Cost-friendly DIY for beautiful enamel painted vases. These are easy to make and look chic on a shelf or for events!

Enamel painted vases – I’m in love! If you like to paint, I have a really fun project to share today! My inspiration for these easy DIY enamel painted vases came from a restaurant in Sonoma called El Dorado Kitchen.
I’ve always loved the fresh, modern design of the lobby and the eye-catching green and white enamel painted vases that are displayed on white shelves.
I decided to make my own cost-friendly version of this design, which included a quick Martha Stewart tutorial and a trip to the Dollar Store, where I picked up these three vases.

I’ve always loved the fresh, modern design of the lobby and the eye-catching green and white enamel painted vases that are displayed on white shelves. I decided to make my own cost-friendly version of this design, which included a quick Martha Stewart tutorial and a trip to the Dollar Store, where I picked up these three vases.

Supplies: Three different sized vases from the Dollar Store, dishwasher safe PermEnamel paint in Mediterranean Blue and White (or whatever color you prefer), PermEnamel Surface Conditioner from Michaels Arts and Crafts store, paper towels, paint brush, and a mixing bowl.

Directions for DIY Enamel Vases
1. Clean the vases with hot, soapy water.
2. When they are completely dry, pour some surface conditioner in and cover the inside of the vase. Pour out the excess and let the vase dry.
3. Get the exact color you envision by mixing your PermEnamel paints in a mixing bowl, then pour inside the vase.
4. Paint the inside of the glass using ta paintbrush to cover the inside surface.
5. Once the vase is painted, lay it on a paper towel to let the thick paint drip off. You will be amazed at how much comes out! The longer it’s upside down, the thinner the coating will be. I liked the thicker look so I only kept it upside down only for a few minutes.
6. Turn the vase back over and touch up the drips inside. Every fifteen minutes you can even out the thickness on the bottom of the vase as the paint will start to collect.
7. Let these dry over night and in the morning you should have a beautiful decor vase! Remember these beautiful enamel-painted vases are only for DECOR. Don’t drink out of them! You can put water in them, but it may damage the finish eventually. I’m simply sitting them on the shelf, like the photos to the right

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Let us know if you make these easy enamel painted vases! We’d love to know your thoughts!!
Girl on a Budget says
These vases look so great! I will definitely try this project. I love the color you chose as well…very Tiffany-inspired. Thanks so much for sharing this information.
Maggie says
Gorgeous!!! Total tranformation of those dollar store vases.
Sarah says
Those vases look sooo great! They would go great in pretty much anywhere in our place! I must try these!
April a.k.a. "A. Liz" says
What a gorgeous color those are! This is going on my to-do list immediately.
Leigh says
So cool and I love the Color!
•Kristin• says
I am in love with this DIY!!! I have been wanting to incorporate some pretty vases into my decor and this is perfect!!! so excited, thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says
Pretty project! I linked up at the Dollar Store Crafts facebook page! 🙂
Heather
http://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts
april's craft nest says
gorg!!! love that vivid color and how modern they look! excelente!
nila1920 says
very pretty! love the color you chose aswell!
Jessica Miller says
Love This I’ve been needing some cheap but fab decor for my living room
KellyH says
Beautiful! love that Aqua blue color!!!
Carri @ Redefining C says
Awesome! Very cool! Thanks for the tutorial. I am definitely going to give this a try. Do you know if they would be safe to put a candle in?? I have a lil idea brewing but don’t want to start a fire! LoL
Jessica Lauren says
Wonderful idea! What a pretty color!
Sugar and Charm says
Hi Carri, I can’t say it is safe to put candles in them. I use mine strictly for look and they just sit on my shelf. I would be nervous to put a candle in there so I wouldn’t recommend it… If you find anything out about it please pass it along!! 🙂 Thanks for all the comments everyone!! 🙂
chelle says
how did you get it so even? I gave it a try and even though I had a generous amount of paint, I still had streaks and blotchy spots… 🙁 I rinsed it out quick so I could try again. Any tips?
Summer A Clinton says
I bet you could just pour the paint in and let it roll around inside. You won’t even have brush strokes. I never tried this so I am just guessing. I have colored jars with other paints and it has worked. I am going to do this. I hope you will do another or put another coat on it. This time try letting it swirl around in jar. Just my opinion.
Sugar and Charm says
Thank you everyone for the comments!! Chelle, I got the paint even by using a paint brush and brushing the sides of the glass… I still had some blotchy spots, but very few. It was a thick coat of paint too 🙂 I hope that helps! If not, maybe you can do another coat after the first one dries…
Cindy says
this is a fabulous project….i have been looking for a paint in that color but have only found a much darker turquoise in the enamel paint. thanks for posting that picture, now i can look for it.
i love how they turned out!!
hugs, cindy
Aimee Steckowski says
totally inspired… can i share?? next month we’re doing vase/bottle projects on our site: http://www.FancyLittleThings.com – please let me know if i can link up!! thanks!
Southern Fried Gal says
Gorgeous! They look so high end. Thank you for sharing.
AllisontheImp says
I did this (15?) years ago with a ginger jar lamp. Still use the lamp and it still looks great. It really helps when you are trying to color coordinate.
Debbie says
This looks like a fun project! I suppose if you wanted to put flowers in it you could use another, smaller glass and put water in that and put it inside careful not to scratch the side of the painted vase, also there are those little battery tea light candles, no flame just a bit of light maybe those would work.
Paty says
I love this idea…
end the colour? so gorgeous…
brazilian hugs
Jenn says
Oh my gosh – just saw this on Pinterest! What a brilliant idea and I love how the color turned out.
Chinell says
Did you get all supplies at the 1$ store… like the paint too?
Anonymous says
I too would like to know where you picked up the paints. Michaels or Hobby Lobby? Thanks for the great DIY!
Charity says
Question: can regular acrylic paint be used? I did get the surface conditioner, though. 🙂
Kristi says
Those look beautiful! Thanks for sharing, you’ve got a new follower!
Stephanie says
I love this idea- I have a ton of empty jars. Im going to have to give this a try!
Anonymous says
This project inspired me! I bought 20 vases from Goodwill for less than $1 each and set out to create a masterpiece. However, I thought the paint you have pictured was too expensive, so I decided to try a different paint from the craft store (Folk art) BIG MISTAKE! The paint cracked and sunk down the edges, and NOT in a cool way. Luckily it washed right out. I ended up spray painting mine instead, and since I finished them with a clear gloss, they ended up looking very shiny also. So those of you who decide to do this project, make sure you use the paint pictured!
Amy says
Great idea! I’ve spray painted the outside of a vase before but I prefer the look of yours. Love the color too!
BluKatDesign handmade artisan jewelry says
Great idea! I have a bunch of these vases from flower deliveries! I love the color; turquoise is my favorite right now: )
pamb says
I’m using this great idea to paint clear garage sale vases for a baby shower. I’ll be putting curly willow in the vases, possibly gluing a few pink butterflies and flower buds to the branches. Thanks for the great inspiration!!
Sugar and Charm says
Thank you everyone for the comments! This project was done over a year ago and I still receive comments on it, so thank you! Feel free to share with anyone as well 🙂 Also, if you have any question regarding paint colors, etc. email me 😉 THANKS!!!
Scentsbybrit says
this is a absolutelly great idea…going to the dollar store now. Thanks for posting!
Megan says
Followed your directions exactly and it turned out great!! Thanks for the inspiration!
http://thehomesihavemade.blogspot.com/2012/01/it-all-started-with-mailboxesreally.html
Anonymous says
Lovely and Nice color!! But here’s my question – They show you sticking the brush in and painting away. But what about those real skinny vases like the ones on the table painted orange in the first picture advertising the article?? Can’t get your hand or brush in there. ???
Sugar and Charm says
If you can’t fit a brush inside, the look is still achievable… it just takes a little more time. You have to pour the paint in and swirl until the entire inside it coated. You can cover the top with a napkin and shake the paint around as well 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
c.w.frosting says
These are beautiful! I tried painting glass with acrylic paint & it looked ok but the process was so messy! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
-caroline @ c.w.frosting
Katy says
Hey I found you on Pinterest, signed up to follow you, love the vases, thank you for sharing.
The Pink Pagoda says
I saw this on Pinterest and came over to check it out. This is something I’m SO exited about trying! Thanks so much!
Anonymous says
Been looking for a navy blue vase for my bathroom. Now I can do one like this. Thanks for the tip.
tillyweaver.com says
I’ve been itching to try this the minute I saw your post. My glass vases are drying as a type, can’t wait to see how they turn out!!
Diatomaceous Earth says
How beautiful! I’m going to go try this now. So simple, beautiful and creative.
*lauren_*_ashley* says
Love this project! This is my first time ever being on this site and your project inspired me. Thanks for such great direction. I was sad because michaels where i live discontinued the blue but i was able to get one bottle. Was worried i wouldnt have enough but i did w/ some to spare. Thanks again, i love my new vases!
Anonymous says
Hello there! I’m following up with this about a year too late, but I was wondering what your recommendation might be if I DID want to seal it so that I could put water in it…any ideas on that?? Thank you!!
Anonymous says
Where did you buy the paint? I’ve been look for it and I can’t find it!!
Anna says
I just finished doing two vases! one in that gorgeous blue and one in a purple!! so easy to do. For everyone looking for the paints I found mine on sale at Michaels and then the surface conditioner at JoAnn’s. I haven’t checked Hobby Lobby but will go there too just to see if they stock them and get more colors. Love love love this..just need to find a way to seal it so water can go it. 🙂 thank you so much for sharing!
Vanessa says
Hi there!
I just LOVE these vases. I was on the Michaels web-site but didn’t see the “Perm Enamel paint.” Is it called something else?
http://www.michaels.com/paints/glass-paint/809188057
Thanks so much for your help!!! 🙂
Karah says
I just made these yesterday and they look AWESOME!!! Thank you for such a great idea. I am going to have to blog about it:)
Anonymous says
Do you think this could work on the outside of the vase, so it could be used with water? Or has anyone tried spraypainting vases? I love this, but don’t know what I’d do without a vase I can’t fill with water.
Anonymous says
I have some textured vases, grooved designs in the glass. Do you think this process will work on them if I make sure to get paint in all the indentations?
Bonita says
Saw this on Pinterest and repinned it. Hope you don’t mind. Such beautiful vases!
Kayla Kuznicki says
I think these would go great in my room! three vases in a dark purple with flowers coming out of them! so cute!
Anonymous says
How many oz of paint does it take to do 1 vase?
Im searching for paint online and most of it sells in 2 oz bottles.
I am about to order some, but wanted to make sure I get enough 🙂
Sugar and Charm says
The small bottles I used (2 oz) did three vases and I still had a small amount left over 😉
Anonymous says
How many 2 0z bottles did it take to do the 3 vases. I am guessing 1-2 oz frost white and 2-oz blue?
Anonymous says
Awesome!! Thank You 🙂
I cant wait to try this!!
Anonymous says
Did this recently. After they were all dried I coated the inside with a waterproof acrylic sealer!
BookGirlNJ says
Just found this via Pinterest. Wondering if anyone’s learned if there’s a way to seal it so it can be used as a regular vase, i.e. with water. Spray painting the outside, as a couple of you have mentioned, might also be a great way to repurpose these dull vases.
Very cool site, too, lots of great ideas here.
Joseph says
check the paint that you are using. I bought an enamel paint and it calls to bake it at 350 for 30 mins and will be hand washabable or top rack of the dishwasher.
Anonymous says
where did you purchase that beautiful piece of white coral you have photographed near it?
Chloe West says
I just LOVE how these look! Definitely going to have to try this.
patti vincent says
Thanks for the awesome tutorial. May I suggest upcycling at Goodwill for any future project. They almost always have tons of vases. Great blog!!
