Want to paint the inside of an ornament? Here are the basic steps and tips and tricks to ease your frustration and mess! Perfect for custom Christmas decorations for sale or gifts.
Close-up of a white and a peach ornament next to paper cut greenery
I love making cuts on mine, but often the colors I find on pre-dyed ornaments just aren’t my colorful jam. Traditional red and green is perfect for most people, but I’m over here having a pink and teal Christmas. Which means I have to color my own jewelry.
Frequently asked questions about painting the inside of an ornament:
What kind of ornaments can I use?
Both plastic and glass balls work for this craft. I use flat spheres because they’re easier to work with when applying vinyl, but basically…if it’s done and you can access the hole at the top, you’re good to go.
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What kind of paint should I use?
I prefer acrylic craft paint for the inside of an ornament. It’s cheap and comes in every color you could want.
How much paint should I use?
While lots of paint will help you coat the inside of the ornament faster, I’ve found that using a smaller amount – about a tablespoon – can give you full coverage while wasting paint and increasing drying time. You’ll also be shocked (shocked, I tell you!) at how much extra paint runs out of your ornament when you set it to dry.
How long does it take for the paint to dry?
I usually wait 24 to 48 hours before putting the ornament cap back into my ornament. The paint has had time to harden completely, which minimizes the risk of scratching the paint when you insert the lid.
How do I prevent the paint from cracking?
This is a question I have received from readers but never experienced myself. So I did some research, and here are two suggestions. First, you can drop some alcohol into the ornament before painting. Swipe it around and let it dry. This should prepare the surface and help the paint adhere.