How to Paint Mason Jars: Tips and Tricks!

Learn how to paint mason jars with these tips and tricks! I’ll show you how to distress, paints that work with the jars, and more.

If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s mason jar crafts. In particular, we’re really fans of painted mason jars. If you’ve never crafted with jars before, let me tell you something – you’re missing out.

A painted glass jar is a great craft project for many reasons. Glass jars are really easy to work with, especially for beginning crafters. If you’ve never made anything before, this is a great surface to start your crafting journey.

Secondly, these jars make amazing home decor, gifts, and decorations for a birthday, baby shower, wedding, and just about any other celebration you can think of.

Finally, the whole thing is cheap. Not cheap looking, but cheap costing. Because you don’t really *have* to use a mason jar. In fact the glass in your recycles – baby food jars, spaghetti sauce jars, etc. – are all contenders for a little coat of paint.

If you do need to buy jars, you can buy them in bulk. Which is nice when you’re making gifts!

Let me be blunt – once you learn how to paint mason jars, you’re going to be hooked. Your house will be full of them, and everyone will get one as a gift. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Mason Jar Painting Tips

In this post I’m first going to show you what you need, then explain the process. Then I will answer FAQs about painting mason jars. Finally, at the bottom of the post, is a printable tutorial card if you’re interested.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here are the basic supplies you should have on hand. The sandpaper is only required if you are planning on distressing.

• Glass jars
• Paint colors of your choice – see the different types you can use in the question below
• Mod Podge or other sealer
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls or cotton pads
• 150 to 200-grit sandpaper
• Paint brush

Basic Process

You’re going to do four things to bring your jars from plain to fabulous: 1) clean and prep, 2) paint, 3) sand (if you are distressing), and 4) seal. Really, that’s all there is to it. It’s just a matter of knowing how to do these things and the best paints to use.

I discuss the rest below, but for the painting portion, you can do one of two things. Paint the outside by using a brush or spouncer. Use thin coats and let dry between coats.

OR you can paint the inside by swirling the paint around until coated. Pour the excess back into the bottle. Then let the jar dry upside down on a piece of wax paper to drain the excess. Move the jar around frequently.

Important Note: For any glass jar that is going to hold water or other liquids, paint the outside only. Also none of the paints are food safe, so you’ll want to paint on the outside only of jars with unwrapped, edible gifts inside.

How do you prepare the jars?

No matter what paint you decide to use, you’re going to need to begin by removing labels and cleaning. Now, I’ve used mild soap and water and that works fine. BUT I find that the best chance of getting your paint stick comes with using rubbing alcohol.

You’ll want to take a cotton swab or pad and clean the outside of the jar. This step is crucial if you want the paint to stick.

You are removing oils from fingers – oils that repel paint. That is why you are cleaning the jars in this manner.

If you’re going to paint the inside instead of the outside or in addition to, you can swirl the rubbing alcohol around the inside of the jar and then pour it back into the bottle. You definitely still need to clean the inside if you want the paint to stick.

What is the best paint to use?

Read carefully – you’ll need to prime for some of these options. Remember that glass is not porous like wood. It’s hard to get paint to stick sometimes.

You might need to prepare the jar so that the paint doesn’t scrape off.

Acrylic Craft Paint (not multisurface)

Regular acrylic paint can be used, but it doesn’t stick well to glass without primer.

Chalk Paint

What I love about chalk paint is that you can paint it directly on glass without a primer. You’ll still need to clean the jars, but then you can paint the chalk paint right on the glass. It’s perfect for distressing and layering. Just let the first layer dry completely before adding the second layer.

Glass Paint

Made specifically for glass. Once you paint it on, you’ll likely bake it to cure. This usually involves baking for 20 – 30 minutes at 350ºF. Make sure to read the label for curing instructions.

Multi Surface Paint

This type of paint is a combination of regular craft paint and glass paint. I find this type of paint is finicky depending on the type of glass you’re working with.

I always prime before using multi surface paint, though technically if you follow the curing instructions you shouldn’t have to. All I’m saying is it’s my experience that using a primer with multi-surface is better.

Spray Paint

The great thing about spray paint is that it gives your most even finish on glass of any of the paints. Many people love the fact that there are no brush strokes. This is the most high maintenance in terms of application though, and can’t be used in inclement weather if you spray outside.

But there are some really, really cool spray paint finishes out there, so don’t make any mistake – this is an awesome option.

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Do you need to prime mason jars before painting?

It depends on the type of paint that you use (see above), and sometimes, how cheap the glass is . . . . Let’s just say, it never hurts to prime your mason jars. Your mason jar won’t get ruined if you do prime, but there’s definitely a risk of paint chipping off if you don’t prime.

Our recommendation for priming mason jars is Rustoleum Spray Primer. It’s our favorite!

Can I spray paint a mason jar?

Yes. Make sure to read the label to see if your spray paint is appropriate for glass. If not, you may have to prime.

To spray paint, give the jar several light coats at about 10 inches away. Wait at least 15 – 20 minutes between coats on a dry (NOT humid) day. Do 2-3 coats then touch up later that day or the next day.

How do you apply the paint?

You can use either a soft bristled paint brush or a spouncer/sponge. There’s no right or wrong answer here, it’s just a matter of preference.

I like soft bristled brushes, but I don’t mind brush strokes at all. Having said that, a lot of times I use glass paint (especially stained glass paint) with a spouncer for a more even finish.

Obviously spray paint doesn’t require a brush, and that’s why some people love it best. They absolutely love the smooth finish. Remember, several light coats is better than a few thick ones.

How do you get paint to stick to glass jars?

It’s all about cleaning the glass properly (with mild soap and water and preferably rubbing alcohol) and then priming if you need to.

How do you seal chalk paint on glass jars?

You don’t have to seal chalk paint on mason jars, but you can with your good old friend Mod Podge! Tou can also use clear wax made for chalk paint, or a clear spray or brush on finish like Minwax polycrylic. Just keep in mind that the finish of the sealer will be the finish of the final project.

How do you distress chalk paint on mason jars?

You’ll apply a layer of paint to the jar and let dry. Then paint a second coat onto the same jar and let dry completely. Using a piece of sandpaper, sand in random areas on the mason jar to reveal the color below. Sand more for more distressing.

How do you permanently paint glass jars?

There are two ways I know of that provide a more permanent paint finish on a glass jar. First is using the glass paint and following the bake to cure instructions. Sometimes you can even wash the jar in the dishwasher, depending on the paint you use.

The other method is using spray paint. Let dry overnight and then put in the oven for 20 minutes on a low heat setting. This sets the paint and makes the item pretty waterproof (many readers swear by this!).

How do you waterproof painted mason jars?

There are waterproof sealers available at your local home improvement store. Having said that, I love VHT Engine Enamel. Be sure to observe proper sealing instructions for any sealers you use.

How do you make colored mason jars?

You can make colored mason jars with Mod Podge and a few drops of food coloring (stir it in). You can swirl it around on the inside of the jar or paint/spounce it on the outside.

There are also spray paints available that make a pretty cool beach glass looking finish on jars. I recommended checking them out.

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Now that you know how to paint mason jars, you’re ready to try one, right? Take a peek at the tutorial below – save or print it. Then let me know what you think in the comments!

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If you enjoyed learning how to paint a mason jar, I think you’re going to like these other craft ideas! Take a peek:

• Chalk Paint Mason Jars with Succulents
• Mason Jar Lanterns with a Faux Beach Glass Finish
• DIY Lace Mason Jars: Pretty Decor in Minutes
• These Mason Jar Candle Holders Are Boho Chic