How to Repaint Glass Ornaments for a Christmas Tree

Give painted ornaments a fresh new look.

Nothing gives a Christmas tree a more sophisticated look than painted glass ornaments. After several years of hanging and storage, these painted ornaments can become dull or the paint can chip. Instead of braving the holiday crowds to spend money on some potentially expensive replacement bulbs, repaint the ornaments at home in time to trim the tree. Repainting can also add new life to these bulbs and give the tree a different look. It is important to remove any paint that is left over on the outside of the bulb before attempting to repaint it.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave
• Soft cloth
• Cotton swabs
• Razor blade
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towel
• Rubbing alcohol
• Acrylic paint
• Garbage can

Instructions

1. Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Microwave the vinegar for 25 seconds.

3. Soak a soft cloth into the warm vinegar and gently rub the entire outside of the glass ornament. If there is not much paint left on the outside of the bulb, utilize a cotton swab to rub the vinegar onto the specific spots.

4. Allow the vinegar to sit for one hour. This will help the paint soften more, so it is easier to remove.

5. Scrape off the leftover paint with a razor blade.

6. Wash any remaining vinegar from the outside of the bulb with glass cleaner.

7. Remove the top and hanger from the ornament.

8. Pour 1/8 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into the bulb. Gently shake the bulb and turn it over to remove any remaining alcohol. Set the ornament aside to dry.

9. Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint of your choosing into the ornament, making sure to squeeze it so the paint runs down the inside wall of the ornament.

10. Rotate the ornament a quarter turn and squeeze another small amount of paint into the ornament in the same fashion.

11. Continue rotating the ornament until you reach the first squeeze. Turn the ornament to help disperse the paint more evenly.

12. Turn the ornament over to remove any excess paint. To ensure a less messy cleanup, allow the paint to be poured into a garbage can.

13. Allow the ornament to settle for five minutes by placing it onto a piece of paper towel.

14. Rotate the ornament one more time to cover any area that may have been missed with paint.

15. Allow the ornament to completely dry. This process could take up to four days.

16. Replace the top and the hanger and utilize the newly painted ornament.

Tips & Warnings

• Use several different colors of paint and rotate the ornament to achieve a marble look.

References

• Save on Crafts: How to Paint Clear Glass Ornament Balls
• Vinegar Tips: 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar