Can You Spray Paint Glass Vases?

Glass vases have a myriad of uses. If you are someone who loves them, like us, then you probably have more than enough.

Sometimes, you might find out that you have more vases with similar colors that you would like, or you may want to give your ugly vase a new look. Painting is one of the best ways to give your glass vases a fresh appeal.

If you are asking, can you spray paint a glass vase? Then, you are definitely in the right spot. Stick around as this post explores the exact step-by-step process you can use when spray painting glass vases.

How to spray paint your glass vase

Like any DIY project, when you spray paint glass vases, you should know what you need for the job and the exact step-by-step procedure to accomplish your task.

Doing this will help you get the final results you are looking for and eliminate the need to repaint your glass items (jars, vases, pots, etc.).

So, what are some of the materials and supplies you will need for the process? Let us look at them below.

Requirements

• Spray paint.
• Glass piece.
• Drop cloth.
• Painter’s tape.
• Cleaning supplies for cleaning the glass, e.g., paper towel, rubbing alcohol, detergent, etc.
• Safety gear (mask, gloves, coveralls, and goggles).
• Sandpaper (most preferably 200 grit or 400 grit).
• Primer (if your paint is not a 2-in-1, i.e., paint plus primer)
• Any other requirements you might deem necessary.

Now that we have reviewed the requirements, let us look at the step-by-step process of spray painting glass vases. 

Please remember that this process can be used when painting other glass objects such as mason jars, plates, cups, etc.

Let us get right into it:

1. Select the best paint for your glass object

This is one of the most overlooked steps when spray painting glass vases. Ensure the spray paint sticks to the glass.

This will help improve the durability of the paint coat on your spray painted vases and give you the final look you want. 

It is also essential to choose a paint and primer that are compatible. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing products from the same brand. 

You may forgo a primer if your spray paint is 2-in-1; it’s a paint and primer.

2. Clean the glass properly

This step is a must for all painting projects, including glass. 

Clean all the surfaces of the glass vase that you will be spraying. Remove all the dirt and grime thoroughly. You can clean it using water and detergent.

After cleaning, ensure the glass surface is rinsed properly and wiped. Leave the vase in an open area to air dry.

Please do not use the glass before it is completely dry. This is because the moisture will form a barrier between the glass surface and the paint.

When this happens, the spray paint will not adhere to the glass surface, leading to peeling and cracking.

3. Sanding (optional)

While sanding glass is not always recommended, it can make a difference when you paint glass vases – especially when painting a smooth glass vase.

Sanding roughs up the glass surface so that paint can easily stick to it. 

We suggest you use 200-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface you will spray paint. Finally, sand the entire surface again using 400-grit sandpaper.

You do not have to use two different sandpaper grits if you do not have them available – you can use one and sand thoroughly.

4. Prepare your painting area

Preparing your work area will make the process a whole lot more streamlined. It will also make it easier to spray paint all the surfaces of your vase. 

If you have enough space, you can place the glass vase centrally so that you can go around when painting to get all the areas.

However, if you have limited space, ensure you put the vase on an object that will allow you to rotate the vase so you can paint every surface.

Ventilate your work area and leave the windows open so the room is well-aerated. 

Use the painter’s tape to cover areas of the vase you do not want to get paint.

5. Wear safety equipment

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in spray paint fumes can harm your health. Due to this, we recommend spray painting after you have worn your safety gear.

First, ensure your safety equipment works properly, especially with the respirator mask and goggles.

Next, wear the safety gear (mask, gloves, coveralls, and goggles) correctly before going to the next step.

6. Prime the glass surface

Start by spraying one coat of primer on the glass and wait for it to completely dry. Next, make a judgment call as to whether you will need a second coat.

The main point is to ensure you have enough primer on the glass vase surface, making it easy for the paint to stick.

Also, if you use a 2-in-1 spray paint, you can skip this step and start painting immediately.

7. Spray painting glass

We recommend you apply multiple light layers for a better finish; in most cases, you will need several coats.

When painting glass, you must hold the can circa 10-12 inches from the surface at a 45-degree angle. This will allow you to cover a large surface area.

Use the same speed and time on the surface (hand motion) when painting to ensure the paint is spread evenly across the surface.

If you are slower or take more time on one part of the surface than others, you will apply more paint, which may cause drips. Learn more on how to spray paint without drips in this our dedicated guide for spray painting without drips.

Alternatively, if you take less time, the spot will not have enough paint to match other areas of the vase.

After spraying the first coat of paint, let it dry completely before you start painting any additional coats.

What is the best spray paint for glass vases?

• Chalk paint glass finish

If you love the classic chalk look for your glass home décor, consider using Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint.

One of the ways this spray stands out from regular sprays is that it does not drip or run when used on glass. This makes achieving a professional finish easy, even for a DIYer. 

