How to Turn Discolored Vintage Glassware Into DIY Mercury Glass Votives

Have you ever purchased vintage glassware only to realize it has discolored? I recently found some darling little vintage glasses at a thrift store, but once I got them into good light, I saw they had yellowed with age. They looked so sweet in the shop, but I knew I’d never use them as they were.

I was ready to re-donate them when inspiration struck. Since they were only 50 cents each, I decided to experiment and upcycle them with a DIY faux mercury glass finish. Their small size makes them perfect for votive candle holders, especially for holiday tablescapes. It only took a few minutes to complete this transformation, and the results are stunning. You can use this exact technique on almost any piece of glass—let me show you how easy it is!

How To Prepare For Makeover

The key to a successful finish that will last is cleaning the glassware to ensure that all oils or sticky residue is removed. I washed each piece with Dawn dish detergent and dried them with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Next, prepare a workstation. I recommend a well-ventilated space where you can safely use the spray paint without damaging anything important. I used my husband’s workshop with the garage doors open.

Finally, create your vinegar and water mixture. I used a mixture of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water. Since my project was small, I used 3/4 cup of vinegar to 1/4 cup of water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle with a fine mist setting.

Pull on your protective gloves and let’s get started.

Step 1 – Spray Glassware with Vinegar Mixture

I found it easier to hold the glassware to apply all layers. I began by spraying a generous amount of the vinegar mixture onto the inside of the glass. Then I swirled it around and turned the glass upside down to drain for a few seconds. DO NOT LET IT DRY.

Step 2 – Looking Glass Silver Paint

While the glass is wet, spray a coat of the Looking Glass Silver Paint inside. Swirl the paint and turn upside down to allow it to drain excess.

Spray another quick coat of vinegar mixture. Swirl and drain.

Step 3 – Metallic Gold Paint

Add a light coat of gold metallic spray paint and swirl. Allow to drain for a few seconds and follow with another quick spray of the vinegar mixture.

Step 4 – Metallic Oil Brushed Bronze

Finally, add a layer of the oil brushed bronze spray paint inside the glass. Swirl the paint and drain. Turn the glass upside down to dry.

Step 5 – Finishing Touch

I didn’t want to leave the base of the glasses clear, so I added a quick coat of each spray paint color. Just like the inside of the glasses, I began with a light coat of Looking Glass, then Gold, and a faint mist of the Oil Rubbed Bronze.

DIY Mercury Glass Finish

Each of the glasses looks unique, just like real mercury glass.

This easy technique gives the unusable, discolored glassware a whole new life.