Alexei Volkov
Mason jars are a versatile item that can be decorated in a variety of ways to match any decor or theme. Whether you're looking to create a festive holiday display, add a touch of charm to your wedding, or simply want to spruce up your everyday home decor, there are many ways to decorate plastic mason jars. From painting to filling them with creative displays, the possibilities are endless. In this guide, we will explore different techniques and ideas to transform your plastic mason jars into works of art. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your space with these fun and easy decoration ideas!
How to decorate plastic mason jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint | Craft acrylic paint, chalk paint, spray paint, and paint markers |
| Paint colours | Dark purple, metallic gold and silver |
| Paint finish | Matte finish |
| Sealant | Clear matte finish spray sealant |
| Decorations | Pinecones, mini ornaments, artificial greenery, fairy lights, jute strings, wooden beads, boxwood leaves, glitter |
| Contents | Hot cocoa powder, marshmallows, candy canes, granulated sugar, cookie cutouts, wide plaid ribbon, battery-operated lights |
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What You'll Learn
Painting plastic mason jars
Clean and Prepare the Jars
Start by ensuring your plastic mason jars are clean and dry. If the jars are new, they should be ready to use. However, if they have been previously used, make sure to thoroughly clean them before painting.
Choose Your Paint
There are various types of paint that can be used on plastic mason jars, including chalk-style paint, spray paint, glass tints, chalkboard paint, and acrylic paint. The type of paint you choose will depend on the desired look or finish you want to achieve. For example, chalk paint gives a vintage look, while metallic paint adds a modern touch.
Prime the Jars (Optional)
Priming the jars is not mandatory, but it can help prevent paint chipping. If you decide to prime, use a spray primer specifically designed for glass, such as Rustoleum Spray Primer. Follow the instructions on the primer and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area.
Paint the Jars
Once your jars are clean and primed (if desired), it's time to paint! You can use a soft-bristled paintbrush, a sponge, or a foam brush for this step. If using a brush, you may need to apply multiple light coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. Follow the specific instructions on your chosen paint, as some paints may have different application techniques.
For a creative touch, you can try different techniques such as swirling paint inside the jar or creating a galaxy theme with stars. You can also add multiple layers of paint to achieve your desired colour.
Sand the Jars (Optional)
If you are going for a distressed or vintage look, you can use sandpaper to lightly sand the raised areas of the jar after the paint has dried. This technique works well with traditional mason jars or any glass jar with raised lettering. The amount you sand will depend on your desired level of distressing.
Seal the Jars (Optional)
Sealing the painted jars is optional but recommended to protect your artwork. Choose a sealant that matches your desired finish. For example, if you want a matte finish, use a clear matte finish spray sealant. If you've used metallic paint, do not seal, as the sealant may discolour the metallic look.
Dry and Cure the Jars
Allow ample time for the paint and sealant to dry. This typically takes at least 24 hours. For a more permanent paint finish, you can cure the painted jars by placing them in the oven on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes.
Now you have beautifully painted plastic mason jars that can be used for various purposes, such as vases, centrepieces, storage, or unique gifts!
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Removing paint from plastic mason jars
There are several methods for removing paint from plastic mason jars, depending on the type of paint used and whether or not the paint has been sealed. If the paint is a craft or acrylic paint that has not been sealed, you can try soaking the jar in a sink or tub of hot water and dish soap, which should cause the paint to peel off. For sealed paint, or paint that has not been sealed but is still not peeling off, you may need to use a paint thinner or acetone. When using a paint thinner, be sure to wear extra-thick gloves to protect your hands. Alternatively, you can try using nail polish remover, although this may not be as effective.
If you are looking to remove spray paint from your plastic mason jars, paint thinner or acetone are the most effective methods. Spray the acetone on the painted surface and let it sit for around 30 seconds before scrubbing it off with a scouring pad. Always be cautious when using chemicals like acetone and paint thinner, and wear protective gloves to shield your skin.
It is worth noting that it may be more cost-effective to simply purchase a new jar rather than investing in paint thinner or acetone. However, if you have multiple jars to strip or are determined to salvage your existing jar, these methods can be successful in removing the paint.
Additionally, it is important to consider the type of paint used on the plastic mason jars. Some paints, such as enamel, multi-surface, or gloss finish craft paint, are not suitable for mason jars as they may not be opaque. Craft acrylic paint in a matte finish is generally recommended for mason jar projects, as are chalk paints and spray paint for metallic gold and silver looks.
