A DIY stoneware vase is a simple way to refresh a plain glass vase and give it the textured, earthy look of stoneware. With primer, stone-look spray paint, and a little craft paint, a secondhand or already-owned vase can become a decorative accent. This project is especially worthwhile when you have some of the supplies on hand; buying every material for a single vase may cost as much as choosing a finished one.
Supplies for a DIY Stoneware Vase
Gather the materials before starting so the paint layers can be applied in sequence. The optional items are useful for creating a contrasting dipped-style detail.
- A recycled or thrifted glass vase or bottle
- Spray primer suitable for the surface
- Stone-look spray paint
- Painter’s tape, optional
- Craft paint in colors of your choice, optional
Check the product labels to confirm that the primer and spray paint are appropriate for glass, and follow their instructions for application and drying. Stone-look spray paint may be less expensive in a local store than online, so comparing prices can help keep this small project economical.
Is This Vase Makeover Worthwhile?
The project makes the most sense when you already have a vase and several of the supplies. If you need to buy a vase, primer, textured spray paint, craft paint, and tape, compare the total cost with the price of a ready-made stoneware vase first. Using a vase that is already in your home or finding an inexpensive one secondhand can make this an appealing way to reuse glass.
Before painting, make sure the vase is clean and completely dry. A clean surface helps the primer adhere more evenly. Choose a well-ventilated work area and follow the safety directions on each paint can.
How to Make the Stoneware Effect
1. Prime the glass
Apply a light coat of spray primer to the vase, following the product directions. Let it dry for the time stated on the label before adding the next layer. Applying paint before the primer is ready can affect the finish, so allow enough drying time.
2. Add the textured spray paint
Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of stone-look spray paint. Use the spacing and spraying technique recommended by the manufacturer, and allow the finish to dry as directed between or after coats. The textured coating creates the visual effect that makes the glass resemble stoneware.
3. Mark the painted base
When the spray paint is dry, place painter’s tape around the lower part of the vase to define the area for the contrasting color. The line does not have to look perfectly precise: a slightly irregular edge can suit the earthy, dipped appearance often seen on stoneware-style pieces. Press the tape down gently so it stays in place while painting.
4. Paint the accent color
Mix craft paint in light brown and light gray, or choose other colors that work with your room. Apply the paint to the exposed bottom section. Let it dry before removing the tape carefully. If the paint needs more coverage, follow its label and add another coat only after the first has dried.
Finishing and Display Tips
After the paint has dried fully, use the vase as a decorative accent on a shelf, table, or mantel. Keep in mind that painted glass is not automatically suitable for holding water or food, and the finish may not be waterproof or washable. For the longest-lasting appearance, handle the vase gently and avoid soaking or scrubbing its painted surfaces.
The finished piece can be displayed on its own or styled with decorative stems. If you want to use fresh flowers, place them in a separate watertight container inside the vase rather than assuming the painted surface is safe for water.
Plain glass vases are common secondhand finds, making them useful candidates for a low-cost makeover when the right materials are already available. A few coats of paint can give an ordinary bottle or vase a more textured, stoneware-inspired look while helping reuse an item that might otherwise be left unused. For a budget-friendly DIY stoneware vase, start with a simple glass shape, check paint compatibility, and allow each layer to dry as directed.