Becca Christensen says
I found this via pinterest and did it over the weekend and I LOVE it! Thanks so much for sharing!
Sara Jo says
I don’t see why you couldn’t put water in it. When I looked up the PermEnamel paint, it stated it was dishwasher, microwave and oven safe!
Maggie @ Snag A Bargain says
I am going to try this with some bottles that I got at Goodwill. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Hi,
Love the project!
A few quick questions. 1. How do you “even out” the paint at the bottom? Rag? Paintbrush?
2. Is the enamel safe for flowers if I do want to use them as a vase?
3. How do I print this project out for future use? (web site doesn’t seem to offer the option?)
juliemarg says
thanks for sharing it! i thought doing it is hard but amazing its very easy!
Amy says
love this thanks!
Anonymous says
Thanks for sharing…these are beautiful. I’ve been thinking of doing this myself but wasn’t sure how to start.
Suzanne says
Yeah I wanted to know about flowers too!? These are perfect for a bridal shower I’m throwing in a month and I love the color!
Thomasina says
I LOVE the colors of your vases!! Never kne the Dollar Store could such pretty stuff1 🙂 I’m new to the dipping, so I thank you for your post!!
Megan Tinley says
I did this and love it thank you!
Natural-Nesters says
love this!!
Kate says
I thought I was doing this right, but the enamel paint I bought is much thicker and doesn’t really coat the inside without the help of a paintbrush, resulting in a very streaky look. It won’t pour like you have in the first photo. Is it important to use a paintbrush like the one pictured, or can I use the kind with the foam head? Thanks, this is a really cool idea.
Anonymous says
Can I use acrylic paint? do you have to get the surface conditioner?
Kassie @ Purely Papers says
I’m in love with the color of these vases! They are beautiful.
Petula Wright says
This is an absolutely fabulous and gorgeous idea.
Anonymous says
My sisters and I do this with clear Christmas balls. You just have to pour the paint inside and swirl it to cover, then turn it upside down to dry.
Anonymous says
Can acrylic paint be used or does it have to be the enamel?? We only have Hobby Lobby here and did not have the ones that you used. Could not find the conditioner also, is it needed to finish it? Thank You
Chrissy says
I did this project using Folk Art paint. I basically took the whole bottle (it was a large vase) and it rolled the vase around kind of in a swish motion. After I mostly had it covered I turned it upside down for several days to let the excess paint drip out. It checked it and changed the paper plate daily. It was beautiful! However once I put water in it the paint started to peel and float in the water. Such a big bummer since I spent to much time on it!
Shani says
does it need to be enamel paint or can I use regular acrylic do you think? I don’t plan on filling them with water or anything, just for decoration…
Sugar and Charm says
If it’s just for decor, I think you can probably use an acrylic paint. I have not done that, but I think it would work 🙂
Anonymous says
what is the frost paint used for? the outside of the paint looks so shiny and I wasn’t sure you got it to look that or if the paint in the glass just appeared that way.
Sugar and Charm says
I mixed the frost paint with the blue to lighten the color. It also gives it a nice shine 🙂
my rebel took over says
Awesome! I want turquoise lamp bases in my living room. I now know how I’m going to get them! I’ll be on the hunt for clear glass lamps!
Anonymous says
Would like to try these, looked for the paint enamel and cant find it. Can you tell me where you got your materials, thanks cheryl
Sugar and Charm says
I got everything from Miachael’s Arts and Crafts 🙂
Anonymous says
I JUST LOVE IT……………….
Philip Chang says
Wonderful idea. It can sometimes be very difficult to find vases in your specific color especially when it comes to wedding centerpieces. The paint seems to come out looking much more classy when you paint from the inside. I can’t wait to try this out on a couple of vases we had left over form our wedding centerpieces, finally a good use for all those vases! If anyones looking for some vases to purchase and paint you should check out http://www.dfwvases.com they have alot of the cylinder shapes that she has pictured above as well as the ginger jar shape. Works out great!
