Alexei Volkov
Painting the inside of a plastic Christmas ornament is a fun and easy way to create unique, colourful decorations. With a few simple steps, you can transform plain plastic ornaments into beautiful, custom creations. The process is straightforward: first, remove the ornament's cap, then add paint, and finally, let it dry. However, there are a few tricks to ensure your paint adheres well and doesn't crack or fade. The choice of paint is important, with acrylic craft paint being a popular and inexpensive option, available in a wide range of colours and finishes. You can even add glitter for extra sparkle. This project is a great way to involve the whole family in creating personalised decorations, and it's a perfect activity to do before the holiday season begins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament type | Clear plastic or glass |
| Ornament shape | Sphere or disc |
| Paint type | Acrylic, mousse, or glitter |
| Paint colour | Metallic, matte, glitter, or regular |
| Paint brand | Testors Craft Acrylic or Nuvo Embellishment Mousse |
| Paint application method | Pouring, splattering, or brushing |
| Paint drying method | Air drying or using a hair dryer |
| Paint drying time | 24-48 hours or a week |
| Paint layer | Multiple layers for full coverage |
| Paint prevention from cracking | Rubbing alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing paint
When choosing paint for your plastic Christmas ornament, you will want to opt for a paint that is suitable for plastic surfaces. You will also need to decide whether you want to paint the outside or the inside of your ornament, as this will determine the type of paint you need.
If you are painting the outside of a plastic ornament, you can use a variety of paints, including acrylic craft paint, which comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, such as metallic, glitter, matte, and regular. You can also use mousse, which comes in many beautiful colours and is the perfect texture for beginners. Mousse is thicker than paint, so a little will go a long way.
If you are painting the inside of a plastic ornament, you will need to use a paint that can adhere to the plastic surface. Acrylic paint is a good option, as it is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including plastic. However, it is important to use a fresh bottle of paint, as older paint may not adhere as well. You can also add a spoon of chalk powder or a blob of texture paste to your paint to give it more texture and help it adhere to the plastic.
To prevent your paint from cracking, you can swish some rubbing alcohol inside the ornament before painting. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish.
It is also important to consider the amount of paint you will need. For painting the inside of an ornament, you will need enough paint to coat the entire surface. A dime-sized dollop of paint should be enough to start, and you can always add more if needed.
Additionally, keep in mind that the first paint you add will be the outer layer of colour, so choose a colour that you want to be most visible. You can then add other colours and create a splatter effect or marble effect.
Finally, consider the drying time of the paint. Paint inside an ornament can take a long time to dry, as there is limited airflow. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before handling the ornament or replacing the lid.
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Removing the cap
Gently grasp the band or wire loop with your thumb and forefinger. Apply a gentle and steady pressure as you pull the cap away from the ornament. It is important to pull slowly and evenly to avoid any sudden movements that could break the ornament or the cap. With a steady hand, the cap should slide out smoothly without causing any damage.
If the cap feels stuck or difficult to remove, there are a few tricks you can try. First, ensure that the ornament is dry. Sometimes, paint or moisture can cause the cap to adhere more firmly to the ornament. You can use a hairdryer to apply gentle heat to the cap and loosen any paint or residue that might be causing the cap to stick.
Another technique is to use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the area where the cap meets the ornament. Allow it to sit for a few moments, as this can help to break down any paint or residue that might be causing the cap to stick. Then, try gently pulling on the cap again.
Once the cap is removed, set it aside in a safe place where it won't be misplaced or damaged. With the cap removed, you can proceed with the next steps of your painting project, such as pouring paint or applying other decorative elements.
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Pouring paint
Painting the inside of a plastic Christmas ornament is a fun and easy DIY project. It is important to remember that the first paint you add will make up the outer layer of colour, so choose your colours wisely and plan the design before you start.
To get started, you will need a clear plastic ornament and acrylic paint. Remove the top cap of the ornament and pour in a dime-sized amount of paint. You can use a variety of colours, but remember to use a fresh bottle of paint for the best results. If you are using a new colour, consider pouring a small amount into the neck of the ornament to spread the colour around the upper part.
