Over the weekend, I went a little crazy spray painting glass vases and other items I had tucked away. I admit, I’m a bit of a paint-a-holic. Everything in my home is fair game – accept maybe the dog. My fur-baby may be safe, but if you read my last post, human body parts are NOT!
This isn’t the first time I’ve spray painted glass and ceramics. You’ve likely seen a few of my other sprayed knick-knacks on my staged furniture makeovers. Just a few examples are the Owl on the Annie Sloan White Desk, the Cranes in my Salvaged Bathroom, and the Scottish Terrier on my 5 Ways To Paint Furniture Without Sanding Desk.
This post contains affiliate links to products used. You can see my full disclosure here.
I like finding interesting items at garage sales or thrift stores and transforming them. Shopping my own home and breathing life into items that are otherwise collecting dust is even better! It’s a quick and easy makeover. And the results are impressive – all for a fraction of the cost for similar knick-knacks at Pier 1 or HomeSense.
I’ve tried many brands of spray paint and today I’m sharing my favorite. The one I like the very BEST for GLASS is Krylon ColorMaster. It sprays a beautiful finish, and adheres to glass or any shiny surface with no issues.
Tips for Spray Painting Glass
1:: Use a spray paint designed for glass. Krylon indicates (on the label) that it works on glass.
2:: Wash the glass and let it dry.
3:: Wipe down the glass with rubbing alcohol (then let dry) before spray painting.
4:: As per instructions, shake the can for 1-2 minutes before spray painting.
5:: Shoot the first few sprays on a newspaper or cardboard just to get the spittle/splotches out before spraying your piece.
6:: Hold the can approximately 12-16″ away from your glass item and spray in sweeping motions.
7:: Spray light even coats slightly overlapping each spray for the best results.
8:: Safety – Spray in a well-ventilated area and a temperature controlled room.
Here’s a few of the sprayed pieces. I took close-up pics so you can see the finish. It’s really lovely – a mix of French White Enamel, Antique Ironstone and Milk Glass!
So, if you have any glass or ceramic that’s just laying around, I hope this inspires you. An inexpensive $7 can of spray paint can transform a number of items. If you love thrifting, this is also a great excuse to head out and hunt for some interesting pieces to update! But be warned, transforming old-dated knick-knacks that you picked up for a ridiculously cheap price can be addicting!
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
One of the best ways to remove spray paint from mirrors and glass surfaces is by using acetone.
WD-40 also can remove paint from glass. While it is not effective for erasing paint from skin, it is useful for removing paint from glass, including car windows.
Thanks Marsha!
Last year always painted my glassware with white spray paint. It was fine but I ended up getting white spots everywhet.So this year I tried painting by hand with chalk paint, but the finish was bumpy. What am I doing wrong?
Jack from Yuma, AZ
I’d love to try spray painting a glass lamp, but I can’t find Krylon White for glass anywhere, and Krylon are not being helpful. Could you tell me where to find it, please? Online or locally in Nottingham..
Hi Ken! I’m in Toronto so I’m not sure what is available locally in Nottingham but I get my Krylon here. Hope this helps. 🙂
That’s very expensive. The link shows $29 per can on Amazon
You may be able to find it cheaper at an actual store rather than online.
Will this work for glass door knobs in a house?
Hi Denise, I LOVE how this glassware turned out! What color is the first item with the flower? So elegant! Thanks.
~Gwen
Thanks, Gwen! I believe that’s the French White Enamel. 🙂
Thank you for responding!
I can’t find it anywhere so not sure if they still make any of the three you have listed .
I’m trying change glass pendant shades from alabaster, white with swirls, to a milk glass loaf without the swirls. How would I do this?
thanks, Mary
This was very helpful. I’m thinking of spraying one of my glass globe pendants . It’s current clear, and I’d love for it to have that white look instead. If I spray it will it still be translucent?
Hi Giselle! If I’m understanding correctly, no, it will be opaque. But you could spray the inside of the glass globe. That gives a really nice look as well.
Can this paint be used on a GWTW milk glass lamp?
Yes, it can Darlene.
After spraying and allowing the jar to dry, does it need to be sealed? What would I use to seal it? I also want to add a design using a stencil and Chalk paint, should I seal first, then chalk?
If its a high traffic item it can be sealed with a spray-on poly. Also, I would stencil with the chalk paint and then seal/topcoat. Have fun!
Denise – can I spray glass drinkware? Will it scratch the paint off?
Hi Ashely! Ya, it won’t scratch off but these paints aren’t for eating or drinking off of. If you plan to use them in decor it’s a great idea though. 🙂
Is the spray paint gloss or semi-gloss?
Hi MJ!! 🙂 It’s gloss.
We recently purchased a house that has every window a stained glass window. Even the kitchen cabinets are all stained glass. None are the same though. This is way to much stained glass for me. I would like to paint them white to blend in with the kitchen but I can’t figure out what to do with the windows themselves. Any suggestions short of replacing them all. They aren’t valuable or even very pretty. Any suggestions are welcome!
