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Find a space for a sweet vignette, like a mantel, bookcase or cozy nook.
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Gather your materials. Set up a workspace in a well-ventilated area with a dropcloth protecting your work surface.
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Shake the Krylon® Looking Glass® Mirror-Like paint vigorously. Rattle the can for 3 to 5 minutes.
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- The Krylon® Looking Glass® Mirror-Like paint is unique, and behaves a bit differently than standard spray paint. Instead of applying it to the outside of the object, the look is achieved by painting the inside. It's a bit thin, and accordingly it is best to apply in quick, short bursts.
- Hold the can close, less than 1' away. Spray a burst of paint onto the inside of the vase, then turn the vase and spray additional bursts until the inside of the glass is completely covered in a single thin coat.
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- Continue adding coats, letting each one dry for 1 minute before applying the next. Add up to 5 coats of paint. Remember to continue to shake the can intermittently while you work.
- As the paint dries, it quickly changes from dull and cloudy into a bright, reflective sheen.
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- Real mercury glass has a finish that looks cracked and damaged. To mimic that effect with the paint, there are several easy techniques. The first technique uses household vinegar.
- Lightly spray a solution of half vinegar, half water directly onto the paint and let it sit for about a minute.
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- Gently and slowly rub the vinegar-misted paint in small circles. Use a paper towel that has also been sprayed with the vinegar solution.
- The vinegar affects the paint by allowing it to "break" when you rub it. The result is many different interesting and beautiful textures.
- Experiment with different amounts of pressure to achieve different looks. The speed at which the paint is rubbed also changes the texture.
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Distress the glass as much, or as little as you like. To add another layer of depth, complete the look with a final coat of Looking Glass paint.
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The second technique for creating these vases is extremely simple. Just spray the Looking Glass paint onto a wet vase. Very lightly spritz the inside of the vase with water, then add paint in short bursts. When the paint and water dry, the result is a texture that looks as if it were created with molten silver.
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The last technique for creating the mercury-glass look takes advantage of the thin nature of the paint. Spray a longer burst of Looking Glass paint into the vase. Then, slowly rotate the vase to roll the pooled up paint around. Use a piece of paper towel to keep the liquid paint from dripping out.