Spray painting glassware is a fast way to give old vases and jars a fresh look. It works for thrifted finds and pieces already in the cabinet. Clean the glass well, remove any labels, and wipe with rubbing alcohol so the paint can grip. Choose a paint that states it bonds to glass. Use light coats and rotate the piece for even coverage. Spray painting glassware lets you create custom centerpieces, match a seasonal palette, or test trendy finishes without buying new decor. The steps are simple and the results look polished.

Thrift Store Glassware

Glassware such as this is so easy to find at thrift stores, or even in your own basement or garage! See more ideas for collecting glassware below.

Free or almost free

• Buy Nothing groups and Freecycle
• Facebook Marketplace “Free,” “Curb alert,” and “Porch pickup”
• Neighborhood yard sale leftovers near closing time
• Curbside after weddings, showers, graduations, and school banquets
• Community swap tables at churches or libraries

Thrift and secondhand

• Thrift stores on discount days or by-the-pound outlets
• Habitat ReStore housewares section
• Antique mall booths with clearance shelves
• Flea markets near closing time when vendors want to lighten the load

Businesses with extras

• Florists and event planners who rotate stock
• Wedding venues and caterers with retired centerpiece vases
• Funeral homes that receive returns or extras
• Hotels and restaurants clearing storage
• Office managers after corporate events

Estate and community sales

• Estate sales on the last day
• Church rummage sales and school fundraisers
• Storage unit auctions, then ask buyers for the housewares boxes

Clean Glassware Well

Although spray painting glassware is easy, there are a few important steps to follow. For me, the first order of business was to pre-clean the glassware outside in a bucket. I was NOT bringing them into the house with all that nastiness.

After I pre-washed the glassware, I brought them in the house and washed them with warm soapy water. As a final step, it helps to wipe the glass with alcohol. Allow the glass to dry thoroughly.

Spray Painting Glassware

Then I hit them up with some white spray paint! It is amazing how much you can change plain ordinary glassware with spray paint. See more painted glassware ideas here.

For these items,  I used Rustoleum paint. I did not use primer or sealer. I intend to use these solely to “look pretty”. Who knew spray painting glassware could be so fun?

Follow the directions on your can of spray paint for re-coating and dry times. Instructions vary by type and brand of paint.

It’s amazing how quickly spray paint can change up the unwanted glassware pieces.

I used the same paint on all the pieces. This short one (right) looks glossier probably due to the fact that it was a much shinier glass before I started.

On the wider mouthed pieces I lightly sprayed inside the mouth. If you do this, you will easily know what needs to be done. Remember—several light coats are best. I also turned them upside down to do the bottom. The jar on the far left isn’t perfect on the inside. I think it was either a little damp or dirty, changing the way the paint adhered.

Related Content: How to Drill China | Teacup Lamp (and spray paint the pieces to match)

Pretty White Glassware on Red Bookshelf

Although the white is very pretty against the red, you can paint glass any color. Check out that link, and scroll down beyond the DIY Birdbath, and you will see a very pretty turquoise vase.

Spray Painting Glass Vase Green

In fact, I recently spray painted this vase I picked up a while back at the thrift store. As I did with the white glassware, I washed and dried this vase well. It is a little tricky getting all the stickers off, but hot soapy water will make it easier.

Whenever I spray paint glass or anything really, I believe in doing several light coats. That really helps prevent runs. Spray painted glass dries very quickly, so even though I ended up doing 4 coats all together, this was still a really quick project.

Finally, for the fourth coat, I placed the glass vase on a 2×2 and made sure I had full coverage all around.

I only sprayed the outside of the vase, but I love, love, love how it turned out. Don’t you?

Related Content: Boho Vase

It looks so pretty with some dried hydrangeas! See, I told you spray painting glass is fun and easy!

Once the paint cures, style your new pieces with flowers, branches, or candles. Handle gently and avoid the dishwasher to protect the finish. Spray painting glassware is a smart way to reuse what you have and keep items out of the landfill. Change colors for holidays, create gift sets, or pull together a quick mantel display in an afternoon. If this project sparks an idea, save it for later and share it with a friend who loves an easy update.

Save & Share on Pinterest!

See more great repurposed glassware projects here

Spray Paint Alternative

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