Let’s talk about DIY fails. I would prefer not to experience them, but at the same time they’re always kind of funny. And rewarding! Sometimes. One of my 2014 goals, as I shared here, is to finish what I start even if it seems completely doomed. Making these mercury glass jars was one of those frustrating, doomed projects. But I’m glad I finished the project because now I have a better idea of what to do next time.
A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a can of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint from Amazon. I had a tough time finding it at craft stores, so I figured ordering it would save me time. I looked around online for different tutorials and found that many were very different from one another. Using this kind of spray paint is all about trial and error.
I followed a couple of tutorials that you can find here and here. Most of them emphasize that you should use a scrap piece of glass before starting your project so you can figure out the best method. I have a trillion mason jars that I don’t use, so I wasn’t worried about potentially making a couple of them not-so-pretty.
My biggest issue was that this Looking Glass paint is sooooo messy. Instead of spraying forward it just dripped onto the ground or created streaks on the glass. Not cool. But it isn’t the paint’s fault necessarily. I broke the rules by painting the outside of the jars rather than the inside. This method takes practice and it’s good to spray the paint quickly and from far away. Note to friends: wear gloves and clothes that you don’t really like.
Look how pretty this jar looks out of focus! At least it’s good for something. :)
I’m definitely going to try this again and work on making it less streaky. Have you tried creating faux mercury glass? Any tips? I need all the information I can get!
A. Sparkle says
I’m not an expert, but I think the finished project looks very nice! Who doesn’t love a bit of shininess around the house? It seems like it would be rather hard to spray inside the jar.. Like you wouldn’t have enough space to really spray like you need to? I’m with you and would’ve gone the outside route too.
Lauren says
I really like them! I need to try something like this…I think the look of the roses in the jar is beautiful. :)
-Lauren
http://musingsofaflowerchild.blogspot.com
Linda McBroom says
I just did a mason jar with the grapes on it this week. I also did the outside of them. I am using them to hold paint brushes and pencils in my studio. I found that I sprayed the water and vinegar very very lightly and from about 2 feet away. It gave it a mist and the water did not run when I sprayed the Looking glass paint. It took me 3 coats and I am very pleased with the results. The glass looks pitted like mercury glass. One thing that I did was between each coat I would still let the paint be tacky and used the corner of a paper towel to lift up the water. I will get a photo. I am very pleased. Linda
Tiffany Ima says
It doesn’t look bad at all! Too bad the spray wouldn’t work properly…I hate when that happens…
Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly
Hannah Layford says
love this! Such a good idea
Hannah xx
Charity Hall {isle of view} says
This project might not have come out as expected but I love the DIY look it has. Imperfections add character;-)