TitiCrafty says
I love it! I’m totally trying it if I can find those paints in here:P. Thanks for the aideas.
Suzanne Vandusen says
Do you need to have different heights for the vaes or just 3 different styles. I have a tall one and 2 that are similar in size but are different styles.What are your thoughts?
Anonymous says
Different sizes and styles would look great!
Glenda Tyski says
For those who wish to put water in for flowers just keep an eye out for an plastic bottle the right shape and cut to length. No scratching the paint and no water damage. I use this method to line pots for house plants (everything from pails and milk jugs to medicine bottles work)
Anonymous says
how do you get the top of the vases not to have the dried paint when it is upside down from getting heavy on the rim?
free DVD copy says
They look’s so good! I never can repeat your work! Eden you are very talented!
Missy says
I love the color you picked. It matches perfectly with my color scheme. I’m definitely going to be giving this a try.
Lisa says
I have made several if these vases but I don’t use a paintbrush, I just pour the paint in and twirl to spread the color. Works great….
CLAUDETTE LAGACE says
very nice project
Shelly Hewett says
Yay!! Final a craft a non-crafty person (me) can do!!
carol says
You have done it beautifully, i am really going to try this at home. This things are really good to gift to somebody.
elena says
me gustaria seguirlos por el mail o el face, ¿como puedo hacerlo?, me gusto mucho este tutorial
Rinchen (HIGHonDIY.com) says
beautiful idea!
Katie says
Hi 🙂 I loved your vases and used them in a post I wrote about shopping Goodwill for fun items. I hope that’s okay!
Blessings,
Katie
PS: You can see it here: http://www.dearmushka.com/2013/10/31-days-kitchen-14.html
Pinpopular says
Pretty project!
i love the colors !
Linda Laster says
So creative, thank you for sharing this information fir such amazing transformations.
Crystal says
I have a a big smooth floor vase that I bought 15 years ago, but my house colors have changed. I kept it in hopes of painting it to match our current decorations and hopefully putting either greenery or those tall twig things in them. Do you think the process above will work the same on my vase?
Jill says
I tried to do this but when it tried the top part of my vase shows paint brush strokes. Do you think if I use a sponge brush that would solve my problem?
Samantha says
I tried the sponge and makes no difference, BUT that was with regular acrylic paint, I hate the brush strokes
:,(
Samantha says
This is Amazing !
Elaine says
Can you put water and real flowers in those vases?
Tracey says
can you add flowers ( fresh )?
rachel says
would the paint stay if I were to put a candle inside of the jar????
Krissy says
I am wanting to do this product. I can not find the Permenamel paint anywhere but online. I would rather see the color in hand before purchasing. Do you recommend any other brands? Please be specific if so.
Thanks
Margaret says
Hi, I love this idea. I have some lovely enamel paint samples I just bought from Home Depot, can I not use those with the perm enamel conditioner?
Thanks
heavenly massage gold coast chicago says
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much,
However I am having troubles with your RSS.
I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it.
Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution will
you kindly respond? Thanks!!
ailze freire says
tudo muito lindo,parabens!!
jen montgomery says
That lamp is gorgeous! I might try it out for my reading nook. Thanks!
shubhra says
can i use acrylic paint instead of perm enamel
ailas says
Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution will
you kindly respond? Thanks!!
julsofparadise says
These are stunning!
I will definitely put them on my list of
“New Projects for 2015”
!!! Thanks a bunch!
Charlee says
Did you have an issue with air bubbles in the paint?
Linda Barker says
Hi,
I made your beautiful vases with a young friend of mine a couple of days ago and they turned out beautiful! However, I did have one problem maybe you could help me with. The insides of the vasees do not look pretty – lots of brush strokes visible – although not from the outside. I was wondering whether you may be using a LOT of paint because I did not have a lot drip out as you did when I turned the vases upside down. I was thinking of the alternative of painting the top two inches or so of both the inside and the outside in silver. What do you think?
