Alexei Volkov
Glitter can be applied to almost any surface, from plastic to glass, and can be an easy project for beginner crafters. However, getting glitter to stick to a smooth, glossy surface like plastic can be tricky. With the right technique and materials, you can achieve a durable finish that will last a long time. The process involves cleaning the plastic surface, applying glue or a sealer, coating with glitter, and then sealing the glitter to prevent flaking. You can also use etching cream to create a rougher surface for the glitter to adhere to, or use a glitter paint, which is made from glass and designed to be applied directly to surfaces like glass or plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items to glitter | Plastic items, including plastic cups, phone cases, and headphones |
| Materials | Glitter, glossy decoupage glue (e.g. Mod Podge), paintbrush or foam brush, painter's tape, stencils or stickers, soap and water, clear glossy sealer |
| Process | 1. Clean the item with soap and water or wipe with a damp cloth. 2. Mask off areas that should not be glittered using painter's tape, stencils, or stickers. 3. Apply a thick coat of glossy decoupage glue with a paintbrush or foam brush. 4. Shake a generous amount of glitter onto the item, rotating to coat all edges. 5. Wait 1-2 hours and add a second coat of glue and glitter if needed. 6. Remove painter's tape, stencils, or stickers by peeling straight up. 7. Apply 2 coats of clear, glossy sealer to prevent flaking. 8. Let the item dry and cure completely before use. |
| Tips | Use extra-fine glitter for a more professional look. Do not add a second layer of paint over glitter as it will dull the glitter. Paint glitter is made of glass and can chip. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the plastic surface
Firstly, ensure that your plastic surface is clean. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash the item in the sink, especially if it has been previously used. This step will help the glitter adhere better to the surface. If the item cannot get wet, such as headphones or certain plastic gadgets, use a damp cloth to wipe it down instead. Make sure to remove any dust or grease that might interfere with the adhesion of the glitter.
Next, decide on the design you want to create with the glitter. If you want straight lines, use painter's tape to mask off the areas you don't want to be glittered. For more intricate designs, stencils or stickers can be used. Get creative and cut the painter's tape into waves or zigzags for a unique and eye-catching pattern. Remember to press down the edges of the tape or stencils firmly to prevent any unwanted glitter from seeping underneath.
Now, it's time to apply the glue. Use a paintbrush or a foam brush to apply a thick, even coat of glossy-finish decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge, to the areas you want to glitter. If you are covering a cup or a container, it's a good idea to coat only half of it with glue first, so you have a dry area to hold onto. Smooth out any brushstrokes by running your brush gently over the surface again. You can also use regular white school glue or acrylic craft paint, but keep in mind that you won't be able to add another layer of paint on top of the glitter without dulling its sparkle.
Once the glue is applied, it's time to add the glitter. Sprinkle a generous amount of glitter onto the glued areas, and rotate the item to ensure all edges are coated. For a more professional finish, use extra-fine glitter. However, you can also use standard chunky glitter for a different effect. Work over a sheet of paper to make cleaning up easier – you can funnel any excess glitter back into its jar for future use.
If the item's original surface is still visible through the glitter, you might want to consider adding a second coat. Wait for the first coat to dry (usually 1-2 hours) before applying another layer of glue and glitter. Feel free to experiment with different types of glitter to create interesting textures. However, if you're only glittering one side of the item, you can move on to the next step.
Finally, remove any painter's tape, stencils, or stickers by peeling them straight up, being careful not to drag them across the surface and risk peeling off the glitter. Use a dry paintbrush to brush away any stray bits of glitter from the un-glittered parts of your item.
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Applying the glue or adhesive spray
Use a paintbrush or a foam brush to apply a thick, even coat of your chosen glue to the item. If you are covering the entire item with glitter, consider coating only half of it with glue at a time so that you have something dry to hold onto. For example, if you are glittering a plastic cup, stick your hand into the cup to coat all the sides without getting your hands dirty.
After applying the first coat of glue, let it dry for 1-2 hours. If the item's original surface is still showing through the glitter, you might want to add a second coat. Apply another layer of glue and then sprinkle more glitter over the entire item. You can use a different type of glitter for this second coat to create an interesting texture. For example, if you used extra-fine glitter for the first coat, you can use chunky glitter for the second coat.
If you are only glittering one side of the item, you can skip this step and move on to sealing the glitter. However, if you are glittering multiple sides, let the glitter dry and then repeat the process for the other sides.
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Adding the glitter
Next, apply a thick coat of glossy decoupage glue, then brush it smooth. Use a paintbrush or a foam brush to apply a thick coat of glossy-finish decoupage glue (e.g. Mod Podge) to the item. Run your brush over the surface again to remove any brushstrokes. If you are covering the entire item with glitter, consider coating just half of it with glue for now, so you'll have something dry to hold onto. If you are covering a plastic cup, stick your hand into the cup so that you can coat all of the sides without getting your hands dirty. You can also try using regular white school glue or even acrylic craft paint. However, keep in mind that you won't be able to apply a second layer of paint, or you will dull the glitter.
