Alexei Volkov
There are many ways to paint the inside of a plastic ornament with glitter. Some methods involve using polycrylic, varnish, liquid glue, spray glue, or spray varnish. One method is to use a syringe to add polycrylic to the inside of the ornament, drain the excess, and then add glitter. The ornament is then dried and vinyl is added. Another method is to use a flexible disposable cup to pour glitter into the ornament, swirl it around, and then drain the excess. This method can also be done by using a small funnel to add the glitter. It is important to let the ornament dry before adding any additional layers or putting the cap back on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament material | Plastic or glass |
| Ornament size | 3-inch diameter |
| Ornament type | Clear and round or disc-shaped |
| Glitter type | Extra-fine or fine |
| Glitter amount | More than you think is necessary |
| Glitter application | Funnel, syringe, or cup |
| Glitter coating | Swirl the glitter inside the ornament |
| Glitter drying time | 1 hour to 24 hours |
| Glitter sealing | Polycrylic, glue, varnish, spray varnish, or resin |
| Additional decorations | Vinyl, felt, or ribbon |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right glitter
When it comes to choosing the right glitter for your plastic ornament, you have a lot of options. First, you need to decide if you want to use fine or chunky glitter, or a combination of both. If you opt for a combination, you will need to premix your glitter. Use about one tablespoon of extra-fine glitter and mix it with around half a teaspoon of chunky glitter. You can find a wide range of colours and sizes of fine glitter, so you can let your creativity run wild.
If you are using an adhesive that can handle the weight, you can choose chunkier or heavier glitter. Some adhesives that work well with heavier glitter include DuraClear Polyurethane Gloss Varnish and Minwax Polycrylic. These adhesives provide full surface coverage and a smooth and flawless finish. Another option is to use wood oil, which is easier to use and less expensive than Polycrylic. The spray nozzle allows you to spray the oil directly into the ornament.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can try using floor polish. However, keep in mind that the reviews for using floor polish are mixed. Some people have found success, while others have said it is too thin and doesn't provide a good layer for the glitter to adhere to.
Another important consideration is the colour of your glitter. You can choose a colour that complements the plastic ornament or creates a contrasting effect. You can also mix and match different colours of glitter to create a unique and personalised ornament.
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Using polycrylic
To use polycrylic, start by removing the cap from the top of the ornament. Then, take the top off your polycrylic, stir gently with a popsicle stick, and then pour (or syringe) polycrylic into your clear ornaments. You can also pour some polycrylic into a flexible disposable cup and then pour it into the ornament. For a standard-sized ornament, use about 3.75 mL of polycrylic. Gently swirl the ornament around so that the polycrylic coats the entire inside. Then, tip the ornament upside down and let it drain over a disposable cup to remove the excess.
Let the polycrylic sit for no longer than 1 minute before proceeding to the next step. This is key to an even coat of glitter without gaps. If you wait too long, the glitter won't stick as well because the polycrylic will start to dry and have gaps. Once the ornament is sitting balanced upside down, pour a generous amount of glitter inside. You can also mix the glitter in a cup first and then pour it into the ornament. Swirl the glitter around the inside of the ornament, letting it stick to the insides. Work your way up to the mouth of the ornament as you continue to swirl. If you need to add more glitter, just pour some in and continue to swirl and gently shake the ornament until it’s evenly coated.
Once the ornament has been thoroughly glittered, let it dry upright for about an hour. If you notice gaps in the glitter, do not try to add more polycrylic and glitter when the polycrylic is still cloudy and wet. Instead, wait a few hours until the ornament is completely dry, and then you can try adding more. Keep in mind that the dye on the glitter could bleed slightly if you add more polycrylic, even once the first coat is dry. You’ll know your ornaments are dry and ready when the polycrylic and glitter go from slightly cloudy to clear and shiny.
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Drying the ornament
After applying the polycrylic, varnish, or paint to the inside of your plastic ornament, it's important to give it adequate time to dry before proceeding to the next steps of adding glitter and vinyl decorations. The amount of drying time required can vary depending on the materials used and the desired outcome.
If you're using polycrylic, it's recommended to let the ornament drain upside down in a cup to remove excess polycrylic. Then, before adding glitter, you can let it dry for about an hour. However, if you notice gaps in the glitter coverage, it's best to wait a few hours for the ornament to completely dry before adding more polycrylic and glitter. You'll know your ornament is dry and ready when the polycrylic and glitter go from slightly cloudy to clear and shiny.
For paint, the drying time can vary depending on the type of paint used. Spray paint, for example, dries much faster than traditional paint. When using traditional paint, you may need to let the ornaments dry upside down for an extended period, up to 48 hours or more. If the paint is still not drying, you can try using a blow dryer or placing the ornaments in front of a floor fan to speed up the process.
