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4 bottles aged using distressing techniques sitting on a counter.
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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 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 0
Author: Over The Big Moon

Ingredients

  • 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.