How to Create a Mercury Glass Lamp Base

This particular base is open at the bottom, and is perfect for spraying paint inside, which tends to look better when creating a mercury glass look.

Step 1 : Using painter’s tape, tape off the entire outside of the glass base of the lamp. I removed the electrical cord and wires for this project to keep them from touching the wet paint inside. After taping, poke a hole where the wires come through the top of the lamp base. This will allow the water/vinegar solution you are spraying inside, to drain.Turn the lamp upside down and inside an old cardboard box to secure the lamp. We actually used a couple of masking tape rolls, which worked great.

Step 2: Mix one part water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. 

Step 3: Using the finest mist setting on the spray bottle, mist the inside of the glass lamp base with the 50/50 water and white vinegar solution.

Step 4: Immediately spray the damp lamp with a light coat of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint. When using the spray paint, work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Let the spray paint dry for 1 to 2 minutes, then spray again with just the water/vinegar solution and let dry for 3 to 5 more minutes.

Step 5: Using paper towels or a cloth, gently blot away the excess moisture on the glass, which will give the glass the mercury glass effect. It’s important not to rub.Repeat steps 3 through 5 as many times as you it takes to get the effect you are looking for. I did this a total of 3 times.

Step 6: Allow the glass to dry completely before removing the protective tape from the glass lamp base, and reinstalling the electrical wiring.

For more information on adding twine to the lamp base for an added detail, visit my blog.