Turn Leftover Paint And A Dollar Tree Vase Into A Work Of Art With This Fun And Easy Method

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Whether you're eager to try the eclectic floral arrangement trend or simply want to decorate your home with fresh flowers, you're going to need a vase. Turn an inexpensive Dollar Tree vase into something special with paint pouring. This method is a smart way use up little bits of acrylic paint that might go to waste otherwise. In addition to promoting sustainability, adorning a flower holder with these leftovers can help stretch your home decor budget.

To get started, find a vase you'd like to paint. A vase with a smooth surface — Dollar Tree's Clear Round Glass Floral Container, for instance — is a good choice. Then squirt different colors of acrylic paint into a cup. If you have small quantities of lots of different colors, you may be able to use all of them. Don't have leftover paints? Buy new ones. The acrylics in the Martha Stewart 12-Piece Spring Blooms Set are easy to apply to many materials, including glass, ceramic, and terracotta. 

Swirl the paints gently when placing them in the cup. If they start looking muddy, stop swirling. To make your acrylic paint flow smoothly as you pour it, consider incorporating an equal amount of Flood FLD6 Floetrol Additive. Line a table with newspaper and place your vase upside down on a plate to catch excess paint. Or make an abstract painting by catching the overflow on a small, stretched canvas. Inserting a plastic cup in the middle of the vase will lift it off the table, letting paint flow onto its entire exterior. Once your prep work is done, it's time for the best part: pouring the paint.

Put on latex or vinyl gloves, if desired, and then grab your paint mix. Slowly pour it on the base of the vase, creating tiny rings. Let the paint flow onto the vase's sides until they are completely covered. If you're using several shades of paint, your vase is likely to have a marbled effect. When the vase's entire exterior is coated, you can stop pouring. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, and then apply a sealant such as Teexpert Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin. This discourages the paint from cracking and flaking as it ages.

This paint pouring method can be used on some other types of objects as well. Try using it to repurpose glass household items as beautiful flower vases. For example, use paint pouring to elevate the look of a mason jar or wine bottle you'd like to hold a bouquet. You could also pour acrylic paint onto a ceramic lamp base to dress it up. Or give smooth, round Christmas ornaments an unexpected look that's sure to turn heads. The Creative Hobbies 25-pack of Round Clear Plastic Ball Ornaments is one of many options. You could even use some of the ornaments to test other ways of painting DIY marbled vases.