Varnish is another option for coating the inside of your ornament, and it typically requires a drying time of around 24 hours. However, some people suggest that you might need to let it dry for a few days to ensure that the first layer is completely dry before adding any additional layers.
Once your ornament is thoroughly dry, you can proceed to the next steps of adding glitter and any other desired decorations. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when working with any chemicals or craft materials.
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Adding decorations
Glitter
To add glitter to the inside of your plastic ornament, start by removing the cap from the top. Then, use a syringe to add a coating substance such as polycrylic, floor wax, varnish, or liquid glue. You can also use Mod Podge, which serves as both an adhesive and a sealer. Swirl the coating substance around the inside of the ornament to ensure it is fully covered, and then let the excess drain into a cup. Before the coating substance dries, pour in a generous amount of glitter. You can use extra-fine or fine glitter for better coverage, and even create custom glitter mixes by combining different colours in a cup before pouring it into the ornament. Gently swirl the glitter inside the ornament, working your way up to the mouth, and then pour out any excess. Let the ornament dry for about 24 hours before handling.
Vinyl
Once your glittered ornament is dry, you can add vinyl to create cute designs. Use a Cricut Cutting machine to cut out your desired shapes and stick them onto the ornament. You can also add other decorations such as felt in a variety of colours to create fun finishing touches, like animal faces or flowers.
Resin or Hot Glue
If you want to fill your ornament with something more substantial, you can use silicone, resin, or hot glue. Keep in mind that resin can get very hot during curing, so it may not be suitable for plastic ornaments. However, hot glue or silicone might be worth trying to create a more permanent and sparkly finish.
Painting
If you prefer a painted ornament, you can use spray paint or traditional paint. Spray paint is a quick way to update your ornament, and it will give you a super smooth finish. Traditional paint can also be used, but it may take longer to dry. You can use light, thin coats of paint and rotate the ornament while spraying or painting to get an even coat.
Sealing
Finally, you can seal your glittered ornament to prevent glitter from ending up all over your house. Use a clear sealer, such as the Glitter Blast clear sealer, to lock in the sparkle. This step is especially important if you plan to hang your ornament on a tree or display it in a place where it might be disturbed.
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Sealing the glitter
Prepare the Ornament
Before you begin sealing, it's important to prepare your plastic ornament by tapping or shaking it gently to remove any excess glitter. This ensures that the glitter is evenly distributed and that there is no loose glitter that could interfere with the sealing process.
Choose a Sealing Method
There are several methods you can use to seal the glitter inside your plastic ornament, each with its own advantages:
- Mod Podge or Decoupage Medium: This is a popular choice for sealing glitter as it is easily accessible in craft stores and can be applied with a foam brush. You can apply one coat, let it dry, and then add a second coat for extra protection. Mod Podge is also versatile as you can mix it with glitter to create a sparkly paint-like substance that can be applied directly to your ornament.
- Polycrylic: Polycrylic is another option for sealing glitter, but some crafters have reported issues with colour changes and shedding when using this method. However, it is still a viable choice and can be applied with a baby medicine syringe or plastic disposable pipette for more precise application.
- Resin: Using resin as a sealant can be an effective method, but it may be more expensive and could potentially melt your plastic ornament due to the heat generated during curing.
- Wax: Wax can be used as a sealant, and some crafters have suggested using floor wax to get the glitter to stick to the inside of the ornament.
Allow for Drying Time
After applying your chosen sealant, it's important to allow sufficient drying time. For Mod Podge or decoupage medium, 24 hours is usually enough time for the sealant to dry completely. For other methods, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions or specific guidelines for the product you are using.
Test and Display
Once you've sealed your glitter ornament, it's a good idea to test it gently to ensure that the glitter is secure and won't shed. Finally, you can proudly display your handiwork, knowing that your ornament will be mess-free and glittery for years to come!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plastic ornament, polycrylic, a syringe, a plastic cup, glitter, and vinyl.
Take the top off the polycrylic and gently stir it with a popsicle stick. Then, pour the polycrylic into the ornament using a syringe. Gently swirl the ornament so that the polycrylic coats the entire inside. Drain the excess by placing the ornament upside down over a cup.
Pour a generous amount of glitter into the ornament using a small funnel or a flexible disposable cup. Gently swirl the glitter inside the ornament so that it sticks to the polycrylic. Drain the excess glitter by placing the ornament upside down over a cup.
Let the ornament dry for about an hour. If you notice gaps in the glitter, wait a few hours until the ornament is completely dry before adding more polycrylic and glitter.
Extra-fine or fine glitter is recommended as it coats the ornament better and gives better coverage.
