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The Frugal Homemaker

Your guide to turning your house into a home... one DIY project and yard sale find at a time

DIY Mercury Glass Pumpkin (how to turn any glass into mercury glass) – 31 Days of Fall Inspiration

October 24, 2013

31 days of fall inspiration (reg size)

This post is part of a series – “31 days of Fall Inspiration”  You can read all the posts in this series here.  And to make sure you don’t miss anything you can sign up to have every post sent to your emailor follow me on facebook.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

I don’t know about you but I LOVE mercury glass!  Mercury glass vases, mercury glass candle holders, mercury glass owls or pumpkins… colored mercury glass – any and ALL of it.  But I what I don’t love is the price.  $50-60 for mercury glass pumpkins… no thanks!  I am the ‘”frugal” homemaker after all.

So when I saw that Rust-Oleum was coming out with a brand new spray paint called Rust-Oleum Mirror Effect, I was excited.  I love Rust-Oleum products and knew this was going to be good.

Rust-Oleum Mirror Effect spray paint

I got to see a preview of it at Haven Conference in August before it even hit shelves.  You all loved the vases created with it that I shared on facebook.

 

Post by The Frugal Homemaker.

 You should be able to find it at your local craft store, home improvement store, or you can buy Rust-Oleum Specialty Mirror Effect from Amazon (affliate link).

 I just happened to find this glass pumpkin candy dish at a thrift store for $1.00 a week later, and I knew EXACTLY what I would do with it!

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

 By the way, if any of you are wanting to pick up the same glass pumpkin and don’t find one at a thrift store, Walmart has the same glass pumpkin and apples as well.   

20131024-131345.jpg

The way this spray paint works is you have to spray the opposite side that you want the mercury glass look to appear on.  So you will want to spray the inside of the vase, pumpkin, candle holder or whatever you are turning into mercury glass.

I taped off the outside so I wouldn’t get overspray on it.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

And then lightly misted the inside with water.  LIGHTLY mist it.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

Then while it is still wet – spray with the spray paint.    Follow the directions on the spray paint can – make sure to shake vigorously for at least a minute before use.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

It will turn to a mirror finish within a minute.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

Here’s what the inside of the pumpkin part looks like.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

I let mine dry for about an hour or so.  If you want a darker/less transparent finish you may want to do a second coat.  I like my mercury glass to be pretty splotchy looking.

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

So I rubbed the inside of the pumpkin with a wet paper towel very gently to remove some more paint.  And this is what I was left with – LOVE!

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

Here’s some tips for you.  This paint CAN and will scratch off if used in a vase where flower stems will be scratching it, etc.  To prevent that once the paint is dry, protect it with 1-2 coats of a clear protectant like Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Matte Clear.

I could use it anywhere – but for now I have it on my coffee table serving as a pretty, disguised candy dish!   The owl is “storebought” mercury glass – can you tell a difference?

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

$1 pumpkin +  less than $10 can of spray paint that you won’t use very much of at all = frugal mercury glass… my FAVORITE!

Mercury Glass Pumpkin tutorial

Now for the fun part!  Would you like to make some frugal DIY mercury glass?  A pumpkin, vase, candle holder glass shelf, Christmas ornament, fix a mirror, etc?  Great news… because one of you is going to win a CASE (6 cans) of Rust-Oleum Mirror Effect spray paint.  Use some to create some of your own projects and maybe share a few cans or give a glass item and a can to a friend that loves to DIY (great Christmas present idea!).  I would totally love to get spray paint in MY stocking! Smile 

Enter to win in the rafflecopter widget below (if reading by email, click over to the post to enter.)  Winner will be announced next Wednesday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Linking this post up with Nester for her annual 31 days series in October.  I have several other blog friends that are joining me writing for 31 days too – check out their blogs and topics by clicking on the buttons below.

31 days of gracing your space 31 days of revealing my secrets 31DaysofFishbowlGrace 31-days-to-Living-Well

78 Comments LABELS ~ 31 Days of Fall Inspiration, DIY projects, Painting projects

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« 31 Days of Fall Inspiration: Decorating for Fall with Pumpkins
31 Days of Fall Inspiration: Painted Pumpkins »

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Comments

  1. Lisa Scozzaro says

    October 24, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    I love mercury glass also! I would use this paint on an old hurricane glass candle holder and use as a Christmas centerpiece with a red candle!

