High End Dipped Vase vs. Free Knockoff
Copycat Chic alert! Find out how easy it is to get a “vase dipped in paint look” for less. No need to buy high end decorating catalog dipped vases when you can easily do this budget decorating project by transforming large glass jars to make them look “dipped” in paint. Paint one jar for yourself and a few more to make as gifts to fill with cuttings from your garden.
Y’all know that I love a good budget-friendly DIY, especially if it is done by repurposing something found in the trash or recycling bin. Living In Style for Less makes this blogger happy.
Last week while browsing online, I came across these dipped vases from Serena & Lily. I loved them – just my style…. but not with $98 and $148 price tags!
I have dipped baskets in paint before and have used pickle jars to make outdoor lanterns and large flower vases for greenery as well as for colorful blooms, but this trash to treasure transformation using paint I had on had and glass pickle jars that were headed to the trash is my favorite.
If you have a recycling bin in your house and a can of white paint, then in less than 15 minutes you can create the look of the high end dipped vases to use in your decor. The best part, the cost is practically free!
My DIY Dipped Vases
Dipping glass jars and bottles into paint is nothing new, but what I love about these is their simplicity and clean lines. My DIY dipped vases may not be exact replicas of the decorating catalog ones, but they have the overall feel and style I am looking for to decorate my home creatively and on a budget.
To make the vases, you can use any size glass jar, large or small. I used pickle jars that were:
- Small: 4.5″ DIAM x 5.5″ H
- Large: 6″ DIAM x 10″ H
I filled the vases with flowers and clippings from my yard to coordinate with my White & Woodsy color scheme in my living room.
How to Dip Paint Glass Jars To Make Trendy Vases
supplies needed:
- Glass jar
- Satin or Semi-gloss paint
- Optional: Painter’s tape and paint brush
Time needed: 10 minutes
How To Make a DIY Dipped Vase for Pennies
I made two vases. The small one I dipped into the paint can using no painter’s tape. The larger vase, I used painter’s tape and a paint brush to apply the dipped look.
- Place Painter’s Tape on Jar
Clean and dry jar.
Set up work table with a drop cloth or newspaper.
Figure out how far up on your jar you want the paint to go, then place a strip of painter’s tape all around the jar. Make sure to run your fingers over the edges of the tape so no paint bleeds under it.
If the jar is small enough, you can simply dip it into the paint can – no painter’s tape needed.
- Open Gallon of Paint
Open paint can. A gallon size works best when it is at least one quarter filled.
Stir paint well.
Dip glass jar into paint and swirl a little.
Carefully remove the jar and let any excess paint drip onto drop cloth or paper.
Place the vase on a wax papered covered block to raise it off the work table as the paint dries so it won’t stick to the work surface.
You can also place the vase upside down to dry. If you place upside down, just make sure the paint is not too thick as it may run down over the top section of the jar.
- Let Dipped Jar Dry
Let dipped vase dry. If using painter’s tape, remove the tape after the paint is dry.
- I dipped my jars to the halfway mark using white paint, but you can dip on 3/4″ of the way from the bottom of the jar or more depending on the look you like best.
- White isn’t your color? Use another color besides white. I am thinking matte black would be a nice look for fall.
Can You Spray Paint Glass Vases to Look Dipped?
If you don’t have a lot of paint to actually dip your glass jar, you can fake the dipped look using either spray paint or brush-on paint.
- To make spray or brush-on painting easy, flip the jar over on your worktable. Using a paint brush, paint the jar.
- If spray painting, move the jar outside on a piece of cardboard.
- Wrap paper or a plastic bag around the top section of the jar to keep overspray from getting on it.
- Shake the spray paint can well and then apply one light coat all around the bottom of the vase.
- Repeat after 5 minutes, and then add another coat if needed. Use more light coats than fewer heavy ones. Apply all the paint within 10 minutes and then let it dry.
More Paint Dipping Variations
- Depending on the shape of your jar, consider painting in reverse. Paint the top of the jar and leave the bottom clear.
What Else Can You Do With a Pickle Jar?
Glass pickle jars can be repurposed in many decorative ways. Here is another way I have used them.
Can I Paint a Glass Vase?
Glass vases you already own can be painted when you prep them first before painting.
- Clean the glass well with dish detergent and hot water. Let dry completely.
- Use a brand name paint, either brush-on or spray paint that is a paint and primer in one formula.
- Apply to the glass using light coats only.
- If using spray paint, follow these spray painting tips for success.
What Kind of Paint Will Stick To Glass?
If the glass is clean and dry, any paint, either brush-on or spray paint that is a paint and primer in one will stick to glass. Apply paint using 1 to 2 very light coats, letting the the first coat dry completely before adding another light coat.
- If you only have latex paint, go over the glass with 100 grit sandpaper first, clean and dry and then proceed.
If you like this project, look at what else you can make using a pickle jar – A Decorative Candle Lantern.
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