Priya Kapoor
Painting the inside of ornaments is a fun and creative way to make unique decorations for your home or gifts for your loved ones. It is a simple process that can be done with various materials, such as glass or plastic ornaments, and different types of paint, including acrylic, enamel, and glass-specific paints. The process involves removing the top of the ornament, preparing the surface with rubbing alcohol, adding paint, and then draining out the excess. The ornament is then left to dry before replacing the lid and adding any final touches, such as glitter or ribbon. With some creativity and patience, anyone can make beautiful painted ornaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament material | Glass, plastic |
| Paint type | Acrylic, enamel, glass-specific, oil-based, craft paint, spray paint, metallic |
| Paint consistency | Thin, liquified |
| Paint preparation | Mix with water, shake before use |
| Paint application | Pour, squeeze, spray, brush, sponge, stencil, freehand |
| Paint amount | About 1 tablespoon |
| Paint distribution | Rotate, swirl, twist, shake, turn |
| Drying time | 15 minutes to a few weeks |
| Drying technique | Upside down, on paper towel, in cardboard |
| Additional steps | Apply primer, base coat, sealer, or top coat |
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What You'll Learn
Using rubbing alcohol to prepare the ornament
Preparing the surface of an ornament with rubbing alcohol before painting it can help you achieve a flawless finish. Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a colourless liquid that is commonly used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent. Its fast-drying and degreasing properties make it an excellent choice for preparing surfaces before painting.
To prepare the inside of an ornament with rubbing alcohol, start by removing the top of the ornament. Then, pour some rubbing alcohol into the ornament. Cover the hole and shake the ornament well to ensure that all surfaces are covered. You can also swish the alcohol around the inside of the ornament and then let it dry. Alternatively, use a cloth or sponge dampened with rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the inside of the ornament.
After applying the rubbing alcohol, let it dry completely. The alcohol will evaporate quickly, leaving behind a clean and dry surface ready for painting.
It is important to note that rubbing alcohol may not be suitable for all ornament materials. While it can be used on various materials such as metal, plastic, and wood, it may react with certain plastics or delicate finishes. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying rubbing alcohol to the entire surface. Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
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Pouring in the paint
Before pouring in the paint, some people suggest preparing the ornament by swishing it with rubbing alcohol and letting it dry. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent it from cracking. Once the ornament is dry, you can start adding the paint.
Pour in about half a tablespoon of paint, then turn the ornament so that the paint covers the entire inside. You can also gently shake the ornament to ensure that the paint reaches all areas. Repeat this process on the opposite interior side, and continue until the entire inside is coated.
Place a piece of paper towel on top of the ornament to prevent paint from coming out, and gently shake the ornament to spread the paint. Be patient, as paint moves slowly. You may need to add a little more paint to keep it running around the sides, as it tends to start drying and may not coat as well.
Once the ornament is completely coated, turn it upside down over a small cup or container to let the excess paint drip out. This could take a while, and depending on the temperature and humidity, it could take a few days or even weeks for the ornament to dry completely.
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Twirling the ornament to spread the paint
Twirling or rotating the ornament is a crucial step in ensuring the paint spreads evenly and coats the entire inside of the ornament. This technique is especially useful for clear plastic or glass ornaments. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively twirl your ornament to achieve a beautiful and cohesive paint coating:
Prepare the Ornament: Before adding paint, it is essential to prepare your ornament properly. Some people suggest swishing the inside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue and ensure that the paint will adhere well. Allow the ornament to dry completely after this step, preferably for 24 hours.
Add Paint: Once the ornament is dry, it's time to add the paint. Remove the top of the ornament and squeeze in about a tablespoon of craft paint. You can add half a tablespoon to start, and then add more as needed. It is recommended to use thinner paint for this project, as thicker paint may not run as smoothly along the inside of the ornament.
Twirl and Rotate: Now comes the fun part—twirling the ornament! After adding the paint, begin to gently twist, turn, and rotate the ornament in different directions. This motion will help spread the paint evenly across the entire inside surface. You may need to be patient as paint can move slowly, and you may need to add a little more paint to keep it running and prevent it from drying too quickly.