    Reply
  2. Heather Collins says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    Ah, mercury glass….one of my decorating “loves”. My Pottery Barn catalogs are full of it, but I can’t afford it 🙂 Although if I win some of this paint, I might be making myself all manner of decor for the holidays!

    Reply
  3. Heather Collins says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    Oh, and I would paint some glass Christmas trees for my mantle….and some ornaments for an all-natural/neutral tree.

    Reply
  4. Deborah Cook says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    Oh the Christmas projects that are coming to mind, ornaments

    Reply
  5. Lanita Anderson says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    Christina,
    I love how your mercury glass pumpkin turned out! I saw one of those glass pumpkins at the thrift store just the other day….. I would love to do a mercury glass pumpkin, ornaments for my Christmas tree or transform glass candlesticks I bought at Goodwill not too long ago!
    Thanks for the inspiration……
    Lanita

    Reply
  6. Michelle o says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    I can’t wait to try it on a pumpkin! That is lovely!!!

    Reply
  7. Anne says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    I just bought that glass pumpkin at my thrift store. Love how yours turned out. I have three old lamps that are in my garage waiting to be transformed into mercury glass lamps. I just don’t know how to paint the inside of the lamps. Love your site and all of your decorating ideas. Thanks

    Reply
  8. Gwen Howard says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    I would love to give this a try!!

    Reply
  9. Kourtney Ellens says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    I would start by using it to make vintage looking Christmas tree ball ornaments for my tree!

    Reply
  10. ruthann says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    Wow ! What a great giveaway! Oh, the things that could be transformed with that! Decorations for the tree and centerpieces!

    Reply
  11. Carol Hanson says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    great giveaway!! I love mercury glass; have candlesticks in mind and xmas ornaments. flower post would be impressive too

    Reply
  12. abby says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    I would definitely head over to my thrift store to find a treasure like your pumpkin. Great up cycle!

    Reply
  13. Jamie Mann says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    I love mercury glass! I want some mercury glass lamps for my dining room buffet so bad. Your pumpkin turned out great, love it! Also love your blog! 🙂 God bless!

    Reply
  14. Emily says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    I LOVE this look! I have seen this done with vinegar (spray paint it first and then mist vinegar/water mixture. This seems like it might be easier. I will give it a try!

    Reply
  15. Debbie says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    I love love love your blog!!! You’re my inspiration for oh so many things. I really am just a copycat though :). I have mirrors on my walls and can’t wait to spray paint other stuff too!! Maybe even the outside of a clay pot. I just ordered two mercury glass candlesticks from Decor Steals. Now I can make my own!! Thank you Christina!!

    Reply
  16. Cynthia says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    I LOVE this!!! I am a huge Mercury Glass person.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  17. Nikki says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    I want to use mercury glass when I get to redo my mastet bedroom! I love the way it shines!

    Reply
  18. Cathy says

    October 24, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    I am so glad you wrote this tutorial. I have been wanting to do this for sometime. Thank you so much for sharing. I love the pumpkin. Cathy

    Reply
  19. Lisa Henderson says

    October 24, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    I can think of LOTS of uses….One that comes to mind is to paint a tray or large plate! I could definately come up with more as well!

    Reply
  20. Beverly says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    I love the look of mercury glass and would like to try my hand at making my own. Just saw those pumpkins at Walmart too. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  21. Heather B says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:26 PM

    Love it! What an innovative idea!

    Reply
  22. Maranda says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    That Haven conference must have been awesome. I am loving all the new paint products that have come out in the last few years. Thanks for the idea. I love your fall decorating series!

    Reply
  23. Kelly Palmer says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:59 PM

    I have one of those glass pumpkins that I have had for a few years now and would love to use it on that. I would also try to come up with an idea for some Christmas presents. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    Reply
  24. Angie says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    I love mercury glass and love the pumpkin. I’ve got a glass one just like that and would really like to use the mirror effect spray paint on it, as well as a vintage mirror that the silver has come off of. Thanks for the tutorial! ~ Angie

    Reply
  25. Carol @arewethereyet says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    Would love to try this out – haven’t used any of these specialty spray paints yet – this would be the PERFECT opportunity! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  26. Martha says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    I have a glass cylinder that I would love to try this on. Also have seen glass pumpkins before at Goodwill and will definitely buy one. Thanks for showing this and it is beautiful!!

