Chalk-Painted Mason Jar Tutorial

Gorgeous chalk-painted mason jars can be used for any occasion! With this tutorial, learn how to chalk paint mason jars to create a beautiful statement piece.

Well, friends, my all-time most popular post has been (drumroll please……) these American Flag painted mason jars. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re adorable, but they’re obviously not practical for every-day use! Today I want to share with you some gorgeous chalk-painted mason jars that can serve you year round.

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

You may have seen similar projects before; it’s not rocket science. I’ve used acrylic craft paints and spray paint in the past, but this was my first time to try a chalk-based paint on mason jars.

I find two major benefits to the chalk-based paint. First, it seems to stick to the glass much better than other paints (since chalk-based paint is made especially for adherence). And second, Country Chic Paint (the brand I used) distresses easily and smoothly, giving a natural, worn look to the jars.

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

Chalk-painted mason jar tutorial

So, without further ado, here’s the simple step-by-step process:

1. Paint the outside of clean, empty mason jars with your choice of color (I used Vintage Cupcake, Vanilla Frosting, and Pebble Beach by Country Chic Paint).

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

Hint: put your hand in the jar and paint the rim first, then set the jar upside down to paint the rest. 

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

2. Allow time to dry (I waited ~30 minutes) and paint a second coat.

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

3. Distress lightly with sandpaper (note: I did NOT use a circular sander; I just had some leftover paper… distress by hand using 220 grit or higher).

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

4. Spray all jars with clear acrylic sealer to protect your work. I’m sure you could wax them, too, but as I plan to put flowers in mine and wax is not recommended for surfaces that will get wet often, I chose to use an acrylic sealer.

That’s it! So simple. The pink jars were for a special occasion (more on that to come later!), but I’ve already enjoyed using the blue, white, and gray all over my house: for my spring vignette

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

in my peaceful nook on the second floor

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

and on my new stairwell bookcase

chalk painted mason jars- Maison de Pax

They are so versatile and beautiful. I hope you enjoy them, too!

Disclaimer: As a part of the Country Chic Paint blogger squad, I do receive compensation in the form of goods and products from Country Chic Paint, but, as always, all opinions are 100% my own!

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50 Comments

  1. Pinned this! I’ve seen these and have been wanting to try it. Thanks for sharing.

    Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com

  2. These are beautiful! Please come share your lovely jars at the Bacon Time Anything Goes linky, if you have not already.

  3. Very pretty colors on those jars! I just have a question, have you ever tried spray paint? If so, what kind of result do you get? Thanks.

    1. Thank you so much! I have used spray paint in the past, and I had mixed results with it. When painting a jar white once, I used a primer rather than a paint (because it’s what I had in the shed), and I found that it stuck really well, but that also made it harder to distress. Regular spray paint sometimes chips off… which is not necessarily bad if you’re planning fairly light use and want a distressed look, but I didn’t want to deal with the mess. I like the texture of the distressing on the chalk paint and acrylic paints I’ve used in the past the best, but it’s hard to beat the ease of spray paint! 🙂

      1. Very good to know. Thank you for all the info. I just now thought of something as I was writing this. . . if the spray primer adheres well, maybe I should try hitting the high spots on the jar I want distressed with some vaseline and then spray with the primer. Then I can simply wipe off the paint in those spots. . . . maybe??? I love your jars, so I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

        1. It’s certainly worth a try! I firmly believe in experimentation. 😉 And you are so very welcome!!

  4. Very Beautiful, Rachel! I love these jars! Pinning:-)Thank you for linking up at Work It Wednesday!

  5. LOVE, love, LOVE! I need to chalk paint some mason jars! I’m featuring them this Friday in my Friday Features for this week’s Inspire Me Monday party Thanks for linking up to the party!

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  8. I finally got over here to read your tutorial – thanks for that, pinned it. Will have to give this a try really soon!! They turned out beautifully!

    1. Thanks, Krista! I can’t ever find the time to read all the tutorials I want to read either… 🙁 But I’m so glad you found it helpful! xoxo

      1. What brand of chalk paint do you use? I bought home décor chalk paint and I did my first layer let dry for like 3 hours and when to do a second layer and the first layer is peeling 🙁

        1. I’m so sorry to hear that, Breanna! I used Country Chic Paint for my jars. While I’m sure I could scrape some off if I tried, I definitely didn’t have any peeling.

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  10. I have tried this several times and I am not sure why but each time I try to put on a second coat, the first coat comes off. Any helpful hints?

    1. Bummer! Is there a chance that you’re trying the second coat too soon? You could try waiting a day between coats; that would allow the first to really harden and hopefully keep it on there. I’m sorry it’s been difficult… I hope this helps! 🙂

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  13. What brand of clear acrylic sealer have you had the best luck with? Some that I’ve tried have “curdled” the spray paint. Haven’t tried chalk paint yet but I’m excited to. After the second coat of chalk paint, how long to let it dry before applying the clear acrylic sealer? It is a spray sealer or a brush on? THANKS for your help!

    Mindy

    1. Hi Mindy, I have used a spray sealer that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I think it’s called TreeHouse or something similar (I’m not at home to look right now, sorry!). I usually wait a day between coats simply because I do most of my painting during nap time. 😉 I bet a few hours of time for the chalk paint to dry would be plenty. Hope this helps!

  14. I have painted mason jars red white and blue, while distressing the blue changes color ,any suggestions ? I made my own chalk paint.

    1. Hi Gwen, I’m so sorry, but I’m not sure I’m clear on your question… Are you saying that when you distress the blue jar the color changes?

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  17. I like Chalk Paint but I want a sheen on my jars can you use a Gloss Sealant on top of Chalk Paint? If so do you apply after baking them?

    Also at what temperature should you set the oven if you are going to bake them?

    1. Hi Sandra, great questions! I have never baked my glass jars, so I’m afraid I cannot speak to that. You certainly could use a glossy sealer rather than a matte one, though, if you prefer. I believe acrylic sealers come in a variety of finishes. I hope this helps!

  18. I used the chalk paint I got at Walmart. It is called Waverly. I cleaned the jars real good. I painted a first coat on them. Waited 3 days. Tried a second coat and the paint started peeling on both jars. I was trying to be so careful. Have you had any feedback on this brand of chalkpaint? I also used a sponge type brush I read that is good to use. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    1. I’m sorry, Teena, but I’ve never used the Waverly chalk paint… Have you tried sealing it with acrylic spray? I apologize, but I really don’t know anything about that brand.

  19. Hello, I love your jars and would like to make a couple myself. But I am concerned about the ease of scraping off the paint when in use. Does the sealer you use protect it well from accidental scratches or it rubbing up against other things? I was thinking of making a few for gifts, but want to make sure I use a sealer that will really protect the finish. Thanks for your help! Amanda

    1. I’m so glad you like the jars. I have been very pleased with my jars. As you can see from the tutorial, I distressed mine on purpose, which naturally hides later nicks and scratches to some extent. I’m sure I could scratch the paint off if I tried, but with my distressed finish, I haven’t noticed any further damage even while using them for decorative purposes for the last couple of years. I have heard that others have had trouble depending on the brand of chalk paint used, though, so be aware of that possibility. I hope this helps! 🙂

    1. I think mod podge is a great option for sealing jars! Just remember that it’s not entirely waterproof. 🙂

  20. I have a jar of chalk paint that dried in the jar can it be reconstituted to continue to be used or is it done?

    1. In theory, any kind of sealer should work. A polyurethane can yellow over time, though, and wax won’t be as water resistant as the acrylic. But if you’ve got one of those already, they’ll do the job.

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