How to Paint the Inside of Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 06/02/2025

Transforming plain ornaments into dazzling, personalized decorations is easier than you think! This holiday season, unleash your creativity and add a unique touch to your tree with hand-painted ornaments. Whether you're crafting festive designs for family gatherings or creating bespoke gifts for loved ones, painting the inside of ornaments opens up a world of artistic possibilities. Forget generic store-bought decorations; imagine intricate snowflakes swirling within a glass sphere, or a miniature winter wonderland captured inside a delicate bauble. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

This simple yet effective technique allows for vibrant, long-lasting designs that will bring joy for years to come. From choosing the right paints to mastering the crucial techniques for smooth, even coverage, we'll guide you through every step of the process. Let's dive into our step-by-step guide to painting the inside of ornaments and discover the magic you can create.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed

ornaments
rubbing alcohol
white acrylic paint

Safety Guidelines

Always work in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic paints and other crafting supplies can release fumes.
Use non-toxic, craft-grade paints designed for glass or plastic. Avoid paints intended for exterior use or those containing harmful chemicals.
Allow ample drying time between coats to prevent paint from cracking or peeling. This can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the paint and ornament.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ornament
- Remove the top of the ornament.
- Swirl rubbing alcohol on the entire inside of the ornament and let it dry completely.
Prepare the Ornament
Apply the Paint
- Squirt about a tablespoon of white acrylic paint inside.
- Swirl the paint around the inside until completely covered. Gently tap the sides to help the paint move if needed.
Apply the Paint
Dry and Reassemble
- Invert the ornament to let excess paint drain and dry completely.
- Once completely dry, reinsert the top hanger.
Dry and Reassemble

Tips

Avoid adding more paint once you've started swirling; let the initial amount coat the inside.
Ensure the paint is completely dry before reinserting the top to prevent scraping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong type of paint

Reason: Acrylic paints are best for ornaments because they dry quickly and are durable, but using other types of paint can lead to cracking, chipping, or an uneven finish.

Solution: Always use acrylic paints specifically designed for crafting or glass.

2. Applying too much paint at once

Reason: Thick coats of paint can take longer to dry, increasing the risk of smudging and dripping, and might even cause the ornament to become lopsided.

Solution: Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

3. Not preparing the ornament surface properly

Reason: Painting on a dirty or dusty ornament surface will result in a poor adhesion and uneven finish, impacting the overall appearance.

Solution: Clean the ornament thoroughly with soap and water before painting and allow it to dry completely.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use for inside ornaments?

Acrylic paints are best for inside ornaments because they are water-based, dry quickly, and are less likely to crack or chip than other types of paint.

How do I prevent paint from dripping or clumping?

Use a small amount of paint at a time and apply thin coats. Let each coat dry completely before adding another. A toothpick or thin paintbrush will help with precision and prevent drips.

How do I get the paint to stick to the inside of the ornament?

Make sure the ornament is clean and dry before painting. Consider using a primer, especially if the ornament is a very smooth surface. For particularly difficult surfaces, a slightly thinned-down acrylic paint will help it adhere better.