    Reply
  27. Jennifer says

    October 24, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    Love this idea!! I have been on the hunt for some large glass or acrylic balls to do something like this with. I want to sort of create a gazing ball effect for vignettes. No luck yet, but I hope to find some before the holidays!!

    Reply
  28. Carolyn says

    October 24, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    I would like to try this paint on some Christmas decorations. I can think of some people who would love to receive it as a Christmas present, too.

    Reply
  29. Phyllis says

    October 24, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    I would love to win this! I just love your projects but this one is so simple and over the top!

    Reply
  30. tamara says

    October 24, 2013 at 11:17 PM

    love it! so simple to do and such a fabulous look!

    Reply
  31. Elizabeth Logan says

    October 24, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Thanks so much for the tutorial, very informative! I’ve been wanting to do this so to win the paint would be great! Thanks!

    Reply
  32. Cynthia says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    love all your ideas!!

    Reply
  33. Joanie says

    October 25, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Great tutorial. I’ve wanted to try this as well. I’ve been looking high and low at all my local craft and hardware stores and cannot find anyone who carries this paint – would love to win a case to use and share. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  34. Christa @ BrownSugarToast says

    October 25, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    I think I would start with one of my vases. So fun! LOVE your pumpkin!!!

    Reply
  35. Brian Patrick Flynn says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    Great job! The spraying with water first to create the mercury glass effect after using the Rustoleum is totally genius. What a fantastic use of an easy-to-use product. Kudos!

    Reply
  36. Jaimie says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    I’ve had the mercury glass paint for a while now, and still haven’t tried it! I’m so glad I came across your post today..I know what I’m doing when I get home!

    Reply
  37. Renea says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    Love this idea! I have the exact same pumpkin, and was ready to get rid of it until I saw you post! Now I want to try it too!

    Reply
  38. Trena says

    October 25, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    I would paint a couple of interestingly shaped glass vases that I got at a flea market.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  39. Bethany says

    October 25, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    I am LOVING this idea. I would spray a vase, decorative bowl, just about anything I can get my hands on that’s glass. LOL!

    Reply
  40. Michele Webb says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    This is BEAUTIFUL!! I had been looking for the looking glass spray paint that was out a year or so ago, and have been unable to find anywhere! So glad there is another product to take its place!! I could do A LOT of beautiful things with just ONE CAN – a case would be an AMAZING gift!

    Reply
  41. Kris Reynolds says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    I LOVE the look of Mercury Glass. I am wanting to paint votive candles for a party. They would be beautiful on the tables at night.

    Reply
  42. Crystal Kiser says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    Love this idea! I can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply
  43. Laura says

    October 26, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    I love this! I am going to try it as soon as possible.

    Reply
  44. Lauren says

    October 26, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    i would paint some vintage votive holders!

    Reply
  45. Cassie says

    October 26, 2013 at 9:09 PM

    I wanted to make some Christmas tree ornaments last year and now I remember how badly I wanted to do it. LOVE this paint.

    Reply
  46. Joanne says

    October 27, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    Love the idea for anything to hold a candle because the sparkle cast off from the flame would be magical! Thanks for the inspiration and giveaway!

    Reply
  47. Rach says

    October 27, 2013 at 12:29 AM

    Beautiful tutorial! Can’t wait to try it on Christmas ornaments!

    Reply
  48. Julie R. says

    October 27, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    This is an awesome idea. So many things I want to make now.

    Reply
  49. Laurali Manieri says

    October 27, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Love the punkin! Can’t wait to give the new paint a try

    Reply
  50. Sandy Manning says

    October 27, 2013 at 10:50 PM

    Your pumpkin turned out great! What a cool product and project!

    Reply
    • Sandy Manning says

      October 27, 2013 at 10:53 PM

      I think it would be fun to try clear Christmas ornaments painted.

      Reply
  51. Vonnie Kane says

    October 28, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    I’ve been saving a lot of different bottles for great projects like this. Mercury glass would look great on my tv cabinet. Love what you did with it. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Sharon says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    I think it would look great winter decor! Looks like fun to try!

