There is something about the holiday season that makes me want to smother everything in sparkles and shine. I've always fawned over the look of mercury glass in the stores, but I was always shocked to see the inflated price tag.
Who knew that the look could be so easily created with just a can of spray paint? Rust-oleum has created a paint called "Mirror Effect" and it works beautifully to transform ordinary glass into a mirror-like finish. It's highly reflective and covers well, as long as it is done in short, light layers to prevent dripping. I'm a huge fan!
TOOLS USED IN THIS PROJECT
One of my favorite parts about decorating for the holidays (besides the tree of course!) is planning how the table will look for those special meals with loved ones.
I thought it would be fun to transform a simple, glass plate from Walmart (it cost $4.98 I believe) into something that would look like an expensive and fancy charger that would retail for far more than my budget would allow. Here's how I did it!
DIY Mercury Glass Charger with Golden Rim
First I took my clean plate outside and lightly sprayed the Mirror Effect paint on the back side. With this type of mirror paint, you want to spray the opposite side of the glass so that it will reflect light through the clear glass. After a few quick sweeps, my plate was covered in silvery, shiny paint.
Now the magic happens! I mixed a concoction of 50% vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle. The vinegar helps to eat away at the existing paint so that you are able to get the mottled, spotty effect of mercury glass. I just sprayed on a light coat until I was satisfied with the number of little water spots that were appearing.
After waiting for about 30 seconds, I lightly dabbed with a tissue on these spots to help lift some of the paint and vinegar mixture. I found that the rough texture of a paper towel was too harsh but the softness of the tissue worked perfectly. After I wiped away the spots, it left a beautiful speckled look that made the charger classy and timeless.
I have the biggest crush on the color gold this year. I use it already so much throughout my home, and I wanted to incorporate it into my Christmas decorations this year. I thought if I made the lip of the charger gold it would add an extra layer of elegance. Using my trusty sidekick, Rub n' Buff in Antique Gold, I put some on my finger and simply rubbed it around the lip of the plate. After a few minutes it was dry and looking absolutely marvelous!
Isn't she lovely?
After a quick spray with a clear sealant on the edges and back, this upgraded lady was ready to party! There are endless projects that could be transformed with the Mirror Effects spray paint, and I am currently on the hunt to find more glass to make over. What will you create?
Pin DIY Glass Charger for later
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!