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Using mason jars as candle holders
There are many ways to decorate plastic mason jars, and one popular use for decorated mason jars is as candle holders. Here are some ways you can use mason jars as candle holders:
Hanging Mason Jar Candle Holders
For this project, you will need to cut and glue together pieces of wood to create a wooden base with a cup hook at the top from which to hang the mason jar. After assembling the base, add gravel and a candle to the mason jar and hang it from the hook. You can use a battery-operated candle if you are concerned about fire safety. This project will bring a rustic farmhouse style to your home.
Painted Mason Jar Candle Holders
You can also create mason jar candle holders by painting the jars themselves. To do this, use craft acrylic paint, chalk paint, or spray paint (metallic gold and silver work well). Allow ample time for the paint to dry (at least 24 hours), then seal the paint with a clear matte finish spray sealant. Do not use enamel, multi-surface, or gloss finish craft paint, as these are not opaque. If you are using a metallic finish, do not seal the paint, as the sealant will discolor the metallic look.
Shipping Painted Mason Jars
If you plan to ship your painted mason jars, wrap each jar in four layers of bubble wrap, taping it in place on the bottom and top of the jar. Then, add packing peanuts to fill any remaining space in the box. Use a shipping service that will handle the package with care, such as USPS Priority Mail, to avoid chipping the paint during transit.
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Filling mason jars with festive treats
There are endless ways to fill a plastic mason jar with festive treats. For a simple yet effective idea, fill a plastic mason jar with dry hot cocoa ingredients and top with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed starlight mints. Attach a tag with festive red baker's twine. This idea can be adapted for cookie mixes, too—layer dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, sugar, pecans, and chocolate chips in a jar. All the recipient needs to do is add the wet ingredients for a delicious batch of cookies.
For a more savoury option, fill a plastic mason jar with your famous spice rub and attach a small wooden spoon and gift tag. Or, for a heartier gift, layer dried rice, pasta, barley, split peas, and lentils in a jar. The recipient will just need to add ground beef and a few other ingredients for a big pot of soup.
If you're feeling extra festive, decorate your plastic mason jar to look like Santa, complete with a felt hat and ribbon belt. Fill the jar with the recipient's favourite candy or treats. Alternatively, fill a plastic mason jar with spiced nuts and tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the jar, tucking in a cinnamon stick for good measure.
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Sealing painted mason jars
There are several ways to decorate plastic mason jars, including painting them. If you decide to paint your mason jars, sealing them is an important step to preserve your artwork. Sealing the paint will make the jars scratch and chip-resistant, water-resistant, and prevent the colours from fading over time. It will also add a professional and polished touch to your pieces if you are gifting or selling them.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the paint you have used is suitable for sealing. If you have used enamel speciality glass paint, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions, which will likely tell you how long it will take for the paint to cure. You will usually be given two options: leaving it to air dry for a certain number of days, or baking it in the oven for a faster curing time. If you have used a metallic finish spray paint, you should not seal the jars, as the sealant will discolour the metallic look.
If you have used regular acrylic paint, craft paint, or chalk paint, you have the option to seal it. If your project is going to be used as decor with minimal handling, you do not need to seal the jars. If you do decide to seal the jars, you can use a brush-on or spray-on sealer. You should always use paint sealer in a well-ventilated area.
Before sealing, ensure that the paint is fully dry. You should give the jars ample dry time, at least 24 hours, before sealing with a clear matte finish spray sealant. The sealant dries quickly, but it is best to give it a few hours before packing. If you have used spray paint, give it three or four days before packing, as the bubble wrap can ruin the finish on the jars.
Using a matte spray sealer will give the paint a chalk-like appearance. Alternatively, you can use a gloss spray sealer if you like the appearance of paintbrush strokes. Sealers can also brighten up the colour of your paint, which works great for vibrant pieces.
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Frequently asked questions
Fill your plastic mason jar with a couple of inches of granulated sugar, wrap the top with battery-operated fairy lights, and top with a reindeer to create a sweet Christmas scene. Alternatively, wrap the jar with wide plaid ribbon and secure with jute strings tied in a bow. Hot-glue a pinecone and some artificial greenery to the bow for a rustic look.
Paint your plastic mason jars with craft acrylic paint, chalk paint, or spray paint. You can also distress the jars by painting them and then removing the paint with hot water and dish soap.
Fill your plastic mason jars with treats in the wedding colours. You can also use the jars as candle holders or turn them into hanging decorations by attaching them to a breadboard and inserting seasonal flowers, herbs, or greenery.
Give the jars ample dry time (at least 24 hours) and then seal with a clear matte finish spray sealant.
