Priya Kapoor
Painting the inside of a Christmas ornament is a fun and easy DIY project that can be done with a few simple steps and materials. Whether you're using plastic or glass ornaments, the process is essentially the same: remove the top of the ornament, add paint, and coat the inside. The type of paint you use is important, with acrylic craft paint being a popular and inexpensive option. Enamel-based paint is also recommended for glass ornaments, as it dries quickly and gives a cleaner look. With some creativity and patience, you can create custom-coloured ornaments to add a unique touch to your Christmas tree or to give as gifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament Material | Glass or plastic |
| Ornament Shape | Sphere |
| Paint Type | Acrylic, enamel-based, or alcohol ink |
| Paint Colour | Any colour, including traditional red and green, pink, teal, white, blue, magenta, etc. |
| Additional Materials | Rubbing alcohol, paper towel, glitter, floor refinisher, nail polish, glue, water, etc. |
| Process | Remove the top of the ornament, add paint, tilt and roll ornament, drain excess paint, let dry, and replace the top. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
When it comes to choosing the right paint for the inside of a Christmas ornament, there are a few options to consider. The type of paint you choose will depend on the material of your ornament, the desired finish, and your personal preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Type of Paint
The most commonly recommended type of paint for the inside of ornaments is acrylic craft paint. It is inexpensive, readily available, and comes in a wide variety of colours. Acrylic paint is also easy to work with and can be found in different thicknesses, allowing you to create the desired finish. Cheaper, thinner acrylics from dollar stores can work great for this project as they naturally coat the inside of the ornament more effectively.
Enamel-Based Paint
If you are painting the inside of a glass ornament, consider using enamel-based paint. It dries faster than acrylic paint and gives a cleaner look. Enamel-based paint is also recommended if you plan to paint the outside of the ornament as well, as it can be sealed with a clear coat to protect the paint job.
Paint Additives
To enhance the paint's coverage and flow, you can add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the ornament before adding the paint. This will help the paint stick better to the surface and reduce the chances of cracking. Additionally, you can mix your paint with a medium such as Mod Podge to improve its consistency and adhesion, especially if you are using thicker acrylics.
Paint Amount
Using a smaller amount of paint, about a tablespoon, will allow you to achieve full coverage while minimising waste and accelerating drying time. You can always add more paint if needed, but it's important to remember that excess paint may take longer to dry and can pool at the bottom of the ornament.
Paint Freshness
It is recommended to use a fresh bottle of paint when working on this project. Older paint may not adhere as well or produce the desired finish. Acrylic paint, in particular, tends to thicken over time, so a new bottle will ensure better flow and coverage.
Remember to read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations before starting your project, as different paints may have specific requirements or limitations. With the right paint choice and some creativity, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and unique Christmas ornaments!
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Preparing the ornament
Choose the Right Ornament
Start by selecting a clear glass or plastic ornament that you can access the hole at the top. Flat sphere ornaments are easier to work with, but any shape will do as long as you can remove the top.
Clean and Dry
Ensure your ornament is clean and completely dry before painting. This is crucial because any moisture inside the ornament may affect the paint's adhesion.
Prepare the Paint
It is recommended to use a fresh bottle of paint. Acrylic craft paint is a popular choice for painting the inside of ornaments because it is inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of colours. However, some people have reported issues with cracking and slow drying times when using acrylic paint. If you want a quicker-drying option, consider using enamel-based paint, which dries faster and gives a cleaner look.
To prevent paint cracking, you can add a small amount of rubbing alcohol inside the ornament, swirl it around, and let it dry before adding paint. This will help prep the surface and improve paint adhesion.
Remove the Top
Before you begin painting, carefully remove the top or cap of the ornament. This will give you access to the inside of the ornament and make it easier to pour in the paint.
Add the Paint
Now, it's time to add the paint! Squeeze about half a tablespoon of paint inside the ornament and another half tablespoon on the opposite interior side. You can use a funnel to avoid making a mess. Then, tilt, roll, and twist the ornament so that the paint coats the entire inside. You may need to add a little more paint to ensure complete coverage.
Prevent Paint from Coming Out
Place a piece of paper towel or a thick paper plate over the opening of the ornament to prevent paint from coming out as you continue to the next step.
Shake and Move the Ornament
With the paper towel in place, shake and move the ornament until the paint completely covers the inside. Be patient, as this process may take some time.
Let it Dry
Once the inside of the ornament is fully coated, invert it upside down to let the excess paint run out. You can use a paintbrush holder or a plastic water bottle to rest the ornament on while it dries. Leave the ornament to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before re-inserting the top.
