This week I decided to try painting glass bottles and vases to use as colored accent pieces in my dining room. I tried four different paints, each of which produced a different look. The idea to paint glass containers initially came from Pinterest. This post is dedicated to the creation of a crackle painted wine bottle. I will post the other projects over the next two weeks.

 

DIY Crackle Wine Bottle

After researching different methods to paint glass containers online, I chose to try the method found on Pinterest from Sand & Sisal. Unlike other methods, this method claims the bottles will be waterproof if cured 21 days and then baked in the oven.

I followed a method similar to the Sand&Sisal post, with one minor change; I used more acetone nail polish remover to dilute the paint further. The more dilute paint was easier to handle and pour, and created a crackle texture after drying.

This project was inexpensive; I already had the bottle, rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover, so all I had to buy was the $2 paint. Prices of all materials are noted below so you know how much it would cost if you had nothing to start with.

Supplies:

• Wine bottle with labels removed – $3 wine, Trader Joes
• Rubbing alcohol (99% Isopropyl Alcohol) – $2.16, Target
• Acetone nail polish remover (dye free) – $0.97, Target
• Martha Stewart Multi-Surface High Gloss Craft Paint in Wedding Cake  – $1.99, Jo Ann Fabrics
• Paper towels, plastic fork and disposable plastic cup – price is negligible

Steps Used:

1. Prepare the Bottle:

Soak the bottle in water, then peel or rub to remove all of the paper labeling.

Pour rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub the bottle to remove any remaining adhesive.

Wash the bottle in soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Rinse the inside of the bottle with rubbing alcohol.

Rest the bottle upside down to allow to drain and dry FULLY.

 

 

2. Prepare the Paint:

Transfer 1 part paint and 2 parts nail polish remover to a plastic cup (I used 1 TBS paint and 2 TBS nail polish remover).

Mix paint using a plastic fork until smooth.

Before proceeding, tilt the cup to test that the paint can be poured (like in the image to the left) in a stream and is not clumpy.

If clumpy, mix again until smooth.

If not able to be poured, add nail polish remover until it can be poured easily.

 

3. Transfer paint and coat the bottle:

Tilt the bottle slightly and pour about1/4 of the paint (in a steady stream) into the bottle.

When the paint stream reaches the bottom of the bottle, turn the bottle horizontally.

Slowly rotate the bottle to spread paint.

 

4. Add More Paint and Rotate Until Entire Bottle is Coated:

When no paint moves when rotating the bottle, add paint to an uncoated section.

Rotate the bottle.

Repeat until entire bottle is coated.

 

5. Remove Excess:

Hold the bottle upside down over a paper towel for a few minutes.

Allow any excess paint to drip out.

Use a fresh paper towel to wipe excess paint from the rim.

Check the outside for any spilled paint and wipe clean.

If any paint has dried on the rim or outside of the bottle, use water to remove it.

 

 

 

6. Allow to Dry: 

Allow bottle to stand upright at room temperature until fully dry.

Paint will crackle as it dries.

Allow to cure 21 days per paint manufacturer instructions.

Sand&Sisal recommends baking at 275F for 2 hours after the paint has cured.

Note: The Sand&Sisal method referenced did not have crackle texture. I haven’t waited 21 days for the paint to cure yet so have not tested if the crackle finish is waterproof. I will update this post at a later date when I’ve had a chance to test mine with water.