Hmmm, short of replacing them I’m really NOT sure what you could do with the windows. Brilliant idea painting the kitchen ones out tho! We have a few old churches that have been sold and renovated into homes in the area. They leave the stained glass and I have to say, it’s really unique and gorgeous imo! 🙂
What about mirror spray paint?
Maybe not all of them. Maybe just the ugliest ones?
Or maybe even some sections and not others?
Just a thought.
Hey! Great information. A question for you. Will the white spray paint cover dark brown glass this well? Like a beer growler for example. Thanks!
It sure will! You may need an extra coat or two but it should cover dark glass no problem. 🙂
Will this paint withstand dishwasher temperatures?
hmmm…good questions. I’m not sure Ron. 😐
Do you think this would work on underside of glass table top?? Have a glass desk w a pink underneath that is like to redo.
II have three silver vases I would to paint gold gloss you think it will work?
I have some clear glass herb jars which I want to paint a sort of translucent, nearly opaque, brown, so as to keep the light off the herbs.
Do you have a recommended paint I could spray on?
Do you know if this paint yellows (or ambers) over time? I am thinking of spray painting one side of clear glass and using it for cabinet inserts. The outside facing glass would be unpainted but the inside would be painted white. I’m concerned that it will yellow over time as melamine paint does. Do you know?
Hi John! I still have these glass painted vases and it has been 2 years since I’ve painted them. They’ve held up nicely (although I don’t use them daily) and there is NO yellowing. Hope this helps. 🙂
Denise your posts are gorgeous! I want to do this with some old water bottles – does the paint cure and prevent scratches or is this product better for “look don’t touch”? Thank you!
Hi Carrie, and thank you! The glass that I painted gets light use and has held up perfectly but it has been a few years. If it were a high traffic item, I’m not 100% sure if it would be scratch free over time.
could i paint outdated mirror tiles?
Hi Barb! You sure can. If you have any problems with adhesion, this product here works amazingly on super slick/shiny surfaces.
Oh – That’s a good idea!
I’m going to steal it for an old end table with a glass top.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Is it okay to use the Krylon ColorMaster on a mason jar that will be holding kitchen utensils (whisks, wooden spoons, spatulas, etc.)? Or should I avoid spray painting kitchen items? Thank you!
If you’re spraying the outside of the jar that will be holding the utensils, it’s just fine. 🙂
Hi Denise, could I paint the outside of a clear glass olive oil bottle?
Thank you,
Lupita
Yes, for sure! 🙂
Do you think this product could also work on glass mosiac kitchen tiles that need to be coloured differently? I can’t rip them out to replace with new ones but was hoping this spray paint might work. Perhaps if I sanded the glass squares and then sprayed? What do you think? Am I asking for trouble?
Hi Sally. Yes, my sister spray painted her backsplash with this in her old bathroom and they held up really well. Not sure if she sanded lightly prior or not tho.
Hi Denise! I’m making coasters using stained glass and krylon spray paint. After spraying the coaster and letting it dry for 40 min, I lightly ran my nail across the paint to test it’s durability and it ended up easily scraping off. Is there something I can do to prevent that?
Hi! If I want to hand design on a glass bottle after spray painting it, then, what type of colour should I use?
My family had lots of archery trophies that they were going to throw away. I spray painted them with a matte black and built a couple of dark wood shelves for display. Some of the trophies included plastic, marble, metal, and even fabric. The paint covered it all! Almost very one who sees them comments on how clever they are.
I love the effect you achieved ! You mentioned three different spray paints . Did you use one on each piece, layer them?
Hi Cath! I used one brand on each piece. 🙂
Thank you! As soon as the 30mph wind stops (,) I will be painting several items.
What are the chances one could spray the inside of the vase that will be filled with water? Do u think it will peel?
Hi Brad! Spraying the inside of a vase looks amazing however if it’s going to be holding water, I would suggest spraying the outside. I believe any paint submersed under water 24-7 (unless it’s a marine type/brand of paint) may not hold up over time. And hey, checked out your site, we’re neighbors – I’m in Burlington. 🙂
Thank you for the information, I love those white painted Jars
I’m thinking of spray painting tea lite candle holders on the outside, a gold colour for wedding centrepiece. Any suggestions or advise is greatly appreciated
Hi I was thinking about doing the same thing for my wedding centrepieces 😊 Did you get any tips Susan by any chance? Denise did you have any tips for us please? Thanks x
Spray away and have fun guys… I think it will look amazing! All the tips I offered above would apply. The only thing I would add – when spraying smaller items (tea light candles), line them up making sure there’s enough space in between each to get evenly sprayed. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but I’ve placed things to close together and then had to rearrange them to respray for even coating.
