Painting Glass Vases with Terracotta Spray Paint

Painting Glass Vases with Terracotta Spray Paint

If you’ve ever wondered how to spray paint glass or were curious about a spray paint for glass that looks like terracotta, then this upcycling idea and tutorial is for you! I’m testing out some the terracotta spray paint by Rustoleum to see if I can create realistic terracotta decor from clear glass vases.

A little background first, though- this all started when I was cleaning out my under-sink cabinet in the kitchen and I found these three olive oil cruets that I had saved.

The store that had supplied them closed, so I couldn’t go back and refill them. But me being me, I also didn’t want to toss them away (remember, there’s no glass recycling in my county anymore).

Painting glass is something I do a LOT of (specifically spray painting glass) but I wanted to try out a new-to-me product, and this terracotta spray paint seemed like the perfect thing to use on these glass cruets.

Spray paint for glass and painting glass with terracotta spray paint

My plan for these glass cruets? Three different variations of the same end result, all using the same spray paint for glass.

Hopefully, this would allow me to compare and contrast the result, and determine which combination of products works out the best!

This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.

Putting a Spray Paint for Glass to the Test!

To get started, I set up my spray paint station outside. With the terracotta spray paint, I wanted to try out three different variations. 

First, I would use the terracotta spray paint only. In other words, painting the glass directly without any primer.

Spray paint for glass with terracotta paint to use as southwestern decor

On the second glass vase, I would  use a flat primer and THEN the terracotta spray paint.

How to paint glass with primer and terracotta spray paint

Finally, I would use a primer, then the terracotta spray paint, and finish up with a top coat.

Testing a spray paint for glass with primer and a top coat

My goal? To determine how well the terracotta spray paint adheres to the glass (i.e., is primer necessary?) and how durable is the terracotta paint alone (i.e., is a top coat necessary?).

And, as with nearly every spray paint project, I used this spray paint trigger

Spray paint handle to use on the spray paint for glass

If I don’t use a spray paint handle, then I get terrible carpal tunnel pain in my wrist. And it lasts for several days after spray painting, so this spray paint handle is a must-use item in my craft arsenal.

Testing the Terracotta Spray Paint

The good news? No matter which variation of painting glass that I did, each terracotta vase looked and felt the exact same!

Thank goodness I had labeled the undersides with painter’s tape so that I knew which variation was which!

Painting glass with a terracotta paint color for southwestern decor

The bad news? Well…there is none.

There’s only…better news. For instance, I did a scratch test using my fingernail…and all three cruets responded the same.

Yes, I was able to make a mark after some vigorous scratching, but above all, there was no difference whether I used a primer or topcoat spray or both!

How to paint glass with terracotta spray paint and a spray paint handle

Why is this better news? All you need is the terracotta spray paint! Save yourself the cash and time by not using/buying a primer or topcoat.

And that’s my genuine opinion- this post/project is not sponsored in any way and I purchased these products with my own money.

NOTE- I looked at 3-4 stores and couldn’t find terracotta spray paint at any of them, so I highly recommend purchasing it online here.

Painting Glass Vases with Terracotta Spray Paint

Even though I don’t have any sort of southwestern decor in my home, I honestly LOVE how these turned out.

The color is pretty good; the texture is just gritty enough to feel like a terracotta vase (not a flower pot, which is more chalky-smooth…think of a slightly sandpaper-y terracotta urn or jug); and the value is excellent.

terracotta spray paint

I styled my terracotta vases with faux-turquoise beads, hemp cord, and faux flowers that reminded me of portulaca. Don’t those look splendid?

I graded this terracotta spray paint an “A” and would definitely recommend it to anyone wondering how to spray paint glass and/or looking for a spray paint for glass that looks like terracotta.

In other words – I love this spray paint for glass!

How to paint glass for southwestern decor with terracotta spray paint

However, I didn’t try this on something plastic, metal, or wood- so I don’t know how that would fair- therefore, my “A” grade is limited to glass objects.

I hope this was a fresh new take on a Sadie Seasongoods’ blog post! Let me know what you think…and if you have ideas for products you’d like to see me purchase, please send those suggestions along.

And If you try out this spray paint for glass, please let me know how your upcycling project turns out!

If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for painting glass vases, then you may be interested in how I transformed some glass florist vases like this!

Cloisonne vase for thrift home decor

AND I’m so excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you love working with flannel or fabric crafts in general (sewing and non-sewing), then you will LOVE “Crafting with Flannel”!

Craft book on flannel fabric

Craft on!

S

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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

Comments

  1. I’m always looking for new paint/methods, and I hadn’t heard about this paint yet. Very useful post, and I hope to see more, along with your recycles. Thanks.

  2. I definitely think this type post would be helpful, ESPECIALLY for those of us who are not full-out crafters and just want to get a job done right the first time. Thanks, Sarah!

  3. I love this idea! I probably would have never tried this paint but with your review I will. I have the perfect project just waiting for it!

  4. Amanda Lake says

    As always , a very pretty and easy project. Very nice.

  5. I like the idea of test driving different products. And terra-cotta paint? That’s a new one for me! It looks real enough. Cool.

  6. Karen Benitez says

    I love the test drives! Great idea. Looking forward to more.

  7. Sadie, I would Love it, if you would take the time to do this for me, and others………….
    Most times I never know what to do, or look for, so many new products, did not
    even know this was out there…
    Awesome of you to do this.. Thank you,
    linda

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Thank you so much, Linda- your comment means the world to me, as it re-enforces my idea to do these blog posts.

