank you so much for posting
By Erin on Jun 24, 2012 | Reply
I just tried this as a last resort (none of the other methods have come close to turning out for me) and I got a very grainy, spotted mess! What do I do? I used a few (3-4) drops of the vitrail paint mixed with a drop or two of 100% acetone in a small bottle.
By Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .com on Jun 25, 2012 | Reply
wow. this came out great. gotta try it. i tried with previously with paint, which gave a fun shabby-chic result. this looks like a great idea for a next project. ths for sharing.
By Kathaurielle on Jun 28, 2012 | Reply
Me too Erin. Grainy and not a nice finish. Did it all ”by the book’.
By Phyllis on Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
I tried this method following your directions. It looks grainy in the bottles. Are these grains bubbles? I really like the color but am not getting great results like you.
By Tracy on Jul 2, 2012 | Reply
You guys, The Lefranc et Bourgeois web site can be switched to English. Click the flag. Look in the upper right hand corner.
You’re welcome.
By joy on Jul 2, 2012 | Reply
whats the measurement you used ? 1 tsp vitrail ? 2 drops acetone ?
By Sacha on Jul 3, 2012 | Reply
I just tried this using Pabeo’s Vitrail in Cobalt and Nail polish remover but the paint and the acetone didn’t mix and the paint separated in the acetone into tiny balls that wouldn’t mix. What did I do wrong?
By designfolder on Jul 3, 2012 | Reply
Hi all! I’m not sure how much acetone i added. I put a few drops one at a time until the glass paint is thin enough to easily swirl around the bottle. Take your time mixing the paint with the acetone. Don’t shake/agitate it becauseit will only make bubbles.
To avoid a grainy finish, slowly turning the bottle to coat the glass. remember that it will take a few seconds for the glass paint to adhere to the glass.
I’ll try to find the time to make a video on the actual step-by-step. Thanks for all your comments
By peggy aplSEEDS on Jul 4, 2012 | Reply
great project! wonderful to know that the materials are available locally!
By Kudzu on Jul 8, 2012 | Reply
wow, this is great! i want the blue mason jar colors,and the purple/lavender colors that old glass turns! i knew i was saving those jalapeno and olive jars,and alfredo sauce jars!! thanks for the tutorial and all the answers to the questions.
kudzu
USA
By anita on Jul 9, 2012 | Reply
hi, I’d like to try this out but do you really need to use this brand of glass paint or any other glass paint or window paint could do? thanks
By Jennifer on Jul 19, 2012 | Reply
Do you think this could be done to mason jar soap dispensers?
By steph on Jul 23, 2012 | Reply
Hmm – just tried this as well and got the congealed-paint-grainy thing happening as well! I used Vitrail and an acetone-based nail polish remover with aloe and jojoba. I thought it could be the extra ingredients in the np remover that might be doing it, but evidently not if you guys are using 100% acetone and having the same issue! Bother.
By Bobbi on Jul 27, 2012 | Reply
I did find some of the paint on clearance at Michaels. Not the colors I exactly wanted but I would rather try on something cheap. I love the colors, no graininess but we did get some streaking. Any suggestions on that? This was fun.
By S. Smith on Jul 31, 2012 | Reply
National Bookstore no longer carries this. I have looked everywhere. I found something on Ebay, but the bottle does not look the same: http://www.ebay.com/itm/PEBEO-VITRAIL-TRANSPARENT-GLASS-PAINT-45ml-/290747215643?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&var=&hash=item43b1e26f1b#ht_1264wt_754
HELP PLEASE.
By Pamela on Aug 3, 2012 | Reply
After it dries and you make it permanent. Is it toxic to drink out of? I would like to do this to some mason jars.
By Debbie on Aug 12, 2012 | Reply
Going to try this with mason jars and place the ice cycle Christmas lights into them to make outdoor walkway lights or maybe patio lights or maybe a lighted bottle tree oh man my imagination is flying right now love this ty
By Penny G on Aug 19, 2012 | Reply
Curious if the paint and acetone should be mixed prior to pouring it into the jar or bottle particularly if making numerous bottles/jars? Also, how long in the oven to make it permanent and at what temp? Love the idea and anxious to try it! Thx.
By Kellie on Aug 31, 2012 | Reply
I tried this with the Pebeo Vitrea glass paint and polish remover. All of the paint quickly slid right off the jar during drying and ended up as a tacky mess at the base of the jar. (I flipped it over so I wouldn’t have color pooling at the bottom of the jar). Fortunately I have an airbrush and will use the glass paint properly with the Pebeo thinner and paint the outside of the jar.
This tutorial is great in theory but not recommended.
By Beverley on Sep 3, 2012 | Reply
I love this idea….but i am wondering can these bottles be used to store herbs and spices in them or is it only safe for flowers? I live in Baja Mexico and am trying to make or find some green containers to hold herbs.spices,flour..etc.
I am hoping that the answer is yes..finding the right green glass is proving to be quite a challenge.
Thanks
By Lilly on Oct 7, 2012 | Reply
Is this safe for food? I have a jar with cup measurements and I’d love to display it a different color.
By Alicia on Feb 1, 2013 | Reply
@Kellie, you used the wrong paint, she said Vitrail not Pebeo Vitrea. Someone already commented that the Pebeo Vitrea brand does not work the same even with the Pebeo thinner.
By chatroulette online on Feb 3, 2013 | Reply
Very good post. I certainly love this site.
Thanks!
By Sigrun on Feb 6, 2013 | Reply
I tried doing this with acetone free agent and Enamel paint for glass and cheramics and it’s quite grainy :S Granted, I didn’t add the dissolver one drop at a time…Perhaps that’s key.
I can’t imagine it’s save to drink or eat from glass painted in this way though, has anyone risked it?
By Jen on Feb 15, 2013 | Reply
As others I am curious if it is safe for food, or drinking from after curing in the oven??? Anyone know?
By Serene on Mar 7, 2013 | Reply
So simple, so lovely❗
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By Rachel on Apr 18, 2013 | Reply
I’m so confused!! I bought three lots of vitrail, green, turquoise and purple. Following the above technique the green is outstanding! But the other two are dreadful! As soon as the acetone hits the paint it separates and has left my jars pretty much patterned – almost a tiny herringbone pattern of streaks. Don’t understand why green works but not the others?! Has anyone used vitrails lightening medium for this? Just wondered if that gave better results. Also any tips would be greatly appreciated (trying turps tomorrow!)
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By Rachel on Apr 19, 2013 | Reply
Ok so I’ve spent most of the afternoon experimenting! I’ve found white spirit works the best with the turquoise and purple (which is more red really). You don’t have to add much to thin it, only a drop or two, however if your looking for something quite pale like in the article add a bit more. When she says be patient with the swirling she means it (for the lighter ones anyway) because I’m guessing the reason people have ‘grainy’ results is because the paint is thinned so much it’s inevitable that its not going to be seamless, but the longer you’re prepared to sit and swirl the better! I swirled then let it rest for five mins to let it stick a bit then got swirling again.
By Dawn on Apr 20, 2013 | Reply
I have been thinking that this would make a great way to make backpainted backsplashes for the kitchen, much more afffordably. You could try it on old glass from a picture frame, to see if it works, then put it in the oven. Adjusting the transluscency of it may be an issue if you want it less opaque and therefor making it more difficult to hang without seeing the double sided tape etc. That could be fun to explore the ways to hang it better. I like the idea of this though.
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