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Home » Blog » DIY » How to Distress and Age New Glass

How to Distress and Age New Glass

Sep 21, 2020 by Pam Dana · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

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Three step-by-step tutorials on How to Distress and Age New Glass! Use these methods to make Potion Bottles, Apothecary Jars, or just aged bottles for decorating!

4 bottles aged using distressing techniques sitting on a counter.

Today I am going to share the step-by-step tutorials on how I distressed and aged the glass jars for my Harry Potter Potion Bottles! However, this method could be used for many crafts and decorations!

For my Potion Bottles, I went to several thrift stores to find old cool glass bottles. Sadly, nothing looked old and aged. All the jars and bottles looked shiny and new!

4 bottles made to look like Harry Potter Potions.

HOW TO ANTIQUE GLASS

I will be sharing three separate ways to distress or age glass using paint, glue, and sandpaper! Each way gives a completely different look, but can be cohesive all working together too!

For all the different techniques you just need some clear glass bottles or jars. You can thrift old jars or buy them new! Because I was making these for potion bottles, I went for bottles that would fit that style. I love this set of Vintage Bottles from Amazon and I also love the selection Hobby Lobby has had in the past. Also, don’t overlook your own pantry! Sometimes just removing a label will give you a great bottle option!

4 new glass bottles in all different shapes and sizes.

HOW TO DISTRESS GLASS USING PAINT

The first technique I’m sharing uses acrylic paint and water. When antiquing glass with paint, I like to use browns, tans, and gray acrylic paint.

Side by side pictures of bottles distressed with paint!

Items you’ll need:

  • Acrylic Paint
  • Water
  • Plastic Cup
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Bottle

The amount of water to paint ratio is what will change the look. When making a set, don’t be afraid to start with a thicker paint amount and then water it down more and more as you do more bottles. You don’t need a lot of paint — start with adding a dime’s worth of paint and then diluting the paint down with water. The more water you add, the more subtle the antiquing will look.

A cup of watered down paint, with a sponge paintbrush sitting in it. IN the background you'll see a towel and piece of sandpaper.

Directions:

After adding the water, simply paint the outside of the whole bottle.

Then take a paper towel and softly blot around the bottle until you get the look you desire. If you mess up or blot too much, simply apply more paint and blot it again.

When you’re finished, put your finger inside and carry it (that way you don’t mess up the sides) and put it into your oven directly onto the rack. Close the oven and turn it to bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes, turn the oven off and allow the bottle to cool off in the oven. The bottle could crack if the glass is subject to temperature changes too quickly. When it comes out the paint is nice and set. Although, I would not get it wet as a precaution.

Different colors really made a difference!

A painted jar with a paper towel with brown paint on it.

HOW TO DISTRESS GLASS USING GLUE

This may be my favorite distressed look. This technique uses Mod Podge Matte Finish and dirt. I love the grungy look it gives the bottle!

Items you’ll need:

  • Mod Podge Matte Finish
  • Dirt
  • Water
  • Plastic Cup
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Bottle

Directions:

Mix a little bit of dirt with equal amounts of Mod Podge Matte Finish and water. Remember this is to preference, so if you want a little more dirt, don’t hesitate to add it. But, just make sure that it is fully covered in the Mod Podge/Water mixtures so it adheres to the bottle as it should.

Painted the dirt on and let it dry. To get a more detailed look, you can also paint the inside of the bottle.

When the glue dries it leaves the dirt on the jar and leaves a slightly milky color on the glass.

A glass bottle distressed using glue.

HOW TO DISTRESS GLASS USING SANDPAPER

This look is my family’s favorite! I love how simple this method is! It’s a great job for little hands that may want to help!

Just take rough sandpaper and sand all over the bottle! The more your sand, the more distressed the bottle will look.

I like to buy a Variety pack of Sandpaper and even switch up the different sandpaper grits I’m using!

A bottle aged using sandpaper!

Tips on sanding glass:

  • Make sure you sand all different directions! That way it looks random.
  • It starts off hard to make a scratch in the glass and you won’t feel like you are making a lot of progress. But the more you sand the bigger the difference that you’ll start to see.
  • Some glass is easier to sand than others.

A hand holding a bottle that has been sanded to create a vintage look.

4 bottles aged using distressing techniques sitting on a counter.

It was really fun to play around with the methods and it really didn’t take very long! And I love how the Harry Potter Potion Bottles turned out!

