How to Make a Faux Mercury Glass Vase

In this video, we are going to learn how to make a faux mercury glass vase.

Do you have a lot of mason jars sitting around?

Don’t want to just spray paint them any old color?

If so, then we’ve got the perfect video today.

This painting technique is super easy and very effective.

Why would you want to create faux mercury glass pieces other than because they look awesome?

Of course, I googled it.

Accordingly, mercury glass is “relatively inexpensive.”

Then goes on to say that a “vase in perfect condition” could go for $80 to $100.

Hmmm.

Well, that’s expensive to me!

I’m someone who likes to go to garage sales and only pay 25 cents for a vase. 🙂

(Oh, one more thing: no mercury in mercury glass, faux or real. )

Supplies Needed:

mason jar (or any glass container)

Mirror-finish spray paint: Julia says that “normal metallic spray paint” will not work; it has to be mirror-finish. She shows the difference at the end of the video.

spray bottle

sponge (or paper towel)

white vinegar

water

as with all spray painting projects: use protective gear

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Clean your mason jar (or glass container) to remove any oily residue or dirt. Dry well and turn the glass upside down on a protected surface area.

Step 2: In a spray bottle, add equal parts water and white vinegar. In the video, Julia uses about 1/2 cup each.

Step 3: Lightly mist the surface of the glass with the vinegar/water solution. Do not overdo it. You want the drops on the surface to be small and not dripping down glass.

Step 4: Next, spray a light coat of your mirror finish spray paint.

Step 5: Wait one minute.

Step 6: Repeat step 3.

Step 7: Repeat step 4.

Step 8: Let dry for a couple of minutes. Then pat down with a sponge or paper towel.

Step 9: Repeat steps 3 through 8 until you get the opaqueness you want and the look you want. Julia said she did it 4 times for her project.

That’s it!

This project really upgrades plain glass, doesn’t it?

This faux mercury glass effect looks just like the real thing.

It gives a shimmering, shiny effect to your décor.

Have fun!

Photo credit for all 4 vases in the featured image: FestivitiesMN via Flickr