Painted mason jars are a fun and festive craft idea, whether you want to add some decor to your home or give as a gift. We’ll show how to paint them 16 different ways.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Mason Jars?
You can practically use any kind of paint on mason jars depending on the effect you want to achieve. The most popular choice is acrylic paint since it’s pretty affordable and it sticks to the jar well, though you could also go with chalk paint. Just make sure that no matter what type you use, it’s a nontoxic version.
What is a Mason Jar?
Mason jars are glass jars used originally for canning. Because home canning was popular for so many years there are literally millions of them out there and they can be purchased inexpensively making them the perfect craft foundation.
Since mason jars have a glass surface, you might need a primer to get the paint to stick, and a clear spray sealant for a nice finish. Other than that, though, you don’t need much to get started, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to painting mason jars.
Best How to Paint Mason Jar Ideas
Below are 16 easy and creative ways you and your kids can make your own wonderfully painted mason jars. So whether you are decorating a wedding, baby shower, home decor or another of a million DIY projects, grab your favorite paint color and let’s get painting mason jars!
1. Glitter Mason Jars
Glitter painted mason jars are quick and fun to make! Fireflies and Mud Pies has a short tutorial on how you can make galaxy-themed ones using just cotton balls, a handful of liquid watercolors, and some glitter, of course!
2. Beach Mason Jars
If you’re looking for a great gift, Plaid Online has the perfect mason jar craft idea. For this beach-themed pastel mason jar candle holder, you’ll need sheer Mod Podge paint in turquoise, some beach sand, shells, and a little bit of creativity outside of the jar!
3. Knockoff Anthropologie Mason Jars
You might not have an Anthropologie store nearby, so why not make your own knockoff Anthropologie mason jars? This idea from It All Started With Paint is one way you and your kids can enjoy the art of acrylic craft paint pouring.
4. Snow Globe Mason Jars
You don’t need to wait for Christmas to make your very own snow globe mason jars. At Home with Jemma shows how you can make this easy holiday gift that can also be used as home decor or a beautiful container for mints!
5. Glowing Mason Jars
Who says you can’t use glow sticks to paint mason jars? One Little Project shows just how pretty this looks on glass surfaces! Kids will especially love using the finished craft as a night light.
6. Tattered and Torn Mason Jars
Distress mason jars have a lot of personality with their rustic look, and you only need a bit of sandpaper to get this effect. All you need to do is gently rub the grit sandpaper over the acrylic paint to give it a slightly tattered look. This works perfectly well for mason jars with embossed labels, like Michael’s mason jars. This one from 2 Little Superheroes ties a colorful fabric around the top as an accent.
7. Clouded Mason Jars
Clouded or frosted mason jars can be simple but elegant home decorations. Check out this one from A Beautiful Mess! All you need is a foam brush or sponge, some glue, and watercolor paints. The best part is, if you want to change up the design, just soak the jars in soapy water to remove the glue and paint.
8. Twisted Spin Mason Jars
Here’s one that your kids will definitely enjoy: twisted spin mason jars! Michelle J Designs has instructions on how to make a Valentine-themed one. You’ll need a marbling medium to keep your acrylic paints from mixing at the bottom of the jar. Twist and spin the jar to get that nice marbling effect. No paint brushes needed!
9. Botanical Mason Jars
If you and your kids love flora and fauna, this botanical mason jar from Mason Jar Crafts Love will be right up their alley. If you’re going for the same lavender design, be sure to use a smaller paintbrush. Not only does this make for a pretty vase, but it’s a chance to teach older kids about more delicate streaks and brush strokes.
10. Tile Stained Mason Jars
Stained glass designs aren’t exclusive to just windows. You can also do them for mason jars! With some puffy paint, alcohol markers, and clear coat glass paint, you can make a beautiful faux stained glass effect. Artsy Karma even has printable patterns you can follow to design your tile stained mason jars.
11. Chalk Painted Mason Jars
Chalk paint is a great medium for painted mason jars because they give off a rustic matte finish. Mom Does Reviews has some beautiful chalk painted mason jars that might just inspire you! To get that solid paint effect, you need to clean the mason jar with rubbing alcohol. Be generous with your coats of paint and don’t just stop with the first coat. Apply a second coat and a third coat for that smooth chalk dust effect.
12. Metallic Mason Jars
If you have some shiny metal spray paint on hand, try making these dazzling metallic mason jars from How Sweet Eats! With such a simple but fun activity, you can have home decor boasting a fancy vintage look.
13. Ombre Mason Jars
Another mason jar craft that uses spray paint, ombre mason jars can teach your kids about color combinations and gradients. Crafting in the Rain makes pretty pink ombre mason jars that can enliven even the simplest flowers. What’s great about spray paint is that you don’t have to worry about uneven brush stokes.
14. Watercolor Mason Jars
Are you raring to give your arts and crafts room some beautiful craft supply storage? Then these watercolor mason jars from The Crazy Craft Lady are what you’re looking for! Veering away from the usual acrylic and chalk paint, this activity uses watercolor paint over white spray paint. For the design, just let the excess watercolor paint drip naturally and you’re good to go!
15. Striped Mason Jars
Stripes will never be out of fashion! There are tons of striped designs you can do for your painted mason jars, but these spring-inspired ones from The Crafted Sparrow are easy on the eyes and can even be given as gifts. No one will suspect that it’s DIY!
16. Stenciled Mason Jars
Freehand painting can be a little difficult for younger kids, so why not use stencils instead? These stenciled mason jars from Mom 4 Real use sticker stencils as guides for painting shapes and objects. Use a clear sealer for a finish if you’re turning your stenciled mason jars into lamps or candle holders.
Are Painted Mason Jars Food-Safe?
Most of the painted mason jar activities mentioned above are primarily used for decorations, so it would be best to avoid placing food inside these containers, especially if you paint the jars from the inside. Clear mason jars without paint are definitely food-safe, but it’s always good to exercise caution with painted ones, unless you’re strictly using food-grade or food-safe paint.
Just note that it is completely safe to put food in it if it’s in a wrapper, even if you don’t use food safe paint. You could use the decorated mason jars as a stylish way to display candies, snacks, and more, so long as they are individually wrapped.
Go Crazy With Color!
There are definitely more than 16 ways to make painted mason jars. You can try out each and every one from this list, or explore other ways of painting and decorating. The important thing is that you and your kids are having fun exercising your creativity!
Just remember to be careful when handling mason jars because, as sturdy as they look, they can still break when dropped. Similarly, make sure you’re providing assistance when kids are using spray paint so they don’t accidentally spray their eyes.
Other than that, go crazy with color and experiment with all the patterns and techniques you can use to make painted mason jars!