The Paint Technique You Need To Try When Making Jar Lid Coasters

Mason jars are an incredibly versatile item to keep around the house, as you never know when you'll be able to incorporate one of them into a DIY project. Much of the hype around these jars lies in the screw-on style lids that can form an airtight seal. This is why this type of jar is so popular for food storage and canning. The possibilities for crafting are virtually endless when it comes to using the individual parts of a jar. One way to repurpose old mason jar lids in your home is to paint them with a fun technique called hydro dipping. This unique paint process is fun, hands-on, and a great way to create a lid coaster that you can truly say has a one-of-a-kind design. It's important to note that this project is best for solid lids rather than canning-style lids that have two pieces.

One of the unique parts of hydro dipping jar lids into paint is the ability to customize the final project with a hard-to-replicate finish. You can add complex artwork to these items, like swirls or a marbled effect, with minimal effort and help reuse old lids that would have sat collecting dust otherwise. There's also the added benefit of being able to choose the color scheme for your new coasters. For example, you can stick with specific shades if you're trying to create a cohesive color palette for your home, or you can choose various colors if you're making coasters for a holiday or as a gift.

The actual hydro dipping paint process is relatively simple and only requires a form of oil-based paint (think nail polish, spray paint, etc.). Start by filling a clean bowl with water. Next, place drops of paint onto the water or spray paint directly into the bowl. To create a design, you can either use a toothpick or skewer to create a swirl pattern directly in the water. Then, gently dip the lid into the paint to transfer the abstract design. Carefully remove the lid from the water, lay it flat with the painted side up, and allow it to dry completely. You can also consider adding a clear sealant to the lid for extra protection. 

Complete these final steps once the lid is fully dry. All you need to do is cut a piece of cardboard to size and glue a material like burlap or use the KITLAB Self-Adhesive Cork Sheets on the inner portion of the lid. You may need to use several layers of the cardboard to make sure the coaster lays flat on the table. This is an easy paint project you can complete in under an hour (not including drying), making it great for those who want to get their kids involved or who are just short on time.