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How to Paint Faux Mercury Glass Pumpkins (Tutorial)

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how to paint faux mercury glass pumpkins

Recently, I’ve had a bit of window shopping envy over all the mercury glass that decor that’s currently in all the high end stores, because it’s definitely out of my budget.

Plus, you know me, it looks like something I even think I could do myself, I’m going to try it first. And nine times out of ten, I’ll be able to do it at a fraction of the cost.

When I received this huge package of Martha Stewart Crafts supplies a few weeks ago, it was like Christmas Day for the crafter in me!

martha stewart craft items

I was immediately drawn to the silver liquid gilding. I knew exactly what I would use it for creating my own mercury glass pumpkins that are ever so popular this Fall.

Plus, pumpkins are the perfect decor item, because they can last through the Halloween season straight into Thanksgiving.

I found these pumpkins at the dollar store. I snatched up quite a few of them for various project ideas, and I’m sure the cashier was curious, but she tactfully didn’t ask why I had so many.

Before using the gilding, I gave them a coat of white primer. Just for good measure because they’re a porous surface, I let it dry overnight.

The next day, I used one of my older flat paint brushes, and simply followed the gilding instructions, painting it onto the pumpkin. I’ve never used gilding before, because I thought it might be difficult to get a nice even coat, but this worked amazingly well!<

Only one coat gave the pumpkins an even, shiny look. One noteworthy tip, be sure that you have paint thinner on hand to clean the gilding off of your brush, or else it will be ruined.

Now, for the mercury glass effect, which is actually very easy to achieve.

I simply dampened an old washcloth, and dipped a corner into regular black craft paint, then dabbed it onto the pumpkin, working a small section at a time.

By using a second dry washcloth, and a series of dabbing and rubbing off the paint, so that only a bit is left on the surface of the pumpkin, you now have the illusion of the highlights and shadows, as well as the texture of the mercury glass.

Because the gilding doesn’t absorb the craft paint very quickly, it gives you a little time to get the exact depth and textured look you want.

I think it also helped that my pumpkin had a bit if texture to it already, with lots of little dents and nooks and crannys for the black paint get into.

As you can see, the transformation is amazing!

Once I let the pumpkins dry for about an hour, I was able to use them in my decor.

I turned a few glass candle holders (also from the dollar store) upside down so that the wider base is on the top for stands for the pumpkins.

For a tiny percentage of the cost to purchase three mercury glass pumpkins, I was able to create and enjoy my own.

And now, you can too, enjoy!


I received product and payment via The Blueprint Social for this post, however, as always, my opinions are 100% my own. My Amazon affiliate links have also been used, thanks!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Designed by Dawn Nicole says

    Very cool and great info about the paint thinner! I did ruin two brushes trying out the liquid gilding but didn't realize it til the next day when they were rock hard! I'll add paint thinner to my craft list. 🙂

  2. jenny at dapperhouse says

    AWESOME job on this tutorial and the finished product. I have not done/used gilding before…so I am going to learn more about it, because if you can transform a Styrofoam dollar store pumkin into something that glamorous and exquisite, who knows what I can do if I out my mind to it! THANKS.

  4. Holly (Woman Tribune) says

    I am a huge fan of pumpkin decor for exactly the reason you mentioned–they can be kept out straight through Thanksgiving. Those pumpkins you created came out so great. I cannot believe you created that from dollar store pumpkins. Amazing!

  7. Erin says

    I saw those pumpkins at the dollar store too, and thought they'd be perfect for some kind of project. Yours turned out great!

  9. Maki says

    Love those pumpkins!!! They turned out great!
    Thanks for sharing your project!
    Maki

    Maki's Little Red House.blogspot.com

  20. Rachel R. says

    Definitely more beautiful after!!

    I love that this is simple, too – achievable for those of us without expert-level craft skills. 🙂

  24. Angie Rose says

    I absolutely love the look of mercury glass. These turned out super adorable, I may just have to give this a go! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Dishing It & Digging It!

  25. Christine at Light and Savvy says

    Awesome idea!! I love the mercury glass look too and have made a few pieces myself, but always on glass using mirror spray. I never would have thought to use gilding until I saw your post! Thanks so much for sharing at Friday Favorites! Your project will be featured at our next party! Have a great one – Christine at Light and Savvy

  26. Elaine says

    What a super cute idea!! They came out beautiful!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 favorite Things on Thursday. My blog was down last week but it’s up and running again. I hope you can find time to stop by and share some more this week! Pinned!