Now for the glitter! Shake a generous amount of glitter onto the item. Rotate the item to make sure that you are coating all of the edges. To make cleaning up easier, work over a sheet of paper that's been creased down the middle. This way, once you are done, you can funnel the glitter back into its jar. Extra-fine glitter will look more professional, but you can use the standard chunky kind too.
Sometimes, the first coat of glitter is not enough. If the item's original surface is showing through the glitter, you might want to add a second coat. Wait 1 to 2 hours for the first coat to dry, then apply more decoupage glue and glitter over the entire item. You can use a different type of glitter to create an interesting texture. For example, if you used chunky glitter at first, you can use extra-fine glitter this time. Do not add a second layer if you used paint, or you will dull the glitter down.
Let the glitter dry, then repeat the process for the other sides if you are glittering a multi-sided object. Once the glitter is dry, remove any painter's tape, stencils, or stickers. Peel the tape straight up, and avoid dragging it across the surface. If you drag it across the surface, you risk peeling the glitter off. If you do get a chip, fill it in using a thin, pointed brush and decoupage glue, then sprinkle glitter over it. Use a dry paintbrush to brush any stray bits of glitter from the un-glittered parts of your item.
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Sealing the glitter
Sealing glitter on plastic is a great way to ensure that your glittery item remains sparkly and mess-free. There are several methods you can use to seal glitter, ranging from hairspray to decoupage mediums. Here are some detailed instructions on how to seal glitter using various methods:
Using Hairspray:
Hairspray is a simple and affordable option for sealing glitter. It can be easily applied by spraying it over the glittered area. This method is suitable for small projects or items that won't come into direct contact with water. However, it may not provide the most durable finish. Allow the hairspray to dry completely before handling the item.
Using Mod Podge:
Mod Podge is a popular choice for sealing glitter and is available at most craft stores. It is a type of decoupage medium, which is thinner than white glue and designed specifically for crafting. You can apply Mod Podge over the glittered area using a foam brush or by mixing the glitter directly into the Mod Podge before application. Allow for drying time between coats, and apply as many coats as needed. Using a gloss version of Mod Podge will help maintain the sparkle of the glitter.
Using Decoupage Medium:
Decoupage mediums are another effective way to seal glitter and are ideal for decorative projects. These mediums have built-in sealers that will help your glitter stay in place and last longer. Apply the decoupage medium with a foam brush, allowing for drying time between coats. Typically, two coats are sufficient to seal the glitter, but you can add more if needed.
Tips for Sealing Glitter:
- Tap off any excess glitter before beginning the sealing process.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using sealants.
- If you're concerned about the sealant dulling the glitter, opt for a clear, glossy top coat, which will enhance the sparkle.
- For a super sparkly finish, use a decoupage medium that already has glitter in its formula.
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Removing excess glitter
To remove excess glitter from a plastic item that you have glittered, you should first let the glue and glitter dry completely. Then, use a dry paintbrush to brush away any stray bits of glitter from the un-glittered parts of the item. If you have used painter's tape, stencils, or stickers to mask off certain areas, peel these away carefully, avoiding dragging them across the surface, as this could cause the glitter to peel off.
If you are looking to remove glitter from clothing, a masking tape-style lint roller can be used. Alternatively, wrap tape around your hand with the sticky side facing outwards and target the glitter with that. To prevent glitter from falling off clothing, you can spray the item gently with hairspray, taking care not to dull the glitter.
To remove glitter from hard surfaces, such as tables, floors, or countertops, use a damp sponge and a large bowl of water. Gently wipe the glitter with the wet sponge, then squeeze the sponge clean in the bowl of water, repeating until the surface is clean. You can also use a wet paper towel or dryer sheets to sweep glitter into a pile, and then use a vacuum hose to suck it up. There are also inexpensive products designed specifically to handle glitter messes on hard surfaces, such as the Glitter Clean-Up Cloth.
To remove glitter from hair, you can apply hairspray to a paper towel and dab the glittery areas. The hairspray will add tackiness to lift the glitter from your hair and scalp. You can also use basic oils, such as cleansing oils, baby oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Massage the oil into your hair and let it set for 10 minutes before rinsing.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a paintbrush or foam brush to apply a thick coat of glossy-finish decoupage glue (e.g. Mod Podge) to the item. Then, while the glue is still wet, sprinkle a generous amount of glitter onto the item, rotating it to ensure that you are coating all the edges.
Extra-fine glitter will look more professional, but you can also use the standard chunky kind.
Yes, if the item's original surface is showing through the glitter, wait 1-2 hours for the first coat to dry, then apply more decoupage glue and glitter over the entire item. You can use a different type of glitter to create an interesting texture.
Apply 2 coats of clear, glossy sealer, such as glossy decoupage glue, to seal the glitter onto the item and prevent flaking.
Yes, but it can be tricky. Make sure that the paint is dry before you start painting over it, otherwise, you could end up with a mess. When painting over the glitter, be careful not to scratch or scrape the surface, as this can damage it and ruin your project.