    Reply
  53. Ivy L says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    I read this post the other day when you posted it and thought it was an awesome idea, I love the look of it! I was at a community yard sale Saturday and seen the same glass pumpkin you had so I picked it up for $1 and plan on doing this little project with it! 🙂

    Reply
  54. Jennifer G. says

    October 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM

    Had no idea how easy it was!! Really cool!

    Reply
  55. Hope says

    October 28, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    lovee the pumpkin!!

    Reply
  56. Tracy Snedeker says

    October 29, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    What a great idea!! Thanks for the tutorial –can’t wait to give it a try 🙂

    Reply
    • Tracy Snedeker says

      October 29, 2013 at 12:01 PM

      I would also like to make some matching candle holders as well!!

      Reply
  57. Julia@SouthernColor says

    October 29, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    I am so in love with your mercury glass pumpkin – I want to run out to Wally World right now so I can make my own!! I’ve been dying to try out this spray paint and I think my first project would be lamps for my bedroom!

    Reply
  58. Barbara says

    October 29, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    SO fun! I wonder – is the paint non-toxic? I’d love to try it on some glass plates.

    Reply
  59. Michelle Smith says

    October 29, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    I have a couple vases with lids that were used in my wedding decorations years ago that I have put away because they don’t fit with my décor anymore. I would do those so that I can display them again!

    Reply
  60. GGMcMurray says

    October 29, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    First think I would paint is a vase, then ornaments. So pretty!

    Reply
  61. Gin says

    November 14, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Thank you for this lovely tutorial–can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  62. Tamara p. says

    March 25, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    Lovely! Where can I get this paint? I see it in a very small spray can for 12.99 at two different stores!! Do you know where I can purchase it at the cheaper price you mentioned?
    Thanks

    Reply
  63. Diane and Dean DIY says

    October 2, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    Getting ready to do my first base right now! Thanks for the tutorial! I don’t know how I missed this at Haven.

    Reply
  64. leisa nunnelee says

    October 20, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    I am so excited to read about this new product and how easy it is to transform everyday glass pieces into something beautiful. I love the look of mercury glass,and with the help of Rust-oleum I will be able to have some.

    Reply
  65. Kristen says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:15 PM

    I have a can of gold paint, think I could do something like this with it?

    Reply
  66. Mary says

    August 25, 2016 at 12:21 PM

    Do I first paint it white inside and then spray the mirror Rustoleum spray over it when it is dry?

    Reply
  67. Cathy Anderson says

    August 28, 2016 at 5:31 AM

    Can you use a tea candle inside when spraying the inside of the items you paint or is that not safe?

    Reply
  68. Chrissie says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:37 AM

    Love this!!!! Thanks for sharing !!! Can’t way to try this!

    Reply
  69. Molly Alsteen says

    October 4, 2016 at 12:21 AM

    Love..Love mercury glass but it was to pricey for my budget. Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
  70. Debby Curtis says

    October 6, 2018 at 10:19 PM

    Love this so much! Already have one of these pumpkin jars and will be doing this!!
    Also, absolutely love your wicker table tray with handles!!! Have been looking for something exactly like this!! Can you please share where you purchased this?

    Reply
  71. Diane G says

    October 14, 2018 at 2:18 PM

    Oooh have pumpkin at home. Would love a can!

    Reply
  72. Diane G says

    October 14, 2018 at 2:22 PM

    Have one of these at home and would love to do this. So festive!

    Reply
  73. Libby Ferguson says

    October 6, 2020 at 6:52 PM

    I love mercury glass. Plan to make ornaments for Christmas.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. » Day 26 :: Weekend Links for a Grace Filled Space Rockin' What Ya Got says:
    October 26, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    […] 31 Days of Fall Inspiration from The Frugal Homemaker […]

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  2. 31 Days of Fall Inspiration | The Frugal Homemaker says:
    October 31, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    […] 31 Days of Fall Inspiration: DIY Mercury Glass Pumpkin | The Frugal Homemaker says: October 24, 2013 at 1:11 PM […]

    Reply
  3. - The Frugal Homemaker says:
    November 1, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    […] 31 Days of Fall Inspiration: DIY Mercury Glass Pumpkin (how to turn any glass into mercury glass) […]

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Hi!  My name is Christina . . .

I love doing simple, frugal things to make our house feel like HOME! Come learn along with me how to have a beautiful home on a budget.

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