This DIY gold mercury glass candle holder project is so affordable and fun to make. A great way to add a little glitz and glam to your home with very little time or money.
I've made silver mercury glass vases in the past but I wanted to add a little warmth to my fall mantel and thought, how about gold mercury glass candle holders.
How to Make Gold Mercury Glass Candle Holders
All you need is glasses, mirror spray paint, a soft rag, and a fine mist spray bottle with vinegar and water. I also used an old toothbrush for a linear effect.
These glasses came from the dollar store. However, you can use anything you might already have at home, even empty glass food jars. Thrift stores are also full of old glass vases and other glassware perfect for this project.
I started by turning my glasses upside down. This is because I knew that I wanted to burn a candle inside and that might ruin the paint effect. After you make sure that the glass is clean and dry spray some vinegar and water mix all over. I used a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a fine mist spray bottle. The fine mist works better in my opinion because it causes less dripping. However, you can blot up drips with a paper towel.
Next, you spray on the mirror paint. Wait just a bit and then start to remove the paint by dabbing it here and there with a soft rag or paper towel. I also tried using an old toothbrush to make lines across the glass.
You can continue to repeat the process a few times until you feel satisfied with the way the mercury glass looks. It's really so easy. However, if you are nervous just use an empty food jar and practice first.
I love the glow from the candles inside these pretty gold beauties. They will look perfect for fall and I'll probably reuse them for the holidays too.
More Dollar Store Crafts
How to Make Gold Mercury Glass Candle Holders
Equipment
- Fine mist spray bottle
- Old toothbrush
- Paper Towels or soft cloth
Materials
- Glass candle holders or any glass that can hold a candle
- Mirror spray paint in gold
- Vinegar
Instructions
- Prep your area for spray paint. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
- Wash and dry the glass inside and out.
- Turn the vase upside down.
- In a fine spray bottle mix water and white vinegar in a 50/50 solution.
- Spray the glass all over.
- Use a paper towel or rag to blot up drips.
- Next spray the gold paint
- Wait for 20-30 seconds
- Use an old toothbrush to make lines in the paint and/or use a cloth or paper towel to dab here and there on the gold paint removing it.
- Wait for a minute or two and repeat if desired.
Kathy Chaney
Isn't paint flammable? How can you put a candle in there?
Patti Estep
Kathy, the paint is on the outside. However, you could also use a battery operated candle for extra safety.
Lisa
These are really pretty. Totally not a faux “mercury glass” effect, as the paint needs to be on the back side of the glass, but they have a neat effect of their own. 🙂
Patti Estep
Thanks Lisa. Glad you like them.
Wen
You have the coolest ideas. Thank for sharing. I'm going to try those pastry pinwheels. They sound amazing!
Patti Estep
Thanks Wen. So glad to hear it. Enjoy!