This mercury glass pumpkin makeover is another thrift store transformation that was inspired by the fall PB catalog.
Honestly, I don't normally get so many ideas from one spot, but this was just one of those catalogs that had me going, "oh- I can find that easy!" or "what a great idea" and so on. And since I was planning for this series...well you see how that turned out.
But really - mercury glass pumpkins are all over that catalog, and it really is easy to find ceramic pumpkins at thrift stores this time of year (along with ceramic turkeys and other holiday items) and lots of folks are using Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint to make faux mercury glass, so why not get them for a lot less?
Here's what I started with (and ignore the little plastic green pumpkin - he's not in the running for a mercury-glass makeover). A two-piece orange ceramic pumpkin that cost $1.99.
It's not horrible, it's just a bit boring (plus, I hardly ever do orange in my house - coral, yes, orange...no).
https://anoregoncottage.com/2012/10/make-your-own-mercury-glass-pumpkin/
Enter Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint.
I'm not gonna lie - this stuff is not super cheap (about $10) and it's not easy to find. I ended up buying it online from Amazon (my affiliate link is provided if you'd like to buy it there, too). But I was able to paint 5 items with the smaller-than-average-sized can it comes in (only 6 oz.), so it adds only a couple of dollars per project - still WAY cheaper than buying mercury glass.
There are ways to age the finish by using vinegar, but I didn't want any orange to show through, so I simply sprayed the paint on the outside of the pumpkin. The directions only say to spray on the inside, as they are assuming you're using it on glass (um, never assume with DIY folks...), but it works on the outside of things and still dries to a mirror finish, as you can tell.
The first couple of coats did run a bit, probably because the pumpkin was really smooth ceramic - but each coat covered up the others and after four light coats, it looked great.
My pumpkin is six inches high and five inches wide, took me about 10 minutes total hands-on time and set me back $4.00. The PB equivalent is $24.50.
Hmmm...now what am I gonna do with the $20.00 I just saved?
Oh, and wouldn't this make a great gift for those in your lives who are PB or mercury glass fans? And they'll never guess you didn't spend a bundle.
This is day 12 in our series (you can click on the button to see all the posts in the category). If you’re wondering what’s up, you can read the introduction to 31 Days of Thrift Store Transformations here. I’m taking a little liberty and using the term “thrift store” to stand for anything you buy used (and cheap!), be it from a store, garage/estate sale, flea market…whatever.
This post is linked to Fabulously Creative Friday, Thistlewoods' Spray Paint Party and Weekend Wrap-Up.
Tory says
Hi Jami,
I stumbled across your site in my search to Freeze Green Beans. I am anxious to try your version of "no blanching". I picked green beans and okra from my neighbors garden today. That's the first time I've been in a garden in a long time. I typically, have a container garden for salad ingredients. My lettuce was exceptional this year; but I have to say... after picking today, I want to try my own garden!
Back to your site... I have spent the better part of my evening reading one thing after another. I have really enjoyed your site and all the informative and helpful information. The recipes are a Great bonus, too.
Thank you,
Tory
Jami says
Oh, I'm so glad you're enjoying the site, Tory!! And I agree - harvesting in a garden (and eating the results) DOES make you want to have a garden. Maybe you could add a couple areas in addition to your containers (since you seem to be doing that well!)?
I'm so glad you're a part of the AOC community now. 🙂
Terrie says
Thanks for sharing this post!! I have a ceramic vase I want to paint using this spray. It is an opaque beige color, did you use a primer first? Or did you just spray it right on?
Jami says
I did not prime it, Terrie, just sprayed it over the slightly glossy orange. I've found the key with this paint is to only do one coat - if you let it dry and try to add more, the mirror finish goes away and it just looks like stainless. It's a bit tricky to get enough paint on in one coat without drips - I go around the object 2-3 times with light coats, but it's not dry so counts as one coat, if you know what I mean.
Terrie says
Gotcha! Thanks for your help 🙂
Gail says
i sprayed Looking Glass paint on my pumpkin and it is silver but not shiny. The pumpkin was orange styrofoam that I painted white. Is it possible to make it look like Mercury glass if it's not made of glass?
Jami says
No, Gail, I don't think so - it works with the smooth surface of the glass or ceramic. 🙁
whitney love says
Just a little helpful info- Michaels sells that spray paint for 11.99. If you use one of their 40% off coupons it's only $7.20 😉
Linda @ it all started with paint says
I just love that you used this outside on a ceramic piece! The end result is simply stunning so I'm pinning!
Thanks so much for sharing at our spray paint link party!
🙂
Linda
Jenni S. says
Okay, that is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. I HAVE to find a cute pumpkin like that somewhere around here. Luckily, I live a block away from an antique and thrift store, so I know where I'll be walking tomorrow afternoon.
Love this!
Tricia says
I love the way these turned out! I voted for you at the party! Oh, and thanks for sharing the tip about using the flat black paint as chalkboard paint earlier this month! I used your advice and it turned out great!
Jami says
Thanks so much, Tricia! I did see your project with the paint and loved it - you do such wonderful work. 🙂
Laura @ Finding Home says
Thanks so much for sharing this pretty project at our link party and for such a helpful tutorial. Take care, Laura
Debbie says
Looks so much better. And like you, I've been trying to find this Krylon paint forever...beginning to think I have to cross the border into the States to buy it. Of course, didn't think of looking online. lol
But, great job!
Saw you linking at Fall in Love With Spray Paint
Debbie 🙂
Bonnie says
I am going to do this! I think I already have some small pumpkins.
[email protected] says
I really want to do this! I love the look of these shiny mercury glass pumpkins!