Mercury Glass DIY Tutorial - It's So Easy!

Anna Bannister
by Anna Bannister
$15
15 Minutes
Easy
I've been wanting to try a DIY Mercury Glass project for awhile. What surprised me? How easy it actually was to achieve this look. I took quite a few pictures throughout the process (I'm a visual leaner). Hang with me, you'll be glad you made it to the end of this post.
Materials:


A clear glass votive, bowl, glass, jar or decorative item


Looking Glass Spray (From your local craft store)


Paper Towels


Spray Bottle with 50/50 mixture of Water & Vinegar
Make sure you're in a well ventilated space, since you'll be using a spray can. I put down some parchment paper on my my grass, so I wouldn't end up with paint all over the yard and ruin the endless hours my husband devotes to our lawn. (Don't judget the yellow grass. It's just the start of Spring.) You'll also want to clean your glass item and ensure it doesn't have any residue on it.
I used Looking Glass spray that I found at my local craft store. You might also be able to find it at a hardware store, too. Read the directions throroughly on the can. (By the way, does anyone actually watch a timer to make sure they shake the can for the full 2 minutes? Honestly, I always count in my head, but can't tell if I'm counting too fast or too slow and inevitably go ahead and count for an extra 30 seconds. Ugh. Or at least I think it's an extra 30 seconds. For the love, who does this?!?!?!)
Spray the inside of the glass as best you can. Yes, it will run. No, it won't ruin it. You're just trying to make sure the glass isn't too opaque when you do the outside. I dabbed up what pooled at the bottom and even let some run out. You probably won't be able to get full coverage on the inside and that's OK. Let your perfection go. (I said that out loud for my on sake.)
Wait until the paint is slightly tacky, which won't be long. Then, take your Spray Bottle that is a 50/50 mixture of Water and Vinegar and lightly cover the inside. Immediately pat the inside of the glass with a crumbled paper towel. This will give it a mottled look.



It should all dry fairly quickly. Turn your glass over and spray the outside with the Looking Glass spray and repeat the process.
To see the finished results, go here:
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Annie Annie on Mar 21, 2016
    If your putting cut flowers in the vase, will the paint affect the flowers?
  • Mar5107912 Mar5107912 on Mar 21, 2016
    Why bother to paint the inside of the vase?
  • Lori Bare Lori Bare on Mar 22, 2016
    Ok, I have an orange porcelain lamp. Could I use this process on it?
Comments
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4 of 20 comments
  • Bonnie Bonnie on Mar 22, 2016
    I absolutely love mercury glass!! Thanks for sharing your "how to!" I'm going to get brave and try it.....
  • Kelly Kelly on Mar 22, 2016
    I love this idea and enjoyed reading your comments (very funny) I can't wait to try this!
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