How to Paint Jewelry and Watches

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Update yesteryear's jewelry with modern colors and patterns -- like neons and color blocking -- to create trendy pieces you'll want to wear every day! Giving vintage rhinestone necklaces, watches and brooches a face-lift can be as easy as adding a coat of enamel or nail polish.

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Things You'll Need

  • Vintage or Costume Jewelry

  • Nail Polish or Enamel Paint

  • Economy Grade Paint Brushes With Plastic Bristles

  • Paint Thinner

  • Disposable Gloves

  • Scrap Paper

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Warning

Enamel Paint may stain surfaces and is difficult to remove without paint thinner, so be sure to cover your workspace, hands and clothing. You may consider using disposable paint brushes and gloves for easy clean up.

Step 1: Clean

Flea market finds can be a little grungy, so give your pieces a good scrub with soapy water and an old toothbrush. Allow to dry completely before applying enamel.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 2: Paint

Apply several thin layers of enamel or nail polish to rhinestones or metal surfaces and allow to dry between coats to avoid ripples in the paint -- it's a lot like painting your nails!

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Try splattering different colors of paint over your necklace for a fun effect -- just be sure to wear gloves and adequately cover your work surface!

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 3: Dry

Allow enamel to dry overnight, as uncured enamel will be sticky to the touch and leave undesirable marks and fingerprints in the high-gloss finish. Thicker layers might take longer to fully cure, so be sure to test before wearing.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Have a question about enameling or where to find great costume jewelry? Leave them for us in the comments below. Happy crafting!

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