Now that your ornament is prepared and painted, you can re-attach the top and admire your handiwork!
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Adding the paint
To add paint to the inside of a Christmas ornament, first, remove the top of the ornament. Then, to prevent your paint from cracking, you can add some rubbing alcohol to the inside of the ornament, let it dry, and then pour out any excess. This will prep the surface and help the paint stick.
Next, squeeze about half a tablespoon of craft paint inside the ornament, and another half tablespoon on the opposite interior side. This will help you get better coverage than just putting it all on one half. You can also try pouring in about four squirts of paint and then tilting and rolling the ornament around so that the paint coats the entire inside. Tap the ornament against the palm of your hand to help distribute the paint.
If you are using glitter, pour it into the ornament and shake until the inside is completely covered. You can also add a little water to make it swirl to cover better. If you are using a mod podge and glitter mixture, you can save any excess mixture to use for other ornaments.
Place a piece of paper towel on top of the ornament to prevent the paint from coming out and move and shake the ornament until it's completely covered on the inside. Be patient, as paint moves slowly. A combination of shaking, waiting, and re-distributing the paint by tilting and rolling the ornament will help get full coverage.
Let the ornaments rest upside down for 10 minutes to let the excess paint run out. Then, let the ornaments sit and dry for at least a day, or 24 to 48 hours, before re-inserting the ornament cap. This will give the paint time to fully cure, minimizing the risk of scratching the paint when you insert the cap.
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Drying the ornament
Drying your painted Christmas ornament is a crucial step in the process of painting the inside of a Christmas ornament. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the drying process:
Initial Drying
After pouring paint into your ornament and coating the inside, you need to let the excess paint drip out. Place the ornament upside down on a surface that you don't mind getting paint on, such as a plastic water bottle or a piece of cardboard. Leave the ornament in this position for about 10 minutes to allow the excess paint to run out. This initial step helps prevent the paint from pooling inside the ornament and ensures a more even coating.
Right-Side Up Drying
After the initial 10 minutes, turn the ornament right side up and let it rest for another 10 minutes. This step helps distribute the paint more evenly and prevents it from settling heavily in one area.
Overnight Drying
Once the initial dripping and right-side up drying is complete, let the ornament air-dry overnight. Place it in a safe area where it won't be disturbed, and leave it undisturbed for several hours. This extended drying period allows the paint to cure and harden, reducing the risk of smudges or scratches.
Extended Drying Time
Depending on the type of paint used and the humidity in your environment, you may need to allow for an extended drying time. Some paints, especially thicker acrylics or enamel-based paints, can take longer to dry thoroughly. Give your ornament an additional 24 to 48 hours to ensure that the paint is completely dry. This extended drying time helps prevent cracking or chipping later on.
Reattaching the Top
After the ornament is completely dry, you can carefully reattach the top or cap. Gently screw or insert the top back into the ornament. This step should be done slowly and carefully to avoid scratching the fresh paint inside.
By following these steps, you'll ensure that your painted Christmas ornament is thoroughly dried and ready for display or gifting!
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Finishing touches
Once you've painted your ornament, there are several finishing touches you can add to make it perfect. Firstly, it is important to let the paint dry. Depending on the amount of paint used, this could take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. If you're happy with the colour, you can leave it as it is, or you could add some glitter to make it sparkle. Simply pour some glitter into the ornament, shake it around until the inside is completely covered, and then replace the top.
If you want to add some extra detail to your ornament, you can use stencils to create delicate shapes, such as snowflakes, or cut out words in a specific font and attach them to the ornament. You can also add ribbons, buttons, or bows to embellish your creation.
If you're painting a clear ornament, consider using white paint to make the outside really pop. You can then apply designs, such as snowman faces, to the outside of the ornament. To prevent the paint from cracking, you can swirl some rubbing alcohol inside the ornament before painting, or brush some clear nail polish over the paint after it has dried.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use enamel-based paint or acrylic craft paint. Enamel-based paint works better for glass and gives a cleaner look. Acrylic craft paint is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colours.
Swirl some rubbing alcohol inside the ornament, dump out the excess, and let it dry before adding the paint.
Using a smaller amount of paint, about a tablespoon, allows for full coverage while reducing waste and increasing drying time.
Pour the paint inside the ornament and twist and turn it until the paint covers the inside completely. You might have to add a little more paint to keep it running around the sides.
Let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before reinserting the cap to ensure the paint has fully cured, minimising the risk of scratching.