Address Uncoated Spots: As you twirl and rotate, pay attention to any small sections or spots that may be left uncoated. Continue to gently shake, twist, and turn the ornament to ensure that the paint reaches these areas. You can also try giving the ornament a quarter-turn and then squeezing in a bit more paint, repeating this process until the entire inside is coated.
Drain Excess Paint: Once you are satisfied with the paint coverage, it's time to drain the excess. Place your ornament upside down on a paper towel or a small cup or container to catch any dripping paint. This process can take a while, from a few hours to a few days or even weeks, depending on temperature and humidity.
Let it Dry: After draining the excess paint, it's now time to let your ornament dry completely. This step is crucial and can take some time, so be patient. It is recommended to let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before replacing the lid or cap. This extended drying time minimizes the risk of scratching the paint when you insert the cap.
Remember, when twirling and rotating your ornament, the goal is to create an even and cohesive paint coating. Take your time, be patient, and don't be afraid to add a little more paint or make adjustments as needed. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautifully painted ornaments!
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Drying the ornament
Preparing for Drying
Before leaving your ornament to dry, it is important to remove any excess paint. Place your ornament upside down on a paper towel or a small cup/container to catch the dripping paint. If you have a flat sphere ornament, a paper towel works best. For a round sphere ornament, use a plastic cup that is slightly smaller, which will catch the dripping paint more effectively.
Drying Time
The drying time for your ornament will depend on various factors, including temperature and humidity. On average, it is recommended to let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. This extended period ensures that the paint is fully cured, reducing the risk of scratches when you handle the ornament or insert any caps or ribbons.
Preventing Paint from Coming Off
To prevent the paint from coming off or chipping, consider using enamel-based paint, which dries faster and adheres better to glass. You can also use rubbing alcohol to prepare the surface before painting. Swirl the rubbing alcohol inside the ornament, let it dry, and then proceed with painting. This technique improves paint adhesion and reduces the chances of paint peeling or chipping.
Drying Techniques
When drying the ornament, it is essential to place it upside down to allow excess paint to drip out. You can also rotate or gently shake the ornament to ensure that all unpainted spots are covered. If using a stencil, ensure it is securely taped to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
Additional Tips
If you are working on multiple ornaments, it is best to dry them one at a time to prevent the paint from drying out prematurely. Additionally, consider the type of paint you are using. Thinner, liquified paint tends to run and coat the ornament more effectively than thicker paint, which may dry up too quickly.
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Adding a second coat
Before applying a second coat, allow the first coat of paint to dry completely. The drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity, but it is generally recommended to let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. This extended drying time ensures that the paint is fully cured, reducing the risk of scratches or damage when handling the ornament.
Once the first coat is dry, you can prepare for the second coat by gathering your supplies and removing the top of the ornament, if necessary. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and cover your work surface to avoid any unwanted paint spills. Shake the paint well before use to ensure a smooth and consistent texture.
For the second coat, you can use the same technique as the first coat. Pour or squeeze a small amount of paint into the ornament, about a tablespoon or less. Rotate and gently shake the ornament so that the paint covers the entire inside surface. You may need to add a little more paint to ensure complete coverage.
If you are using a different colour for the second coat, be mindful of the drying time between coats. You want to work efficiently to prevent the previous coat from fully drying before the second coat is applied. This will help create a smooth and seamless finish.
After applying the second coat, place the ornament upside down on a paper towel or a small cup to catch any excess paint. Allow the ornament to dry completely before handling or replacing the top. The drying time may vary, but it is generally recommended to let the second coat dry for at least 24 hours as well.
By following these steps, you can achieve a beautiful and consistent finish on your painted ornaments. Adding a second coat ensures that your ornaments have full coverage and a professional look.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of paint depends on the material of the ornament. For glass ornaments, enamel-based paint works better than regular acrylic paint as it dries quickly and gives a cleaner look. For plastic ornaments, spray paint is a good option, but you may need to apply a primer first to ensure full coverage.
About a tablespoon of paint should be enough to coat the inside of an ornament. Using less paint can help reduce waste and drying time, but too little paint may result in incomplete coverage.
Remove the top of the ornament and pour in the paint. Rotate and shake the ornament to ensure the paint covers the entire inside. You may need to add more paint to get complete coverage.
Drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity. In some cases, it may take up to a few weeks for the paint to fully dry. It is recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before replacing the ornament's cap to prevent scratching the paint.
