martha stewart diy mercury glass
This appeared in the January 2010 issue and yes, I am just NOW getting around to trying it. First, it wasn’t spray-painting weather. Then when I tried to find the Krylon Looking Glass mirror spray, no luck. Anywhere. I finally ended up buying it on eBay. The project itself was easy and didn’t result in my usual Martha fail. Just paper or tape off the entire outside of a clean glass or vase. Mist the inside lightly with water, then carefully spray a light coat of mirror spray inside. Turn upside down to dry overnight on a rack that lets air circulate. In the end, it took me eight (!) coats to get a mirrored surface. (I skipped the overnight dry after the first coat. Not sure if it was user error or just the nature of the spray. Martha said nothing about several coats. Hmmph.) The finished tea light holders definitely look like mirrored glass when compared to the pewter candlesticks behind them and will make perfect “just because” gifts. — Sarah L.
I couldn’t find the mirror paint either!!! I have tried and tried this project, but it really MUST have the mirror paint. (seriously I have attempted this 5 times in the last 2 weeks) Though I managed an awesome faux pewter with just the regular old silver paint. They look lovely, now I’m going to have to find the mirror paint and try one. more. time. *sigh*
These are beautiful, Sarah! May have to do these, too!
You can buy that paint on the hobby lobby website… not sure about in stores.
This is why Martha’s “easy” projects never end up being easy : ) No one carries that paint! If you order on ebay, the cans are a third the size of a regular spray can so you might want to order two. Brianna, I’m always happy with pewter finish! Megan, go for it! After the big H, of course.
[...] Martha’s Mercury Glass Shelterrific [...]
I actually attempted that project last winter. I found the paint at Michael’s, but it was so buried in the store, I had to ask for help. In the end, I gave up after about 3 coats becuz they looked like garbage. Looks like I might have to give them another try – and another 5 coats! Oh that Martha and her crew of art school crafters!
I went to my local Sherwin Williams and they were able to order the Krylon Looking Glass spray paint directly to the store for me. It came in the smaller, 6-oz size, so that may just be how it is sold.
I am making these (into the bases of lamps). I used fillable vases…UGH..so frustrating…not sure how it will turn out, but right now, I’m panicking, cuz it looks drippy and a little hazy silver, but definitely not as pretty as yours turned out! Hope this works!