Any suggestions for me? I spray painted my flower vases white and a few of them have started peeling. Thank you for any help you can provide,
I would like to paint class top end tables. Will the paint eventually peel or chip? Should I prime or seal? Tired of the glass but would leave as is if it chips or peels and look bad after, needs to be somewhat resistant. Please advise
Thanks
Hi Dave! Seeing as these are end tables which will get daily use, a primer would be best. They do sell primers that indicate (on the label) they work on glass. Zinsser and Kilz are a few brands that come to mind. I would also suggest to clean the glass surface before applying, and then seal with a good poly after you paint.
I love all your ideals.
I wish you leave near me , because someone else mentioned you have so much knowledge , i just love everything you do ! Thank you for sharing 🌸💗😊
Hi Eliane! Thank you for stopping by to visit. 🙂
Denise,
You are awesome with your blog and information!!!
I wish you lived closer. You should do classes on painting.
Aw thanks Maryann! 🙂
I used some Dark Gray Metallic car body primer to prime a plastic wall fan- I was going to go over it with red or bright pink but liked it so much I left it that way- it’s in my Etsy shop Montage Decor.etsy.com.
I’ve been a professional painter my entire life, so well versed in all kinds of painting.
A happy “accident.”
Hi Jeri! Got to love an ‘accident’ that turns out! 🙂
Great tips Denise! I’ve shied away from spray paint (with the exception of painting hardware) because I can’t seem to get an even beautiful finish! You seem to have mastered the technique. I’m going to give it another go using your tips.
I’m with you Annie…I use spray paint mostly for hardware too! But it is fun to switch it up. 🙂
What a great idea to “shop” my own house. Thank-you Denise. I can’t wait to start changing the look of my knick-knacks.
Ya, I’m guessing many of us have more knick-knacks (tucked away) than we even realize! I’m going to ‘shop’ my house for more too! 🙂
can I spray paint a glass shade for a lamp–it’s a small one 4-5″ tall-and do I need to seal it –am writing because you RESPOND!–thank-you!
Hi Suzanne! Yes you can…great project! If you use Krylon ColorMaster, it’s a paint/primer all in one so no sealing is required. However, if you have a lot of heat coming off this lamp, you may want to double check with a paint store… for safety reasons.
Try switching to an LED lightbulb. They emit little, if any heat. I have been using them when I refurbish my vintage lamps, I’m always worried about heat damaging the older finishes and shades. They cost a little more but are well worth it.
Will be getting this paint and spraying away asap! Thanks for all the tips and tricks and inspiration. Can’t wait to transform some red stuff I have into more neutral pieces!! What a money-saver idea!!!
Hi Linda! I’d love to hear how it covers over red! It’s a paint/primer all in one so I’m sure it will look great. 🙂
Thanks for the tips. All of your work is so very nice.
Thanks Kathleen 🙂
These pieces look fabulous. Red would probably be fun for upcaoming Valentines Day projects.
Denise I really enjoy your work and posts, thanks for sharing.
Hi Carol! This brand of spray paint comes in Ruby red and Rose pink, both would be perfect for Valentines Day projects! They also have CornFlower Blue, Aqua Sea Glass and even Lemon yellow! Janet (who commented earlier) tried the sea glass, and so did I. It looks amazing!
Nice look with the glossy finish instead of matte chalk paint. I’ve done a few with chalk paint and added Victorian pictures, antique glazed to make them look like old bottles. They are fun to do.
That sounds beautiful Tracy, what a great idea! These quick and easy projects are fun!
These turned out really nice, I love the milk glass-ish look to them, thank you for the tips!
Thanks Courtney! And thanks for all your inspirations… just pinned another one of your beautiful quotes from your FB page!
I love this idea and I have several pieces I would like to paint like this. Does any paint get on the inside of your pieces and if it does do you wipe it off?
Hi Renee! I sprayed them standing upright so a slight amount of paint does get around the inside of the opening. I don’t bother to wipe it off. But to avoid this, you could always spray paint with the bottom up! 🙂
I too love krylon products when I was told painting I used the clear as a sealer and it works wonderful the last time we went to Florida I picked up some krylon paint that I couldn’t get here in Canada it’s called sea glass paint looks just like the glass you find walking in the beach love live live it and I too love all the pieces you did especially the vase with the flower on the side
Janet xx
I have the Sea Glass Krylon too Janet! I bought it from Michael’s here in the GTA and yes, it works great. The pieces I tried it on weren’t that impressive tho – so I didn’t include them in this post. Have a super day my friend! x
I love it! I admit, I’m often torn between spray painting vases white or leaving them clear… I love both! It drives me crazy. I really like the vase with the netting pattern and flower on the side. =D The details are so exciting, aren’t they?
I love both too! And the vase you’re talking about with the flower on the side, I found it at a garage sale for .50cents. I saw almost the EXACT same one in a Pier 1 Imports flyer selling for $40…beautiful detail!
Wow!! What a steal! I’ll have to scour my thrift stores more thoroughly. 😉