The Right Paint Does Make a Difference...

After my epic fail at attempting to re-create Mercury Glass (posted here), I gave it one more try.  After hitting every local hardware/paint store in my area, the elusive Krylon Looking Glass spray paint was not to be found.  I finally broke down and ordered it on-line from Amazon.

*Note: if you're shopping for this paint locally, it may be helpful to know that the can itself is relatively small- 6 oz. compared to a normal spray paint that is 12 oz.  So if you're scanning the spray paint shelves, look for a "mini-can".  I didn't realize this until the box arrived!

As we know, on my first attempt I used Rustoleum silver metallic paint.

Hated it!  I tried it on the inside, on the outside.... all around the sides!  No matter what the paint can top looks like, this is not "reflective" (as stated).  It's flat and grey looking...

The flameless candles aren't helpin' either!  Makes them look even worse!

But lo and behold.... with the right paint, I wound up with this!

Can you tell the difference?

I got a little "spray paint" happy & started looking for any and everything to paint!

I've only put 2 coats on the vase... I may go for one more light coat.  But for a vase that almost went out with the trash, I must say I'm likin' it just fine.  And you can actually see a reflection of the votives on the vase... the Rustomleum "reflective spray paint"?  Not so much!

So what are some of your project "do-overs"?  Failure or success?

"Myth Busters.... Faux Mercury Glass" Part I

(Caution... this is a WORDY post so please forgive ahead of time...)

My kids watch Myth Busters all the time... if you've never seen it, you should tune in.  The show centers around a couple of guys taking something you see on the movies/TV/etc and proving whether it's a myth or can actually be done.  Crazy stuff like being propelled out of a moving vehicle (James Bond like) while moving down the highway.... you name it, they try it!

Our local news station has a spotlight for something similar.  They take a product you see on TV (like the cheap hands-free thing for your cell phone you plug into your car's cigarette lighter...can't remember the name) and reporting as to whether or not it works.

Those that know me, know that I'm a nut for antique glassware (all you'd have to do is walk through my dining room.... but again, that's another post for another day).  I like Mercury Glass and have one or two vintage pieces, but the cost has always been a little out of reach.

I've seen many tutorials in blog-land showing how to replicate Mercury Glass on the cheap.  I also came across an article of the same in Martha Stewart some time ago and figured I'd give it a whirl!

I started with This (cheap votives that I wanted to transform for the holidays, provided my "myth" proved doable)

Did This ('cause everything I read said to cover the OUTSIDE before spraying the inside)

Used This ('cause I couldn't find Krylon Mirror paint... but this said "reflective spray paint" about 75 times on the outside label so I figured it was pretty much the same)

And got This:

Myth or Reality?  Check back tomorrow for the final vote (and a change-up to the process)....