How to Paint and Distress a Mason Jar With Chalk Paint

Mask Off Top Section With Painter's Tape

Before you start laying down masking tape, make sure you're working with a clean, dry surface. Wipe down your mason jar with rubbing alcohol or wash it with soap and water.

Next, mask off the section you want to paint. If you're going to paint the entire mason jar with chalk paint, skip to the next step. If you wish to paint only a portion of the mason jar, use painter's tape to create a straight line.

Consider masking off the lower third of the jar, the upper third, both the top and bottom, or horizontal stripes. Use your imagination!

Whichever design you choose, find a section with the least amount of ridges so the tape can adhere to a smooth surface.

Paint the First Coat

Painting on curved glass is not easy, and it can get messy. One painting method is to turn the bottom edge of the mason jar with one hand while using your other hand to paint all the way around. You want to have one even coat with no drips. To fully replicate this project, use The Spruce Best Home chalky finish paint in Coral Lava.

Make sure your paint isn't too thin, or it will run beneath the tape. Most chalk paint will have some instructions on how to get the best consistency. You may opt to add a tablespoon or two of water to make the paint thinner. Do not add too much at a time! It's easier to thin the paint out than it is to thicken it.

Let the Paint Dry

Allow the paint to dry completely. The first coat should take an hour to dry. Even after it's dry, this first layer might easily scratch off, so be careful not to rub it. Full adhesion usually happens between the chalk paint and the glass once you apply a second coat and let that dry completely for another hour.

If you find that the paint is not sticking, the surface might not have been entirely clean or dry before painting. Strip the glass clean and try again with a primer first.

Paint Accent Pieces

While you are waiting for your first coat to dry, paint on a thin layer of chalk paint on the remaining clear sections and then distress it to highlight any of the raised letterings on the mason jar. To do this, use a detail brush to add a very light coat to those points. Run the paintbrush in one direction, allowing the paint to pool on one side of the lettering. Allow this section to dry just slightly for 15 minutes.

Distress the Accent Paint

If you only want the lettering to look distressed, remove any paint that is not on the lettering. Use a cotton swab or a small edge of clean rag to lightly remove the paint from any area you don't want it.

Wipe Away Excess Paint

On any larger raised area, use a paper towel to lightly lift away or blot off some of the excess paint. Be careful not to remove all of it. Most of the color should remain in the crevices of the raised sections if you don't wipe too hard.

Use trial and error until you get the look you want. If you don't like something, you can always rub off the paint before it fully dries.

Retouch Any Details Once Dry

Once you have added a second coat and everything is dry, remove the painter's tape. Now is the time to fine-tune the distressing on the raised lettering or artwork. Once complete, use an arts and crafts paint sealant on the painted areas to protect it from smudges and fingerprints, if desired.