Painted Mason Jars: How to Paint and Distress Mason Jars

Painted mason jars are a super simple craft, easy enough for beginner crafters to make. In just a couple of hours, you can create these pretty containers to use in your kitchen or office. Add a little paint and they go with any color scheme you want!

I love to keep a variety of mason jars on hand to use as vases or pencil holders. They’re versatile and pretty on their own.

But sometimes it’s fun to add a little color by painting them!

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Mason Jars?

There are a few different kinds of paint that you can use for painted mason jar projects.

Acrylic craft paint. But because glass is smooth and slippery, paint sometimes has trouble sticking to mason jars. So you may want to prime your jars first. Maybe.

Chalk paint. Chalk paint is well, chalky, and tends to stick better than regular or craft paints. Which means it doesn’t need primer.

Glass paint. Michaels and other crafts stores have glass paint that is specifically made for glass. Usually, glass paint requires curing by baking in the oven. If you choose glass paint, follow the directions on the package for application and curing.

Spray paint. Spray paint gives the nicest, smoothest finish. However, spray paint needs to be used outside and can’t be used in bad or windy weather. But it is a great option if you are doing this project in perfect weather!

Do You Have to Prime Mason Jars Before Painting Them?

That depends on the type of paint you choose to use. Some craft paints may require that you prime the jars before-hand. Chalk paint and glass paint do not require priming.

I used craft paint for our painted mason jars, and on some I used primer and some I didn’t not. But it doesn’t do any harm to prime them, so if you have the time, go for it.

Is it Better to Brush Paint or Spray Paint Mason Jars?

That totally depends on your preference.

• Spray painting requires a well-ventilated space and protection from overspray. But it provides a beautiful finish – if done well.
• Regular paint requires less space but is still messy to try to hold the jar and paint it at the same time. Sometimes there are brush strokes.

Do You Paint Mason Jars on the Inside or the Outside?

I highly recommend that you paint the outside of your mason jars. Especially if you want to use the jar as a vase – you know, with water inside.

Do You Need to Seal the Painted Mason Jars?

Your painted jars will be much more durable if you do seal them. You can use a spray sealer or brush on some clear Mod Podge.

What You’ll Need to Make Painted Mason Jars

Here are the basic supplies you’ll need to make painted mason jars. Get the full printable instructions in the how-to card below.

• dish soap and water and/or rubbing alchohol and cotton balls
• mason jars
• primer (optional)
• craft paint or spray paint
• foam brushes (if using craft paint)
• 150 to 200-grit sandpaper (optional)
• paper plate (for mixing paint)

The paint colors we used on the pale pink painted mason jars: Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Satin paints in Summer Linen, Fledgling and Ballet Slipper Pink

Instructions

01| Wash your mason jar thoroughly with hot water and dish soap. Clean with rubbing alcohol to make sure there is no residue to keep the paint from sticking.

02| IF you’re planning to use primer, spray or brush on a light coat of primer on the outer surface of the mason jar. Let dry.

03| Using a foam brush paint your mason jar or spray paint a light coat. Repeat as needed to get the coverage you desire. Let dry between coats.

*If you want to layer different colors, switch brushes between coats. We’ve done pastels over gold, in addition to the more simple pink jars below.

04| Optional: Distress by sanding back the paint on the raised surfaces and any words on the mason jars.

Additional Painted Mason Jar Embellishments

Of course you can add other embellishments too, like glitter.

For a similar look:

01| Tape off where you want the glitter to be.

02| Apply Mod Podge with a foam brush.

03| Sprinkle glitter over the wet glue. Peel off the painter’s tape and let dry.

Add flowers or use the jars as pen and pencil storage, or whatever you like.

What do you think? Have you painted any mason jars lately?