Now, tilt and roll the ornament so that the paint coats the entire inside. You can also tap it gently against your palm to spread the paint evenly. Once the inside is coated, invert the ornament and let the excess paint drip out. Place the ornament upside down on a paper towel and move it to a clean spot every few minutes to avoid drips.
If you are using a round sphere ornament, you can place it inside a plastic cup that is slightly smaller, so the extra paint drips into the cup instead of on your work surface. This method works better with sphere ornaments than with disk ornaments.
Let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before replacing the lid. You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer, but be cautious as heat can cause problems with the plastic and paint. To prevent paint from cracking, some people recommend swishing rubbing alcohol inside the ornament before painting, but this is not necessary.
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Draining excess paint
Draining the excess paint is an important step in painting the inside of a plastic Christmas ornament. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:
After squirting or pouring paint into your ornament, you'll want to tilt and roll it around so that the paint coats the entire inside. You can also gently tap the ornament against the palm of your hand to help distribute the paint. Once the inside is coated, it's time to drain the excess.
Place a paper towel on a flat surface and invert the ornament, allowing it to rest upside down. Move the ornament to a clean spot on the paper towel every few minutes to catch the dripping paint. Alternatively, you can place the ornament in a plastic cup that's slightly smaller, and let the excess paint drip into the cup. This method works well for round sphere ornaments but may not be as effective for disk-shaped ornaments.
Let the ornament rest upside down for at least 10 minutes, or even up to 24-48 hours, to ensure that most of the excess paint has drained. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, but be cautious as heat may cause some issues with the paint or plastic. It's important to ensure that each layer of paint is completely dry before adding another layer or replacing the lid.
After the paint has drained and dried, you can replace the lid and your painted ornament is ready! You can add vinyl or other decorations before the 24 hours are up, as long as there is no dripping paint. Now you have a beautifully painted plastic Christmas ornament, customized to match your decor or to give as a thoughtful gift!
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Drying the ornament
Drying your painted plastic Christmas ornament is a crucial step in the painting process. It is important to be patient and allow ample time for the paint to dry completely. The drying time will vary depending on several factors, including the type of paint used, the thickness of the paint layer, and the humidity levels in your environment.
To begin the drying process, invert the ornament and let it sit upside down. This will allow any excess paint to drip out of the ornament. Place the ornament on a paper towel or a piece of cardboard to catch the dripping paint. If you have a round sphere ornament, you can place it in a plastic cup that is slightly smaller, allowing the paint to drip into the cup. Keep in mind that this method works best with flat sphere ornaments and may not be as effective with disk ornaments.
The drying time can range from a few hours to several days. Some sources suggest letting the ornament rest upside down for at least 10 minutes to allow the excess paint to run out. Others recommend leaving it for 24 to 48 hours before replacing the lid. However, it is essential to ensure that the paint is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
To expedite the drying process, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting. Be cautious when using heat, as it may cause problems with the plastic or affect the paint's adhesion. Another suggestion is to use a plastic water bottle with a small hole in the cap, filled with hot water. Place the ornament over the bottle, ensuring that the steam from the hot water escapes through the opening of the ornament. This will create a mini-sauna effect, helping to speed up the drying process.
It is crucial to allow each layer of paint to dry completely before adding subsequent layers. If the paint is not entirely dry, adding more paint may result in streaking or fading. Additionally, ensure that the ornament is stored away from direct light or heat sources, as these can also affect the paint's durability.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use acrylic craft paint for the inside of a plastic Christmas ornament. You can also use Testors Craft Acrylic Paint which comes in glitter, matte, and regular 2oz bottles.
First, remove the top cap of the ornament. Then, squeeze a dime-sized dollop of paint into the ornament. Tilt and roll the ornament so that the paint coats the entire inside. You can also tap the ornament against the palm of your hand to spread the paint. Finally, invert the ornament and let the excess paint drain out.
It is recommended to let the paint dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before replacing the lid. However, some people suggest letting it dry for a week to ensure that all the paint has settled.
