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DIY Mercury Glass…I Can’t Stop!

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Hello…My name is Vicki and I can’t stop spray painting everything that is sitting still with Looking Glass spray paint!  I seriously need help 🙂  Last week I wrote a post about painting glass vases with the DIY mercury glass effect for a bridal shower. After I discovered how easy this project was, and that I still had paint in my spray can, my mind began to race with limitless possibilities.

I remembered that I had purchased another great brass lamp (from Atlanta Union Missions) for the 50% discounted price of $2.02.  Isn’t that great?

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look

I have discovered that most thrift store lamps are labeled “As Is”.  Don’t let this deter you.  I always approach the sales counter and ask very nicely if there is a way to test the lamp.  100% of the time they have pulled out a bulb from under their sales counter and then they direct me to an outlet.  I have never had any issue or malfunction with any thrift store lamp that I have purchased. Remember the other brass lamps I spray painted glossy white?

I found my brass lamp in the garage and gave it a quick cleaning to remove dust.  I collected my materials for painting. This link will take you to my Mercury Glass tutorial. For spraying on metal – I sprayed the paint first and then sprayed the water and vinegar mixture.

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged lookThe lamp needed a little extra care.  I taped off the electrical cord and the bulb mechanism.

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged lookThe lamp was spray painted and then misted with the water and apple cider vinegar mixture.  You can see the vinegar doing its magic.  A little brass is starting to show through…

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look

 I love how the lamp base still looks wet after it is completely dry.  If you look closely you can see the pitting marks from the painting and misting process.

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look. Great in the Bar area.

 You can really see the effect in this photo…

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look. Great in the Bar area.

 I picked up the lampshade on clearance at TJMaxx…

Take an old brass lamp and turn it into a DIY Mercury Glass lamp - spray paint, vinegar and water give you this beautiful - aged look. Great in the bar area.

After the lamp was completed is when I lost a little control.. I rummaged through my cupboards and closets for other items to paint.  I wish I had taken a photograph of the five candlesticks that I did.  I gave them as a gift and my friend loved them.

I also painted small, clear glass votive holders and a clear jar that I saved after a candle had finished burning.  The Mercury finish pear is a $2.99 purchase from Home Goods.

DIY Mercury Glass... Painted clear glass votives and a jar create an aged-vintage look. Love the crackle finish.

I love the crackle-like finish.  I placed candles in all three of these finished containers.  When the candles are lit, they seem to glow gold – I love that.

IDIY Mercury Glass... Painted clear glass votives and a jar create an aged-vintage look. Love the crackle finish.

DIY Mercury Glass... Painted clear glass votives and a jar create an aged-vintage look. Love the crackle finish.

I really love the shimmer of the silver and gold glow…

DIY Mercury Glass... Painted clear glass votives and a jar create an aged-vintage look. Love the crackle finish.

I was disappointed when my Looking Glass spray can was empty.  I have a lot more things I want to paint.  When you spray paint glass it has a mirror like, crackle finish.  When you spray flat finishes your end result is vintage-aged looking and pitted.  For my aesthetic, I love both finishes.

Mercury Glass How To

I sincerely hope that you give this project a try.  It is very easy and quick to do – instant gratification.  Or call me…My name is Vicki and I need help… 🙂

7 Comments

  1. Ok, now I seriously have to give this a try! I, too, love the finish, and I have a feeling nothing will be safe from this elegant treatment. Bambi

    1. 2 Bees in a Pod says:

      Nothing will be safe! It is so easy and looks great!

  2. Hi! I just purchased some Good Will brass lamps and I’m dying to try this treatment. I watched the tutorial – and thank you so much for the step-by-step instructions. Those bridal shower arrangements were amazing. Question: Did you blot the lamp the same way you did the vases? If not – can you tell me why? Thank you for such beautiful inspiration!

    1. 2 Bees in a Pod says:

      Hey Beth-
      I apologize for missing your message!
      The lamps were a fun project with a great transformation. I love easy, quick projects with a big impact!

      I did not blot the lamp. I blotted the mercury vases because they were glass and I felt that I needed to blot a bit of the shiny silver for a better effect. I

      When I sprayed the lamp, I liked the silver and pitting effect. Therefore, I didn’t think I needed to blot it.

      Honestly, it is just a matter of personal preference and trial and error.

      The bridesmaids ornaments were a great project. With Jennifer’s (Little Bees) upcoming wedding we are sure to have more projects.

      We so appreciate you following along. We would also love to hear about your projects. Don’t hesitate to ask us more questions if you need to!

      All the best,
      Vicki and Jennifer

  3. Teresa Reid says:

    I had this idea to use looking glass paint on my collection of brass plated candle stick holders and brass chandeliers in my dining room and kitchen. Hoping to get a little more instruction as to the process and steps. Thanks for showing that it IS possible to do this.
    Teresa

  4. Love it!! Bought the spray today so can’t wait to get started. On the bridal vases, I love the way they look. You sprayed them first with the vinegar solution before the spray paint? What I’ve read is the reverse but I love your result! Oh, and apple cider vinegar instead of white? I’m definitely following your advice, great job ladies!

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