In this tutorial company co-founder, Rosanne will paint and distress some mason jars to show how to prepare smooth surfaces like glass and metal to improve adhesion.

Step 1) Clean your surface

The reason it can be difficult for paint to adhere to smooth surfaces is because they are very non-porous and there is no texture for the paint to grip onto. Follow these quick tips to make sure your paint will last for years to come!

Use a gentle, natural soap and warm water to clean your surface and remove any contaminants or oil that might prevent the paint from adhering. After you’ve washed your entire surface, it’s a good idea to use a new cloth to wipe everything down with plain water to remove any last residue.

Step 2) Prime, if necessary

If you’re working on a project that will get a lot of wear and tear and you’re concerned about durability, a primer might be the way to go. If you decide to use a primer, make sure you check out this tutorial to learn all about our Clear Bonding Primer!

Step 3) Scuff sand your surface

Wait until your surface is completely dry, then use a coarse sanding block to lightly sand the entire surface of your piece. This gives your piece a bit more texture for the paint to grip onto and will lead to better adhesion. Make sure you use a clean cloth to wipe away any dust this creates before you move on to the next step.

Step 4) Apply a thin coat of paint

Remember that two thin coats of paint are always better than one! If you paint thick coats, they will take much longer to cure and they won’t adhere as well to your surface, so start with one thin coat all over your surface.

Step 5) Add a second coat if needed

For most colors you’ll find that just one coat is sufficient. But, if you’d like to add a second coat you can do so after letting the first coat dry for about 1-2 hours.

Step 6) Distress your piece

If you like the ‘shabby chic’ distressed look you can use 120 grit sandpaper to distress the raised areas on your piece. Make sure you let the paint dry for several hours before starting this process! Overnight is best. Gently rub any corners or accent areas that would naturally get more wear and tear with your sanding block until you’re happy with the look. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any dust this creates.

Step 6) Seal your work

For maximum durability, we recommend sealing your finish with our Clear Coat. You can learn more about how to apply Clear Coat in this tutorial.

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We always love to hear what projects you are working on! Make sure to leave a comment or post a picture of your project to our Facebook page or Instagram (@countrychicpaint)!