Monday, September 27, 2010

Gold Mercury Glass Jar

I had read several different ways of faking mercury glass - one was using silver leaf like I did with the bowling ball and finial. Then I found this spray paint version by Domestically Speaking. I tried three variations. Here is the first one:




I photographed it outside so I could give you a better idea of the detail. I wanted to try gold mercury glass so I googled gold mercury glass and studied the images before I started this. Here is what I did for this one (the instructions at Domestically Speaking didn't work for this one because the mouth was so narrow - but I still like how it turned out).


Supplies

Glassware - I found mine around the house
Silver and gold spray paint - stashbust
Tape and plastic bags
Spray bottle with water

Instructions

Use tape and plastic bags to protect the outside of the jar.



Spray the inside of the bottle with water so that it beads up - this was the first step from Domestically Speaking - it doesn't do what she shows but it will in a couple other projects I plan to show you. Anyhow, you still need water in the jar.

Spray paint the inside of the jar with the silver paint. Because of the narrow neck I over-sprayed so that it pooled up in the bottom of the jar - this is not a problem.

Wait for twenty-four hours.

Dump most of the residual water and paint out.

Here is a step I am unsure of because I can't remember what I did. I can't recall if I spritzed with water again or not.

Spray the inside of the jar with gold spray paint (over-spray again).

Let the gold paint dry for an hour. Then you will spend an hour or two with the bottle near wherever you happen to be (I was making supper) because you will be rotating the paint around in the jar. Some of the silver will be completely dry as will some of the gold but some will not.

You will need to rotate the jar periodically so that the paint doesn't pool in one spot. Occasionally you will want to tip the jar over and let excess paint run out.

After an hour or so of doing this, tip your jar over in a container that will let it hang suspended (you don't want paint to dry in pools on the lip of the jar) and let the jar drip out. You will still want to check it periodically and rotate if necessary.

Details of the effect.





I've rearranged the bowling ball/finial/lard bucket arrangement and now this sits on the old lard bucket and the finial sits next to it and of course the bowling ball towers over all.

I really, really like how it looks. I am not sure if it looks authentic but I do love it. You will be seeing at least one more project in this vein soon.

I will be sharing this at:



BWS tips button

22 comments:

  1. Ooh, I like it! Can't wait to see the next one.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, that turned out pretty cool... looks like a pretty neat effect!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've been DYING to try this. I may actually do it. Stranger things have happened. :) Lisa~

    ReplyDelete
  4. that turned out awesome, love the details on it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like this! I have been saving a couple glass bottles for just such an occasion. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow! impressive!!
    Great job!!
    *hugs*deb

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey, this is cool. I'm going shopping in the house right now!

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow! that jar is fantastic!
    i found your blog through your Eleanor H. Porter post at Suite 101! thank you for posting that...i am getting ready to read the book with my daughter (we are homeschoolers) and your post helped me tremendously with some background and info about the characters! thank you, again! and you have a great blog! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love it, Melissa! I have some glass bottles just begging for this treatment. Thanks so much for sharing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. hi :)....
    I come form Europe, and i realy like the idea of you having a link party...... I hope I'll meet a lot of new blogers........
    I realy like your blog.......
    You can check out my blog at
    http://argopirgasto.blogspot.com/
    http://mare-ri.blogspot.com/

    greeting from Croatia:))....
    Mare....

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a fabulous finish. So fun!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That looks really cool Melissa! I have seen quite a few cool effects with spray painting the inside of glass bottles, haven't tried any though. I do actually have gold spray paint at home left over from Oliver's party decor.. might have to try this one!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is really neat! I may have to buy some cheap candlesticks at the $ store and give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am paying attention because sometime in the next ten years I may silver leaf something. I think it looks good Melissa. Hugs♥O

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very funky!! It came out fantastic. I have no luck when it comes to spray paint...but I may just have to give this a try!!:-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh I love that gold mercury. I have seen that spray paint, of course, but never knew what it was for...love it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That's gorgeous! I like the little spots it created.
    Sophie

    ReplyDelete
  18. I was checking out my stats and noticed a few referrals coming from your site and had to drop by and say thanks!! I was over the moon when I saw a link right there on your side bar!! I am so honored!
    I love your bottle idea!! I will be on my look out now for the most perfect bottle to try this on. I will have to drop by more often!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ooh! I love this! I have never heard of it.I just have to try it. Hmmm....what shall I do this on?....

    ReplyDelete
  20. A beautiful antique effect! Success on the first try? Darn you, clever person! Looking forward to the others!

    ReplyDelete