DIY: How to tint mason jars in 8 simple steps
Written by Shutterfly Community
Mason jars are the staple of designers because of their versatility. Whether you’re using mason jars for home decor or as centerpieces for a rustic wedding, they look even more lovely when tinted with color.
Tinted mason jars are reminiscent of the vintage blue mason jars that are so coveted by crafters, at a fraction of the cost. You don’t have to stick to blue, either. DIY tinted mason jars can be created in a rainbow of colors, so you can perfectly complement any color scheme. If you’re wondering how to tint a mason jar, read on for an easy tutorial with step-by-step instructions.
Materials
The main items you need to gather are your mason jars, food coloring and glue sealer. Be sure that your glue is labeled “gloss” and not “matte”, otherwise the finished product will come out dull and murky. The rest of the materials should be easy to find around your house.
- Mason jars
- Glue
- Food coloring
- Ramekins
- Newspaper
- Cookie sheet
- Pan
How To Tint Mason Jars
Step 1. Add Glue To A Ramekin
Pour a couple tablespoons of glue into individual ramekins.
Step 2. Add Food Coloring
Add 2 to 3 drops of food coloring and approximately a tablespoon of water to each ramekin. Less water will give you a deeper, richer color while more water will give you a more subtle tint. Stir the mixture until you have a consistent color.
Step 3. Add The Dyed Glue To Your Mason Jar
You can also get creative and add different colors from multiple ramekins for a marbled effect.
Step 4. Coat The Mason Jar
Carefully twist the jar around and make sure it’s evenly coated with the dyed glue mixture.
Step 5. Dispose Of Excess Glue
Turn the jar upside down and pour the excess glue into a bowl (or back into the ramekin for use on the next jar).
Step 6. Leave Glue To Dry
Let the jar dry upside down on newspaper for about 30 minutes. Check on it periodically and wipe away any excess paint that may collect on the top lip. Alternatively, you can place it on a “drying rack” of popsicle sticks to allow the glue to drip off.
Step 7. Preheat Your Oven And Bake The Jar
Set oven to “warm” (about 175° F). Place upside down on a wax-covered cookie sheet and heat in the oven for 10 minutes. Flip the jar over and let it dry for another 20 to 30 minutes. When the jar is done, it should be clear with no streaks. If the jar still has streaks, place it in oven for 10 minute increments until they disappear.
Step 8. Cool And Decorate!
Once cool, add your decorations of choice! Use them to create the perfect coffee table design, a blue hued mason jar with golden-colored flowers will make the room look airy and bright.
Mason Jar Decorating Ideas
Now that you have lovely vintage-looking mason jars, you can channel your creativity into a number of uses. These gorgeous colored mason jars can be used as flower vases, as a terrarium to grow plants or given as gifts. You can add a festive atmosphere to any dinner party or wedding gift table by placing mason jar decorations with tea lights as your table centerpiece decor.
Please keep in mind that once you tint a mason jar, it cannot be used as drinkware or to store food items. It should only be used for decorative purposes. If you want pretty and personalized mason jars that function as glasses and mugs, our mason jar drinkware is perfect for hot or cold beverages (and make excellent gifts).
These simple and stunning decorative mason jars will perk up any room—and look especially pretty in a rustic setting. If you want to give these as a gift, you can wrap the neck with twine, add herbs or flowers and pair with a personalized coaster set to better display their beauty! For other mason jar crafts, try making a candle with a mason jar or a DIY snow globe.
