To get the vintage, mercury glass look with mason jars, you’ll need a few materials including spray paint, painter’s tape, a can of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint, a spray bottle of water, and some paper towels.
To begin, use the painter’s tape to cover the areas you don’t want to be painted. Once you’ve taped off the desired areas, lightly spray the jars with the regular spray paint and let it dry. After the regular spray paint has dried, use the Krylon Looking Glass spray paint by lightly spraying the jar and then immediately following the spray with water.
You’ll want to make sure only one side of the jar is sprayed with the Krylon spray. Then, take the scrap of fabric or paper towels and gently dab the jar in a circular motion. This will help create the distressed Mercury glass look.
Let the jar sit until it is completely dry, then peel off the painter’s tape, and you’re done!.
What kind of paint do you use to paint a Mason jar?
When it comes to painting Mason jars, the type of paint you use depends on the desired end result. If you’re looking for a more vintage or rustic aesthetic, you can use either chalk paint, acrylic paint, or even spray paint.
If you’re going for a glossy finish, enamel paint is often the best choice as it creates a durable and vibrant look. Depending on the color and shine you are going for, there are a wide variety of paints to choose from.
Some painting tips to keep in mind when painting Mason jars is that you should always prime the jars first with either spray paint or a primer meant for glass or plastic. This will help create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to.
You should also be sure to apply several thin coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely in between coats. This will help achieve the best, most even finish. When removing the tape after painting, do so gently to avoid chipping away your paint job.
Finally, the paint should be sealed with a glossy sealant to protect it from wear and tear.
What color is mercury glass?
The color of mercury glass can vary widely, depending upon the type of glass and the manufacturing technique used. Generally speaking, mercury glass has an antique silvery or pewter-like finish. Sometimes the glass can appear golden, pink, or peach, but regardless of its hue, the glass is often distressed and bubbly giving it a unique, vintage look whenever light reflects off it.
The glass’s unique color is caused by its unique manufacturing process. In the Mercury glass technique, glass is coated with a thin layer of vaporized mercury, which produces an iridescent, silvery color.
The technique was made popular in the 1800s, but is still being used today in many of the products that we use and enjoy.
Is mercury glass out of style?
No, mercury glass is not out of style. In fact, the use of mercury glass has become increasingly popular in the last few years, particularly as a decorative element in home decor. This style has been around since the 1800s and has a vintage, antique appearance.
It is shiny on one side and a matte finish on the other, giving it a unique look and a hint of elegance. It’s perfect for adding some sparkle and style to any room, and has been seen featured in popular home decor stores such as West Elm, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.
It also continues to be a popular choice for weddings and special events, as it offers a unique and beautiful look that often stands out from the usual decorations.
How can you tell if a bead is mercury glass?
The primary way to tell if a bead is mercury glass is by its color and finish. Mercury glass usually has a smooth and glossy finish with a silvery or smoky-gray hue. Additionally, when held up to the light, the bead should have a metallic sheen or a slight rainbow effect.
When examined closely, the glass may have hundreds of tiny bubbles throughout its surface. If you tap the bead lightly on the surface of the glass, it should make a sound similar to that of a bell. Finally, authentic mercury glass will feel cold compared to other types of beads.
Is vintage mercury glass safe?
Yes, vintage mercury glass is generally considered safe, as long as it is not cracked or broken and remains sealed. While it may contain some lead, the amount is not usually considered to be enough to pose a health risk.
However, it is still important to take some safety precautions when handling mercury glass, and to take necessary steps to avoid breaking or cracking it.
For starters, washing with soap and water or gentle glass cleaner and a soft cloth or feather duster are recommended for general cleaning and dusting. Using abrasive or harsh cleaning tools, such as steel wool, should be avoided as this could cause scratches or scrapes that would weaken the glass and allow any mercury or lead to seep out.
Additionally, avoid dropping or rough handling, as the glass may chip or crack. If that does happen, the glass should be disposed of properly at a hazardous waste facility.
To further protect yourself and your family, it is also a good idea to wear gloves when handling mercury glass and to wash your hands afterward. If you have young children or pets in your home, it is probably a good idea to keep the mercury glass out of reach to avoid any accidents.
How do I know if my ball jars are vintage?
To know if your ball jars are vintage or not, there are a few steps you can take to determine their age.
First, check the logo. If it says “Ball” in sans serif lettering, your jar was made after the 1940s. If it includes letters like ” Mason,” “Perfect,” or “Ideal,” the jar is likely to have been made between the 1880s and 1940s.
Second, examine the jar’s lid. The lids from the 1940s and later will have two-piece lids with a metal screw band and a separate lid that seals onto the jar. Anything before the 1940’s will have lids with one-piece construction and more squared-off edges than the modern lids.