Harry Potter potion bottles distressed using 3 techniques!
Looking for a printable version of this DIY?
4 bottles aged using distressing techniques sitting on a counter.
Print

HOW TO ANTIQUE GLASS JARS

Step-by-step tutorials on How to Distress and Age New Glass using three different methods -- paint, glue and sandpaper!! Use these methods to make Potion Bottles, Apothecary Jars, or age bottles for decorating!
Prep Time30 mins
Total Time30 mins
Author: Over The Big Moon

Materials

  • Glass Jars different sizes and shapes
  • 3 Plastic Cups
  • 3 Foam Paint Brushes
  • Acrylic Paint various colors
  • Mod Podge Matte
  • Dirt
  • Sandpaper various grits

Instructions

HOW TO DISTRESS BOTTLES WITH PAINT

  • The amount of water to paint ratio is what will change the look. When making a set, don't be afraid to start with a thicker paint amount and then water it down more and more as you do more bottles. You don't need a lot of paint -- start with adding a dime's worth of paint and then diluting the paint down with water. The more water you add, the more subtle the antiquing will look.
    A glass bottle made to look old using paint and water, sitting on a brown paper bag on a table.

HOW TO DISTRESS GLASS WITH MOD PODGE

  • Mix a little bit of dirt with equal amounts of Mod Podge Matte Finish and water. Remember this is to preference, so if you want a little more dirt, don't hesitate to add it. But, just make sure that it is fully covered in the Mod Podge/Water mixtures so it adheres to the bottle as it should.
    Painted the dirt on and let it dry. To get a more detailed look, you can also paint the inside of the bottle.
    When the glue dries it leaves the dirt on the jar and leaves a slightly milky color on the glass.
    A glass bottle distressed using glue.

HOW TO DISTRESS GLASS WITH SANDPAPER

  • Just take rough sandpaper and sand all over the bottle! The more your sand, the more distressed the bottle will look.
    I like to buy a Variety pack of Sandpaper and even switch up the different sandpaper grits I'm using!
    A hand holding a bottle that has been sanded to create a vintage look.

Video

Notes

Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios and techniques! You never know what you'll be able to create!

Tips on sanding glass:

  • Make sure you sand all different directions! That way it looks random.
  • It starts off hard to make a scratch in the glass and you won't feel like you are making a lot of progress. But the more you sand the bigger the difference that you'll start to see.
  • Some glass is easier to sand than others.

Don’t forget to check out the Harry Potter Potion Bottles HERE!

Harry Potter Potion bottles - 4 bottles sitting on a table with a black and white cloth to the side.

I hope the tutorial is helpful!

I’d love for you guys to follow me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TWITTER, and FACEBOOK for recipes, printables, DIY’s and more!

If you love these techniques and tutorials, then comment and rate this post! I’d also LOVE it if you could pin the post!

 

*This post was originally published in 2011 and has been updated with improved instructions, new pictures, and video!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy

    June 27, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I framed a map in a distressed window frame, but the window panes are so shiny and have a glare, which show some imperfections in gluing the map on cork board behind it. I don’t won’t to ruin the panes in case I use it later for a different project. What do you suggest on this project that will give it a nonglare vintage look over the map, as I think it may hide those Imperfections? I love this framed map, but it’s just propped up by a wall til I figure this out.
    Thanks, Cindy

    Reply
  2. Stéphane Steeve Langlois

    August 21, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Hillary voters . . . .

    Reply
  3. Beadchaser

    January 20, 2013 at 11:33 pm

    If you want a very even etching, there are liquid products which can be applied to the glass to etch it instead of sanding. Granted, it’s another trip to the store, but the results can be worth it. You can also mask off part of the project, or use a stencil.

    Reply
  4. Megan

    August 04, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    I LOVE these! I’m making some, but I’m lacking corks and I notice most of yours have corks. Did you have to buy any? Where did you get them?

    Reply
    • johnlisa02

      August 06, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      I got mine at a craft store like Michaels or Joannes. If you cant find them there you can get them from amazon for pretty cheap:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PIEA56/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ovthbimo0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PIEA56

      Reply
  5. Chris

    November 06, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    >Hi Lisa, it looks like you had so much fun distressing the glass jars/bottles. Thanks so much for sharing your passion. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

    Reply
  6. Shelley

    October 16, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    >Awesome! I would never have thought to try this. Thanks very much for sharing your methods!!

    Reply
  7. Rachel

    October 03, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    >Love the look of weathered glass so I'll be giving this a try! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  8. Lowri

    October 01, 2011 at 6:46 am

    >I absolutely LOVE this project! Unique and totally gorgeous. I am definitely giong to try this. New follower here.
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Visiting from Whipperberry
    Lowri 🙂
    http://papervinenz.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  9. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage

    September 30, 2011 at 4:08 am

    >Thanks for the tutorial on how to get that look- these are darling! Would love for you to come share at Feathered Nest Friday sometime!

    Reply
    • johnlisa02

      August 06, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      I got mine at a craft store like Michaels or Joannes. If you cant find them there you can get them from amazon for pretty cheap:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PIEA56/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ovthbimo0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PIEA56

      Reply

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Welcome! I’m Pam, a mom of 3 and a lover of reading, TV, the sun, and Mexican food! Here I love sharing easy everyday recipes, printables, Cricut crafts, holiday fun, and kids activities! Learn more about me over on my About Page or on Instagram! Have a fantastic day!

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