Faux Stone Pottery from Glass Vases
Step-by-step guide made from Kathartic Studios's YouTube video.
Learn how to upcycle inexpensive glass vases into beautiful, textured faux stone pottery. This simple project uses a mixture of baking soda and paint to create a convincing clay-like finish, which is then aged with furniture wax for an authentic, rustic look.
- Difficulty: beginner
Must know before you build
- Prime smooth glass vases before painting; unprimed paint can peel over time.
- Maintain a 50/50 ratio of baking soda to latex or acrylic paint for optimal texture.
- Use damp, not dry, coffee grounds for aging; they adhere better and are less messy.
- Apply brown furniture wax (or shoe polish) to deepen texture and create an aged patina.
- Joint compound, wall filler, or sand/glue mix are good texture alternatives to baking soda.
Tools
- Round Paint Brush (Zibra)
- Mixing Cup (glass cup)
- Stirring Utensil (paint brush) (optional)
Materials
- Glass Vases (2)
- Baking Soda (Pure Baking Soda, Arm & Hammer, 1 LB (454g))
- Latex Paint (Paint Sample, Sherwin-Williams, SW9087 Smoky Beige, 7.75 FL OZ / 229 mL)
- Coffee Grounds
- Finishing Wax (furniture wax, Jolie, Brown)
Step by step
Step 1: Mix the Textured Paint
In a cup, mix a 50/50 ratio of paint and baking soda until it forms a thick, textured paste.
- Combine Paint and Baking Soda. In a mixing cup, pour your chosen paint. Add an equal amount of baking soda to the paint for a 50/50 ratio.
- Mix to a Thick Consistency. Stir the paint and baking soda together with a brush or spoon until you have a thick, textured, paste-like consistency.
- Tip: This formula is very forgiving, so don't worry about getting the measurements exact. You can always mix more as you go.
Step 2: Apply the First Coat
After cleaning the vases, apply the first coat of the paint mixture using horizontal brush strokes, covering the entire exterior, bottom, and inner rim.
- Clean and Dry the Vases. Start by giving your glass vases a thorough cleaning with dish soap and water, then dry them completely with a towel.
- Tip: Using a primer on the glass before painting can improve adhesion and prevent the paint from peeling off later.
- Paint the Body and Bottom. Using horizontal strokes, apply the paint mixture to the main body and bottom of the vase. Let it dry for about 30 minutes before flipping.
- Tip: Go for smoother layers for a cleaner look, or build up more texture if you prefer a more rustic finish.
- Paint the Top and Inner Rim. Once the bottom is dry enough to handle, flip the vase over and finish painting the top and inside the rim for a complete, authentic look.
Step 3: Apply the Second Coat
After letting the first coat dry for about two hours, apply a second full coat for complete coverage and to build up the texture.
- Mix a Fresh Batch of Paint. Mix more of the 50/50 paint and baking soda mixture as needed for the second coat.
- Apply the Second Coat. After the first coat has dried for at least two hours, apply a second full coat to the entire vase, again using horizontal strokes to ensure full coverage.
- Tip: Two coats are usually enough for full coverage on clear glass.
Step 4: Add an Aged Texture
To create an authentic, aged look, first rub coffee grounds into the surface for a dirty effect, then apply brown furniture wax to deepen the texture and add a rich patina.
- Rub with Coffee Grounds (Optional). For a dirt-like effect, rub dry or damp coffee grounds onto the painted surface with your hands, working them into the texture. Wipe off any excess with a cloth.
- Tip: Using damp or wet coffee grounds can make them easier to apply and create a more pronounced effect.
- Apply Brown Furniture Wax. Using a brush, apply brown furniture wax to the vase. Work it into the texture to create depth and an aged patina, blending it out as you go. Focus on areas like the base and shoulder for a more natural look.
- Tip: For more control, apply a layer of clear wax first, then the dark wax. This allows you to easily remove any dark wax that is too heavy.
- Tip: Stippling the brush (dabbing it up and down) can add even more texture.