Thanks for this idea. I really love the results.
michelle says
I will SO be painting vases soon! Thanks for the tutorial.
Lindsay says
LOVE the look of theses vases! I have so many left over from my wedding that I would love to do something like this with them! The only thing is that I cannot find the paint anywhere at michaels 🙁 do you know of anything else I can use?!
Eden says
Hi Lindsay! Any enamel paint will do the trick!! Martha has some great all-purpose paint that would work too!
Lindsay says
Thanks! I did find the Martha Stewart brand and picked up a couple of them. What do you recommend for the PermEnamel Surface Conditioner since I can’t find that? It is necessary?
Also, I noticed that you mixed the blue and white together in a picture above. Was that just to achieve the color you wanted? Or was there another purpose for the white?
Thanks again!
Donna Harvey says
I love the look of these vases, they look so expensive, I can see filling them with flowers from the Dollar Tree, I got some beautiful Spring flowers there for my Wedding. Thanks for the info. Donna
arlene kaplan says
I am going to try those vases.
Martha Elba mar Villalobos says
Me encantan como se ven, yo reciclo todos los frascos de vidrio y desearía pintarlos, vivo el La Paz B.C.S. México se consiguen aquí o me los pueden enviar? Saludos y gracias por compartir tanta belleza. Un saludo!
Martha Elba mar Villalobos says
Me refiero a las pinturas!
Moxie & Oliver says
These are SO SWEET!!! I love them. I think that painting the insides of some of my mason jar lanterns would be adorable (we use them as vases, too). Do they do pretty well with water in them?
K.MILLA says
!!!
Marcela Eliane de Oliveira Moraes Furtado says
Tudo muito lindo. Quero fazer também.
Que talento!!!
Transformar coisa simples em belas peças,tem que ser muito habilidosa.
Parabéns.
Cheryl says
How about painting the outside instead have you trued that then you can put anything on the inside
Anita says
These vases look absolutely stunning in white! What a fantastic way to dress them up, Gail! ????
Dolores Howell says
I love the vases but I was looking for a way to fix what I did. I painted the outside of the vase an it was not a glossy paint an I put it in the oven to bake it on but it is dull looking an I was wondering what to do to get the glossy look. The vases you showed are so pretty I just wish I could make my that pretty. Can you help?
RETA GREEN says
WHAT IS SURFACE CONDITIONER, AND WHERE DO YOU BUY IT?
Eden says
You can buy it at a craft store next to the where you will buy the paints.
Alexander says
Beautiful enamel plates! Nice colors and shapes!
Lydia says
Thanks
Kimmy says
Holy wow! I have lots of vases from the thrift shop and never even thought of doing this!! I now have another DIY project to make! Thank you for this!!
Carly Ritchie says
Wow, these look awesome Eden!! I’ve got a huge glass vase-thing in the garden that I’ve been looking to make use of so I might follow this technique but blast it inside with a spray gun instead!
Never thought to paint the inside rather than the outside, love the gloss finish it gives 😀
Thanks 🙂
Eden says
Yay!! So glad you like it and thank you for the sweetest comment! Hope it turns out amazing!!!
MEAl5 says
Hi, I love this idea. thanks you!
Susan Cox says
I followed your directions and my vases are gorgeous. I painted three vases of different heights (purchased at different times) and they now make a lovely, cohesive accent for my entry table.
Eden says
Yay! Love hearing this! Thank you for the sweet comment!!
Stephany says
I absolutely love this. Beautiful colors
Eden says
Thank you!
Robert Hatcher says
I love the vase, it is so shiny and pretty! I will totally have to try this!
Messy says
I will SO be painting vases soon! Thanks for the tutorial
Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes says
The tutorial is really simple and would be so much fun to do for the teen girls at home. Here is the link to know more details of the project and add it to the next to do list of the weekend. sugarandcharm
Beautifulymess says
I followed your directions and my vases are gorgeous. I painted three vases of different heights (purchased at different times) and they now make a lovely, cohesive accent for my entry table.