Archives for September 2014

Get the look of expensive mercury glass with a can of spray paint and some Epson salt!  This simple project takes a genie lamp shaped liquor bottle to an elegant mercury glass lamp for way less than the purchase price you see in stores.

MATERIALS

-Glass Bottle of your choice

–Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint

–Krylon Spray Adhesive Remover

-Epson Salt

-Kraft paper, plastic or other work surface protector

-Drill and 1/2 inch Diamond Hole Drill Bit

-Lint free towel and rubbing alcohol

-Dust mask

-Protective Gloves

-Protective Eyewear

-Container of water with a a soaked towel or rag

–Bottle Lamp Kit

-Lamp Shade

-Light Bulb

DIRECTIONS

1.  Clean bottle and remove labels; to do this, soak bottles in hot, soapy water and remove labels.  Rubbing alcohol in a lint free cloth will remove residual adhesive.  My personal favorite technique is Krylon Adhesive Remover.

2.  Drill a hole where you want the cord to exit the lamp, in the back near the base.  For that technique, see my previous tutorial:  How to Make a Lamp From a Glass Bottle. Follow safety precautions!

3.  Clean away debris from drilling, dry bottle with a lint free cloth and tape over the hole you just drilled.  You will see why!

4. Pour Epson salt into bottle so that to about one inch from the bottom.  If your bottle is smaller, you can use less.  It is not important to be exact here.

5.  In a well ventilated area with protected work surface, spray looking glass paint into mouth of bottle.  Make sure to follow instructions on label.  You want to shake the can vigourously before using.  If your bottle mouth is small in diameter like this genie bottle, you will have paint pooling in one spot and running down the neck.  That is fine.

6.  Shake the bottle like a snow globe, so that the salt grabs the paint and drags it around.  This will create the mercury glass look.

7.  Repeat steps 5 and 6 a few more times, allowing each coat to dry for about 5 minutes before applying the next.  Stop when are happy with the look.

8.  Follow instructions on your lamp kit to assemble.  The one used here was super simple to and cost $6.

9.  Use a thrift store or new lampshade to fit your décor.

EXTRA TIPS

￮ The salt will stick to the wall of the bottle in spots, giving a lovely crystal effect.  You can pour as little or as much of the salt out as you want after painting.

Use this technique for recycled glass bottle vases, votive holders, wind chimes and more.  Keep in mind this only works when the sprayed surface is inside.