If you have some clear glass decor you’re tired of, or if you found a great piece at a thrift store, but the color isn’t quite what you want, you might think the only option is to replace it. But before you do that, you have another option: You can give them a beachy makeover with sea glass paint. This spray-paint product is made for glass and acts as a pigment and a frost at the same time. Here’s how to get a sea glass look without all the beach combing.
What is sea glass paint?
Sea glass paint is a semi-translucent, frost finish that you can apply to any non-food-related glassware. While it’s not safe for food and won’t hold up outdoors or in the dishwasher, it’s great for anything else made from glass. You can apply sea glass paint in one coat, so it’s a simple DIY project suitable for beginners.
For this project, you’ll need:
Since sea glass paint comes as a spray paint, you should use it outdoors and always use goggles, gloves, and a mask when working with it. When you’re using oil-based spray paint, it’s better to stay away from plastic masking, as the propellant in the spray will chemically react with some plastics, melting them and causing them to develop holes.
Do not use sea glass paint on plastic or metal items as it’s only designed to stick to glass. Similarly, steer clear of using it on plexiglass or plexi-mirror because it will melt the surface. This paint is only recommended for use on bare glass.
How to apply sea glass paint
Make sure the surface of your glass is clean and dry to start with. To prepare your surface, start by masking off any areas you don’t want to paint. For larger objects, you can use some masking paper to cover large areas. Make sure your tape is making a complete seal because spray paint has a way of getting into almost any opening.
Once you’ve finished masking, it’s time to paint. Hold the spray can about a foot away from your surface and use a slow, sweeping motion. Make sure not to spray the surface too much in one spot as the paint can develop drips. It’s best to allow your first coat to dry and then apply a second coat if you have any thin areas. Since sea glass paint can’t be sanded and redone, take your time spraying it to get the best result.
After you apply your paint, it will be dry to the touch after about five minutes, but you should wait 15 minutes before handling it. After that, you can use your refreshed glassware as normal.
