How to paint on plastic and glass
Do you have some items in your home that are made from plastic or glass that you would like to spruce up? A plastic bowl or platter from a yard sale or even from the deli? You can decorate them with paint! As a decorative painter, I have used this technique many times with great success. I’ve turned old plastic jars and glass pickle jars into very pretty lamps and cookie jars. You can re-purpose many things–so it is economical and eco-friendly too! What I like best, is that you can paint it to match your own style. So, lets get started! Here is a list of the items you will need. You may even find some of them already in your home.
You will need:
Plastic or glass container
Grey primer spray paint*
Matte spraypaint in your choice of color–but it has to be a flat-finish (matte) spray paint.*
Assorted colors of acrylic paint, any brand
Paint brushes, preferably synthetic or natural hair.
Spray clear-coat in either gloss or matte, your choice
Chalk for marking your designs
* There are spraypaints on the market now specifically designed to adhere to plastics.
Instructions:
1] First, wash your item in warm soapy water to make sure any glue or adhesive (such as from a label) is removed. Allow to dry thoroughly.
2] Outside, or in a very well ventilated area, spray the item with the grey primer lightly so as not to create drips. You’ll need to do this several times so make sure that each coat is dry before the next coat goes on; it’s better to make several light coats than one or two too-heavy coats that will cause the paint to run. Repeat until the item is completely covered with the primer.
3] Using the color of your choice for the back ground, spray paint the piece lightly (to prevent drips and "runs") over the primer. Give this several coats as in step 2. Allow this to dry overnight to ensure it is totally dry.
4] Now the worst is over and the fun begins. With your chalk, draw your design on your item. Once you’re done, begin to paint with your acrylic colors and small brushes. (If you’re confident enough in your painting skills, you can omit the chalking step and paint freehand.) Don’t be tempted to apply the paint too heavily; some colors, such as yellow, reds, and some greens may need 2 coats (drying in between) for complete coverage. Let your imagination run wild with your design, but most of all, have fun. Once you’re done, let the piece set for a few hours or overnight.
5] Finally, using the clear-coat, spray your item several times for to give it a nice-finished look. Make sure more than ever to allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat. I normally do this up to 6 times for a nice finish.
To clean your new work of art, simply wipe with a damp sponge or cloth, but do not use any abrasives. Don’t use this technique for food storage items or plates that will be used to serve food items. You can use platters as long as you use some wax paper underneath. And of course, clean with a damp cloth, don’t wash with the dishes.
Hope this gets your creative juices going and it adds to your collection of crafting! Don’t forget, the holidays will be coming, and it’s never too soon to craft a few gift items, as well.
Have fun!