• White spray paint finish

While it might seem like a regular finish, solid colors like white can give your glass vases an elegant and classy look. 

Krylon Fusion Spray Paint is the product to use if you want your vases to have a white finish.

It has 5X adhesion strength and comes in various finishes such as glossy, matte, satin, etc. It is available in a 12-ounce can.

• Faux milk glass finish

Rustoleum Universal Surface Spray is the to-go choice for your spray-painted glass vases to have a faux milk glass finish.

Like most other spray paints from the brand, it comes in a 12-ounce can and is available in various colors.

The product has an oil-based formula that makes spraying glasses simple and dry in around 30 minutes.

• Sea glass finish

Few options are available for an excellent spray for a sea glass finish – one product that stands out is Krylon’s Sea Glass Spray Paint.

The paint comes in a 12-ounce can and is only available in a high gloss sheen sea form color. This can be a great idea to give your clear glass vases a semi gloss sea-glass look.

• Frosted glass finish

One of the best ways to make clear glass objects opaque is to simply spray Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass Spray Paint.

This paint leaves your glass with a professional-looking finish. It comes in a satin finish and an 11-ounce can.

The most amazing thing about the paint is that the dry time is just 10 minutes, making it a good option for various DIY projects.

• Metallic finish

A metallic finish can be a good option for improving the look of a thrift store glass vase using vibrant colors. Many options are available, including unique ones like rose gold spray paint.

Krylon Premium Metallic Original is our spray paint of choice when we want a glass surface with a metallic look.

The paint comes in 9 solid color options, including rose gold, sterling silver, and 18K gold. The paint cans are 8 ounces.

• Stained glass finish

Krylon Stained-Glass Aerosol gives your vases a striking yet calm translucent stained look similar to glass windows, e.g., the same look as your bathroom window.

The paint is available in different color options and comes in 11.5-ounce cans. 

How to avoid paint drips in your painted glass projects

Use the right spray paint

When selecting spray paint, please ensure that the manufacturer is specific on the label that it can be used on glass. 

If you want to simplify the process, go with a 2-in-1 paint. This will eliminate the need to use a glass vase surface primer.

Prep the glass surfaces well

Cleaning and prepping the glass before painting is a necessary step. When the glass is clean and air-dried, it makes it easy for the paint and primer to stick to the surface, allowing for a great finish.

Always sand and prime whenever possible

Sanding will rough the glass surface and let the primer stick to the vase. It will also help reduce the chances of peeling or cracking during painting.

Spray painting the glass

When painting, spread the paint evenly across the surface of the glass vase. 

When you start painting one end of the surface, paint to the opposite end in one motion before starting a new area.

Letting each coat dry completely

Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying another one. This will help you avoid peeling and improve the look of your paint job.

Use thin coats

Using light coats makes spreading the paint evenly across the smooth surface easy. It also means that every coat will dry quicker than when applying thicker coats.

FAQs – Can You Spray Paint Glass Vases?

Does spray paint adhere well to glass vases?

Yes, spray paint sticks to glass vases. However, when choosing paint for your glass vases, go for paints that can be used on glass materials. Cleaning, sanding, and priming your glass vases’ surfaces before spray painting can also help how well the paint sticks to the surface.

Can I use spray paint on my glass jars?

Spray paint can be used to spruce up your glass jars. Many spray paint brands, such as Rustoleum and Krylon, can be used on glass jars. Select the right spray and follow the steps above for a great finish.

What is the best finish for glass spray paint projects?

The best finishes for glass include sea glass, metallic, white gloss, and stained glass. In our opinion, a stained-glass finish can be appropriate for different items like glass flower vases. One thing to note is that, no matter your finish, the painting process remains the same as the one outlined in the post.

Can you use rustoleum spray paint on glass?

Rust oleum spray paint can be used on glass surfaces. Ensure you look at the paint label to see whether ‘glass’ is listed under the type of surfaces on which the paint can be used.

Various rust oleum products, including acrylic spray paint, can be used to give your glass bottles or vases great chalk paint, faux milk, and frosted glass finishes.

Can I spray paint a glass vase?

Yes, spray painting is one of the ways to decorate and spruce up your glass vase. As long as you know how to select the right spray for your glass vase and how to prep and prepare the surface, painting should be straightforward if you follow the steps we outlined.

Content Summary

Spray painting should be a straightforward process that takes little time if you select the right paint for your glass items.

Additionally, cleaning and prepping the glass is essential to ensure the surface is ready before you start spraying it.

While sanding and priming might be optional, they can greatly help improve the adherence of the paint to the surface, reducing running and dripping. They also improve the durability of the paint.

If you are considering giving your glass vases a facelift by spray painting them, follow the steps and advice above for the best results on your painting project!