  8. I love the new approach! It’s great to get your take and tips.

  9. Meg Miller says

    Last winter I brush painted two jars with acrylic craft paint – they came out ok, but I’m going to go over them with this, I think. Thanks for the info. And yes, product test drives like this would be great. (Personally, I’d love to see reviews of other things in addition to paint – adhesives, for example.)

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Oh yes, I don’t plan to only do paints. In fact, I’m mulling over a glue/adhesive one for next month already. 🙂

  10. Carla Harman says

    Thank you for the review. I like this product’s potential.

  11. Excellent idea and post! Thank you!

  12. Charleen Adams says

    I like the idea of a test drive for craft products. Always enjoy all your ideas,I think why didn’t that occur to me! Take care miss Sadie ,till next week .Happy crafting

  13. Sandi Allen says

    Thanks for all the wonderful info on this paint. I have not heard of the Terracotta paint. I can’t wait to find it & give it a try!
    Sandi

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      You are so very welcome, Sandi- worth noting, though- I searched 3-4 craft & home improvement stores and never found it…which is why I included so many links for purchasing it online. That’s going to be your best bet! (and will save you time/gas)

  14. Wendy Oyler says

    Do you think the paint would work on plastic as well as it did the glass?

  15. Super idea! I love the look of terracotta and to get something in the shape I might like is hard or expensive. Thank you for giving me lots of ideas.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      I agree, Marilyn- I was hoping those cruets and this paint would pair up nicely, for that express reason! ($$$)

  16. Rustoleum keeps coming out with the best colors and textures of spray paint. Definitely have to try this terracotta. The scratch test looks just like you would get when scratching the real thing! Looking forward to following this new series, Sarah 🙂
    P.S. I can’t believe the US doesn’t recycle glass – what up?

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Honestly, I think this has been out for a while?? But I’m not 100% sure…and it’s just my neck of the woods that stopped glass recycling. Most of the US still does, but it is becoming a bigger issue elsewhere- it’s cheaper to make new glass than recycle it, so it’s a supply/demand problem more than anything else.

  17. I would love to see more “test drive” posts! I enjoyed this one – the cruets look awesome, especially with the green bead decoration. Lovely.

  18. This is very cool! I cant wait to try this paint! Thank you! I do hope you continue doing product test drives!

  19. I think this is a terrific idea. Your “Product Test Drive” will save me money on those products that fail, as well as introduce me to new products that do well, but that I was unfamiliar with. Thanks so much. I look forward to your next post!

  20. Kathy A. says

    I love this idea. I know beans about a lot of the new products out there and am fascinated by the hammered metal ones. One of your posts inspired me to try Rustoleum’s sea glass paint which I loved. I have streaked hand painted black chalkboard paint, bled under stencils, glued my fingers together with super glue, given myself blisters with hot glue, and had wood to metal come unglued. I’m a prime candidate to watch you try new stuff. I hope you can get companies to “underwrite” some of these projects as you are giving them free advertising!

  21. Judy Bennett says

    Awesome product. I would love to here your comments about different products ease of use, difficulty level, where to purchase whether online or at big box store.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Exactly, thanks, Judy! (And for the record- I could only find this paint online, despite looking at 3-4 different craft and home improvement stores.)

  22. Linda M Davis says

    I think it’s a wonderful idea! I love how you tested it 3 different ways, you are brilliant!

  23. Melissa Storms says

    Those came out great. I am totally ordering that trigger next payday. Is it hard to rinse to use again?

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      You will LOVE it, Melissa- and no need to rinse. Honestly, by the time you’re done using it, the spray paint has dried fiercely on it- but it doesn’t get clogged or anything, so just let it collect speckles from the mist from all of your projects- like badges of honor for all its hard work. 🙂

  24. I would love it if you ‘test drive’ craft products. I’ve been following you for quite a long time and trust your information. I would buy more products if I could see how they work and what they’re good for. I never would have though to use this paint on glass. (See there, I need use of your imagination, too LOL)

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Thank you, thank you, thank you- and I’m so glad you’ve been with me for so long, too! My mind is already churning on my next test drive idea. 😉

  25. I like this idea, please do more posts like this.

  26. Kaycee F says

    Yup, count me in too, “the test drive” is a very helpful to the casual upcycle/crafter. I have never seen this paint at any of my local craft or hardware stores. These came of gorgeous, and I love the added turquoise beads. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, talent, and inspiration with us.

  27. I love this TEST drive idea! What a great idea and what a cool project! You always come up with ones that aren’t’ too intimidating and that don’t require a lot of power tools!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      That’s my goal- to create “approachable” projects since so many folks don’t have access to a fully-outfitted workshop, tools, etc. 🙂

  28. I LOVE this idea about you “test driving” products! It gives me so many ideas about how I can use new products in my own decor…

  29. I really love how those turned out, and the added touch of the beads!

  30. This is my answer to a vase I have that needs some love. I can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Yay!!! As you probably saw in my post, I could only find the paint online, which is why I provided so many links. Happy crafting!

  31. Oh good grief! These look fabulous! I had no idea such a thing existed, now I want some really badly! Oh the possibilities. Thanks for the test too, so helpful.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      You are so welcome, J! And let me know if you ever find it in a store- I tried about 4 different craft/home stores and just had to order it online.

  32. Maggie Martin says

    As a Terra Cotta addict THIS is fantastic!
    Thank YOU Sadie!

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