How To Update A Glass Vase With Chalk Paint

I thrifted an old frosted glass vase and turned it into a charming showstopper with a little bit of chalk paint.

It was a simple and inexpensive DIY way to get a high end decor accessory for less.

This past weekend was a rainy one.

The drops came down in buckets.

You know the kind...rain that bounced when it hit the ground and prevented me from seeing clearly out my windows. It was definitely not an outside sort of day.

And with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I stayed in.

With paint.


Yup. I spent the entire day, from 8am to 8pm. Painting.

I tuned the music up, dug into my thrifted stash and finally got my craft on.

And it was glorious.

I painted some really big items and some really small ones...including this floral, frosted glass vase.

You may recall that I shared it last month, along with several other summer finds.

I picked it up for two bucks at a local thrift shop.

It was super dirty, but the embossed, raised pattern was too sweet to pass up and I knew that with a little bit of paint those flowers would pop.


I wasn't wrong.

In my original post, I mentioned that I would transform it with spray paint, since I've used it before to create faux milk glass and faux stoneware.

However, the rain squashed that plan. 

Besides, once I really looked at it, I thought chalk mineral paint would work better, to give the glass a ceramic or pottery look that was more fitting with my decor.

Plus, chalk paint requires little to no prep, and since I'm always looking for the easy way to get from before to after, that's what I used.

How To Makeover Glass With Chalk Paint

As always, my motivation here is to share so that you perhaps the next time you are ready to toss or donate a piece you've had for a while or see something in the shop that catches your eye you might be inspired to pick it up and make it over.

The simple trash to treasure steps:

I started by washing the ick off the surface and as suspected it took some elbow grease. Soap and water was up first.


Then I used a vinegar and water solution to loosen up any of the stubborn grime.

Vinegar is my go to cleaner on all things glass.

When the vase was completely free of debris and dry, I added a few coats of paint.

Dixie Belle Buttercream was my color of choice. I actually just used it to give my family room table a makeover. 

It's also the color I used to transform one of my favorite Facebook Marketplace finds.

Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint

Warmer than a stark white, but not quite a cream, it's a bit of a chameleon changing its tone depending on its surroundings.

That, of course, works out well for me, since I have so many variations of white paint in this old cottage. That means it looks fabulous in any room.


I put the paint on pretty thick, using a combination of brush strokes and pounces to give the glass a bit of texture.

If you prefer a daintier appearance you could use thinner coats, but again, I was going for a chunky pottery-like facade.

To make the process easier and avoid getting my fingerprints on the paint, I stuffed paper towels into the vase opening so I could hold onto it and spin it while painting.


That worked out very well.

I think I applied about three coats, letting each one dry completely before adding another layer. That is the key to making it stick to the glass.

Finally, when I was satisfied with the coverage and the appearance of the paint finish, I added a coat of Dixie Belle Clear Gloss.

It's the cousin of my beloved satin sealer. This one just has a definite shine to it.


It's thinner than the satin one and sometimes bubbles appear when it's first brushed on, but they disappear quickly.

And when it dries and the light catches it, whatever it's coated has a warm glow.

Like my vase.


My charming, cottage style, two dollar, thrifted floral vase.

Decorating my house with its elegant style.

Thanks to a little chalk paint.

And a very rainy day.

☔

Have you painted anything lately?

Happy Painting, Friends!!