Lastly, look for a “period certain” jar, which will have a number below the logo, typically embossed on the back of the jar. This number depicts the year the jar was made – either 1904 through 1933 or 1942 through 1963.
By taking these steps and with a bit of detective work, you should be able to determine whether or not your jar is vintage.
Are antique mason jars worth money?
Yes, antique mason jars are often worth money, especially if they are in good condition. Antique mason jars date back to the late 19th century and can be identified by brands like Ball, Kerr, Atlas and others.
Many of these jars were used for canning and storing food for long periods of time and are now highly sought after by collectors. The value of these jars can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the rarity, condition and age.
Even if a jar is not particularly valuable, it can often still be used for decorative purposes, further increasing its value to collectors and enthusiasts.
What are old Atlas Mason jars worth?
The value of old Atlas Mason jars can vary greatly depending on their condition, age, color, and size. In general, the rarer the jar, the higher the value. Clear or light blue jars tend to be the most desirable, followed by aqua and then pink.
Jar sizes can range from half-gallon to 8-ounce sizes. Common clear jars range in value from $5 to $20, while rare colored jars can range from $20 to $250 or more. For example, a rarer quart size, olive green Atlas Strong Shoulder Jar with zinc lid could be worth upwards of $80.
The condition of the jar can also play a role in the value. Chips, cracks and rust can significantly reduce the value of a jar. In some cases, colored jars with imperfections can still be valuable if they are rare.
What are gem jars?
Gem jars are glass containers used to store and display precious gems or stones. Typically, the jars are usually round with a lid in the shape of a bell that is sealed with wax or glue to protect the contents.
They are also referred to as gemstone display jars, gemology storage jars, and crystal container cases. Gem jars are commonly used to display and store small precious stones, glitter, crystals, rhinestones, and other small items.
Aside from storing stones and other gems, the jars can be used for crafts, jewelry making, and decorative purposes. They are ideal for keeping these gems free from dust, dirt and contact with skin, helping to prevent discoloration or damage.
Additionally, these jars can be customized to suit the individual needs of the holder. Gem jars are also lightweight and easy to transport.
How old are Kerr Mason jars?
Kerr Mason jars have been around since the early 1900s. The original patent was granted in 1903 to Alexander Kerr, a glass jar manufacturer from Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Since then, they have been used widely throughout the United States and around the world as a common kitchen storage vessel.
Throughout the decades, Kerr has released several different sizes and styles of mason jars, but the most recognizable and iconic is the traditional half-pint or “Regular Mouth” jar. These are the most common and popular jars around, and they have been around since the 1940s.
Additionally, Kerr also produces wide-mouth and quilted jars. While all Kerr Mason jars are quite collectible and highly sought after, the oldest and most valuable ones are the jars released before the 1940s.
When were Atlas strong shoulder mason jars?
Atlas strong shoulder mason jars were first produced in the early 1900’s. The Atlas Glass Company was formed in 1895 by Alexander Kerr, who was inspired by Mason’s invention of the original mason jar.
Atlas specialized in the production of the strong shoulder mason jars, which featured prominent shoulder ridges that helped to reduce warping during canning of moist and acidic foods. These jars had a two-part lid and a strong sealing compound which allowed for better storage of food products.
They became extremely popular and were a common sight in kitchens across the country. Production of these strong shoulder mason jars continued until the 1960’s, at which point the company ceased operations and other manufacturers took over the production of mason jars.
Do they still make Atlas mason jars?
Yes, Atlas mason jars are still being made today. The jars are made by a division of Jarden Home Brands, which is part of Newell Brands. The mason jars feature the iconic glass texture, logo and shape associated with the original Mason jars that were made in the late 1800s.
The glass jars are filled with a range of vegetables, fruits, jellies, jams, sauces, soups and more. The company also offers canning accessories, such as lids, bands, tools and supplies. Atlas mason jars are available in a variety of sizes, from 4 oz.
to 1 gallon, and the jars can be purchased from a variety of retail stores, including Amazon. com, Home Depot, Walmart and more.
Is all Hazel-Atlas glass marked?
No, not all Hazel-Atlas glass is marked. It is estimated that less than 25% of Hazel-Atlas glass is actually marked with their logo or any other identifying marks. It can be difficult to tell Hazel-Atlas glass apart from similar glass made by other companies.
This is because they often shared designs and manufacturers. In general, when Hazel-Atlas glass has a pattern or color that is unique to its company, it can often be identified without markings. Some common markings found on Hazel-Atlas glass are the “HA” near the bottom of the glass, a diamond shape, and the number “7.
” Other common markings include the names “Hazel-Atlas,” “Atlas Glass,” and “Hazel Atlas. ” If the glass does not have any of the above markings or a unique style or color, it may still be possible to determine its origin by researching information about similar glass from the same time period.
Additionally, marks that appear to be Hazel-Atlas often have fakes, so it is best to research them further before making an assumption.