Tools and Materials

Tools

Paintbrushes
Palette
Water Container
String or Thin Wire

Materials

How to Paint Ornaments Step-by-Step

Painting ornaments is a fun and creative way to personalize your decorations and add a unique touch to your space. But before that, you should know there are different ways to paint different ornaments made of various materials. The different materials include plastic, wood and glass.

Before you begin painting your ornaments, create a space to make this process easy. Begin by covering your area, such as a table or desk, with a protective covering like an old newspaper to protect the surface.

Gather all necessary materials like acrylic paints, various-sized paint brushes and ornaments you want to paint. Ensure these ornaments are spotless and clean any dust or grease by gently wiping them down with a cloth.

For Plastic

Use a mild soap and water mixture to clean any grease or residue from the surface of the ornament. Dry completely before starting to paint.

For Wood

Lightly sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper to create a smooth base. Clean away any dust with a damp cloth.

For Glass

Use rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or dust. Ensure the glass is completely dry before applying paint.

It is important to set aside time to consider the design you want to create for your decoration. Whether your creativity inspires you to create complicated abstract themes or to capture the festive mood with conventional holiday elements such as tiny snowflakes or Christmas trees, having a clear idea in mind will help guide your painting process.

Feel free to sketch out your ideas on paper for future reference or to experiment with color combinations and palettes that will match your holiday decor.

Applying a base coat using a paintbrush is an important step if you are looking to create a strong backdrop for your transparent glass decorations into opaque canvases. Apply your selected color in a thin, equal layer, achieving complete coverage.

The first coat is foundational and must be allowed to dry completely. Read the paint manufacturer's guidelines to know the time it takes to cure completely.

For Plastic

Use a primer specific to plastic surfaces to ensure the paint adheres well. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

For Wood

Apply a wood primer or directly paint a thin, even base coat of acrylic paint. Let it dry thoroughly.

For Glass

Use a glass primer or directly apply a thin, even first coat of acrylic paint. Ensure each layer dries completely.

You are ready to put your creative ideas into action now that the base coat has dried completely. Dip your brushes in the colors you have chosen, then gently apply your design to the ornament.

This is where you may add your own unique touch. Remember that making mistakes isn’t the end of the world. Acrylic paint allows you to correct mistakes while they are still wet or after they have dried, ensuring you obtain the desired look without stress.

After carefully applying your design, it is important to allow the ornament to cure completely and undisturbed. This may require leaving it to set overnight to ensure that the paint adheres well and has a smooth finish. This process, if rushed, might result in smudges or fingerprints that impair the visual appeal of your work.

For spherical ornaments, drying can be a bit tricky as you can't just lay them flat on the ground without risking smudging your work.

Tips for Drying Circular Ornaments

Use a string or a thin wire to hang the ornaments. You can suspend them from a clothesline or a rod placed between two chairs. This ensures that the ornaments dry evenly without touching any surfaces.
Use small paper or plastic cups as stands. Place the ornaments on top of the cups with the opening facing down. This allows air to circulate around the ornament, helping it dry evenly.

Caution

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes.

You can add sparkle to your ornament work to make it stand out even more. Sprinkle glitter over wet paint or use a special glitter glue to give a magical touch. Alternatively, for a sleek and polished appearance, apply a layer of gloss sealer, which not only enhances the brilliance or your colors but also protects against chipping and fading, ensuring that your ornament’s beauty lasts for years.

Plastic

Use a sealant designed for plastic to complete your ornament.

Wood

For wood ornaments, apply a wood sealer or varnish to finalize your artwork.

Glass

For glass ornaments, use a clear gloss sealer made of glass to protect your design.

Ideas For Painting Ornament

Ideas for painting ornaments

For kids: Use bright colors and stencils to create simple shapes. Fingerprint art can also be a fun way to personalize your ornaments.
Elegant Themes: Silver, gold and white colors can add an elegant touch to your tree. Consider painting intricate snowflakes or angel wings.
Rustic look: For a cozy, rustic feel, use earth tones. You can paint pine trees, reindeer or even use a wood-burning tool on wooden ornaments.
Personalized gifts: Paint names, dates or special messages on ornaments to create personalized gifts.

Tips for Success

Practice first: If you are trying a new technique, practice on a piece of paper or an old ornament.
Thin your paints: If the paint is too thick, it might not apply smoothly. Ass a little water to acrylic paints to thin them out.
Patience is key: let each color or layer dry completely before adding the next.

Painting ornaments is a wonderful holiday activity that can add a personal touch to your decorations or make for heartfelt gifts. By following these steps and allowing your creativity to shine with different ideas for painting ornaments, you can create beautiful, unique ornaments that will be cherished for years to come.

Related Tags:

Paint