Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic baubles is a fun and creative way to add a unique, personal touch to your Christmas tree. There are many ways to paint plastic baubles, from using spray paint to the paint-pouring method. You can also get creative with the designs, adding glitter, gold foil, or gold leaf to make your baubles stand out. In this guide, we will explore different techniques and tips to help you create stunning and vibrant plastic baubles that will brighten up your festive décor.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | Acrylic paint, emulsion paint, metallic paint, glitter paint, gold leaf, gold foil, velvet-texture paint |
| Paint Application | Paintbrush, spray paint, paint pouring, dunking, flocking method |
| Additional Materials | Jute twine, needle, straw, paper, glue, gold foil, gold leaf, decoupage paper, decoupage lacquer, foam brush, raffia |
| Preparation | Cover work surface, remove ornament caps, prepare hanging place and a surface to catch drips |
| Post-painting | Allow to dry, add varnish, rethread ribbon or twine, screw on lids |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing paint colours and types
When choosing paint colours, consider the theme of your Christmas tree. For instance, if you are going for a pink and green theme, you may want to paint your baubles pink and add some gold foil for a festive touch. You can also create a colour gradient by painting only half of the bauble.
If you are using the paint-pouring method, you can alternate colours and allow them to move down the sides of the bauble. You can also use a straw or rolled-up paper to direct the movement of your paint. If you are painting the baubles by hand, you can create stripes, stars, or polka dots.
In terms of paint types, you can use acrylic paint to add a unique, personal touch. You can also use spray paint, such as the Montana Gold line colour and Montana Cans METALLIC Effect colour. To increase durability and avoid damage, apply a primer before your chosen paint colour and varnish after it has dried. If you want your baubles to have a velvet texture, you can use flocking powder, mod podge, and paint.
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Preparing the baubles
Firstly, lay out a drop sheet to protect your work surface. Then, carefully remove the lids or caps from the baubles and set them aside. If you are using different-sized baubles, keep the lids and baubles separated by size. This will make it easier to match them up again later.
Next, decide on your desired colour scheme and painting technique. If you are spray painting, you will need to use skewers or chopsticks to punch holes in the bottom of a cardboard box. The skewers will hold the baubles in place while you paint them. If you are using the paint-pouring method, prepare a place to hang the baubles and a surface to catch any drips. You can use jute twine to hang the baubles, but remember to remove it once the paint is dry and rethread a ribbon through the hole.
Before you start painting, consider using a primer. A primer will help the paint adhere to the plastic and create a solid base coat. This is especially important if you are using a specialty paint like metallic, stone, or glitter. Allow the primer to dry for about 15 minutes before applying the paint. If you are using the paint-pouring method, start pouring the colours directly from the bottle onto the bauble. You can alternate the colours and use a straw to direct the movement of the paint.
Now your baubles are prepared and ready for painting!
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Painting techniques
Painting plastic baubles is a fun and creative way to add a unique, personal touch to your Christmas tree. Here are some painting techniques to try:
Spray Painting
Spray painting is a quick and easy way to transform your plastic baubles. First, remove the caps from the baubles and set them aside. If you want to change the colour of the caps, place them on a cardboard board and spray paint them with a suitable spray paint. For the baubles themselves, you can use a variety of spray paints, such as metallic, stone, or glitter blast. It is recommended to use a primer first, as it will help the paint adhere to the plastic and provide a solid base coat. Spray light, thin coats of paint onto the baubles, rotating them as you spray to ensure an even coverage.
Paint Pouring
The paint pouring method creates vibrant and eye-catching baubles. Prepare a hanging station for your baubles with a surface underneath to catch any drips. Remove any existing ribbons and thread a long piece of jute twine through the hole of each bauble. Hang the baubles and start pouring your chosen colours directly from the bottle onto the bauble. You can alternate colours and use a straw to direct the movement of the paint. Allow the paint to dry overnight, and then rethread the ribbon. You can also add varnish and glitter for extra sparkle.
Dunking
This method is a unique way to paint multiple baubles at once. Collect leftover paint in a tin and dunk the baubles into the paint a few times to achieve an even finish. Hang the baubles inside a cardboard box to allow them to dry overnight.
Gold Foil
For a luxurious look, try adding gold foil to your painted baubles. First, apply a thin layer of Modge Podge or PVA glue to the bauble and let it dry. Then, gently pat gold foil onto the sticky surface with your fingers or use a dry paintbrush. You can also use gold leaf and brush it gently to bring out the shine. Finish by screwing the lids back on and adding a piece of raffia or ribbon for hanging.
Decoupage
Decoupage is a creative way to decorate your plastic baubles. Paint the baubles with metallic paint and allow them to dry. Cut out pieces of transparent decoupage paper and attach them to the bauble using glue lacquer. You can also add vintage die-cuts or dots using a foam brush for a unique design.
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Adding decorations
Glitter and Gold Foil
For a sparkling effect, you can cover your painted baubles in glitter. You can also try gold foil for a luxurious touch. After painting the baubles and allowing them to dry, apply a thin layer of glue directly to the surface. Then, gently pat the gold foil or glitter onto the glued areas with your fingers. You can adjust the amount of glitter or gold foil to your preference. Set the baubles aside to dry before reattaching the lids.
Decoupage Paper and Die-Cuts
Attaching decoupage paper or vintage die-cuts to your baubles can add a unique, creative touch. Use a foam brush to apply a thin layer of glue to the back of your chosen paper or die-cuts, then carefully attach them to the surface of the bauble. You can also use metallic paint to add dots or other designs to your decoupage creation.
Gold Leaf
For an elegant and shiny finish, consider using gold leaf. First, cover half of the bauble with a thin layer of Modge Podge or PVA glue and wait until it's almost dry. Then, gently pat on the gold leaf with a dry paintbrush. Once the gold leaf has adhered, carefully brush it to smooth it down and bring out the shine. You can also use a permanent marker to add simple designs, stripes, stars, or polka dots to your baubles.
Varnish and Glitter
After painting your baubles, you can add a layer of varnish to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. While the varnish is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the baubles for an extra sparkly effect. Allow the varnish and glitter to dry completely before handling the baubles.
Ribbons and Hanging Twine
To finish off your decorated baubles, consider adding ribbons or hanging twine. Remove the existing ribbon, if any, and thread a long piece of jute twine or ribbon through the hole using a needle. Tie a knot and hang the bauble to allow for drying. Once dry, you can trim any excess twine or ribbon with scissors.
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Finishing touches
Once you have painted your plastic baubles, there are a few additional steps you can take to add some extra flair and ensure their longevity. If you want to add some sparkle to your baubles, apply a thin layer of glue and then pat on some gold foil or glitter. You can also use a permanent marker to add dots, stripes, stars, or other simple designs. To increase durability and avoid damage, apply a coat of varnish or Modge Podge (PVA will also work) to your baubles. If you are using a varnish, allow the paint to dry and cure before applying. You can also use a spray paint like Krylon Brillant Metallic in Gold Leaf to change the colour of the caps of your baubles. Finally, thread a piece of raffia or jute twine through the lid of the bauble, tie it off with a double knot, and trim any excess with scissors.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the caps from the baubles and set them aside. Then, cover your work surface with a drop sheet.
You can use spray paint, or dunk the bauble in paint. If you want to spray paint your baubles, hold the bauble on a stick and rotate it while consistently spraying. If you want to dunk your baubles, submerge them in the paint tin, then hang them inside a cardboard box to drip-dry.
First, cover the bauble with a thin layer of Modge Podge or PVA glue. When the glue is almost dry, pat on the gold foil or gold leaf with your fingers or a dry paintbrush.
