If you love the look of ceramic bowls but want something a little more DIY and budget-friendly, this easy mason jar painting technique is a must-try.
With just a few household ingredients and some paint, you can give glass jars a beautifully textured, ceramic-like finish. Here’s exactly how I do it with a few tips to help you get the best results.
Materials You’ll Need
- Mason jars (or any glass jars)
- Paint (I prefer wall paint samples from hardware stores)
- Baking soda or borax
- Mixing bowl and spoon or spatula
- Paintbrush
- Optional: Sandpaper
What to Do
Step 1: Mix Your Paint
To create that matte, textured look that mimics ceramic, I mix my paint with either baking soda or borax. I generally go for a 1:1 ratio, but this depends on the thickness and opacity of the paint you use.
Personally, I prefer baking soda because it gives a finer texture. Borax also works, though it tends to leave a rougher finish—great if that’s what you’re after!
I often use house paint samples from the hardware store because I love the colour selection and coverage. Craft paint is technically fine, but I find that it can be too transparent for this kind of project.
Step 2: Paint the Jars
You don’t need to prep the jars. I paint directly onto them.
Apply a thick but not gloopy layer—if the paint starts peeling or forming bald patches, it’s probably too thick. Usually, two or three coats do the trick. Be sure to let each layer dry completely before moving on to the next.
I like to paint the rims inside the jars for a more finished look, but I don’t bother painting the entire interior unless the jar will be visible from above.
Step 3: Optional Finishing Touches
If you’re not happy with the texture, you can always lightly sand the surface to smooth it out or give it another layer of just paint. I did that with the one I made using Borax because I didn’t like the texture.
Below, the one on the left was made with Borax and then covered with a normal layer of paint (I promise it’s the same as the one I started with. I just changed the color half-way through the project). The one on the right I used two coats of baking soda mixed with paint.
You can make the surface rougher again by adding a new textured layer using something like borax if you want.
Final Thoughts
This technique is easy, affordable, and gives a lovely, handmade feel to any jar. Whether you use them for decor, as vases, or for storage, these ceramic-look jars are always a conversation starter—and incredibly satisfying to make.
