How to Paint Mason Jars with FolkArt Chalk Paint

Turn thrifted finds into practical bathroom storage. This simple project uses FolkArt Chalk to transform glazed pottery mugs and jars into attractive, functional containers.

When your main bathroom is tiny, creative storage solutions become essential. We live with a very small bathroom and have been steadily improving storage and styling through practical DIY projects. One easy and inexpensive idea is to upcycle thrifted containers into coordinated storage jars that suit your bathroom’s color palette.

While browsing a local thrift store, I found a set of glazed pottery mugs and decided to convert them into painted jars to match the beachy tones in our bathroom. With a bit of chalk paint, mason jar lids, and a few small knobs, these thrifted pieces became attractive holders for cotton balls, q-tips, and small toiletries.

Brown ceramic handleless mugs are painted in white paint to become an upcycled DIY paint craft. — Upcycle thrift store glazed ceramic mugs or glass jars into useful small bathroom storage using chalk paint.

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How to Use FolkArt Chalk for DIY Painted Jars

Supplies you’ll need

Thrift-store glass or glazed ceramic containers (mugs, jars, or small crocks)
FolkArt Chalk paint in colors such as Adirondack and Grotto
Mason jar lids (or other flat lids that fit your containers)
Small drawer knobs or handle-style knobs for lids
Craft paintbrush for smooth application
Hot glue and a hot glue gun
Soap, water, and a scrubbing pad for cleaning; optional fine sandpaper for scuffing glazed surfaces

Dark brown handleless mugs are turned into white containers using chalk paint. — Turn dark brown thrifted mugs into fresh, white bathroom storage containers using FolkArt Chalk paint.

Step-by-step process

1. Clean the containers thoroughly

Paint won’t adhere reliably to dirt, grease, or soap residue. Wash each piece in warm, soapy water and scrub away any buildup, then rinse and dry completely. For glazed pottery, lightly scuffing the surface with fine-grit sandpaper can help promote better adhesion, though FolkArt Chalk often bonds well to many surfaces without heavy sanding.

2. Apply the first coat of paint with consistent strokes

Use a quality craft brush and paint in one direction with long, even strokes. Try to keep the brushwork smooth and avoid overworking the paint while it’s wet. A thin first coat helps establish a uniform base for further coats.

glazed pottery mugs painted with one coat of Folk art chalk paint — Long, smooth brush strokes help create an even finish with chalk paint.

3. Observe recommended dry times and add additional coats

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying times between coats—this helps avoid lifting or uneven texture. In my case, the directions advised waiting two hours between coats. The paint can look dry on the surface quickly, but allowing proper cure time reduced the number of coats needed for full coverage. Depending on color contrast and surface, two to three coats are often sufficient; I applied additional coats to reach the desired opacity.

4. Paint the lids and finish with sealer

Paint your mason jar lids the coordinating color (I used Grotto for lids). Chalk paint often covers metal lids well with just one coat. After all painted surfaces are fully dry, apply a clear sealer formulated for chalk paint. The sealer brushes on like paint and dries to a smooth, protective finish that makes the jars more durable for everyday bathroom use.

A clear sealer gives painted jars a smooth, protective finish.

5. Attach knobs to lids

Once the sealer is dry, attach small drawer knobs to the center of each lid using hot glue. Press firmly until set. These knobbed lids are easy to lift and add a charming finishing touch. The completed jars fit nicely on a narrow shelf above a sink or toilet and make attractive storage for cotton balls, q-tips, hair ties, or makeup pads.

bathroom vignette — Small painted jars are perfect for organizing essentials on narrow bathroom shelves.

Tips and variations

If you prefer a smoother finish, sand lightly between coats with very fine sandpaper and wipe clean.
For glass jars, remove labels and adhesive residue with a soaking and gentle scraping before painting.
Instead of commercial knobs, you can use decorative buttons, small ceramic pulls, or even knotted twine loops for a different look.
These painted jars also work well on a vanity, inside a linen closet, or on a vanity tray for a coordinated display.
To extend durability, choose a sealer rated for the type of traffic (light daily use in a bathroom is typical).

More small bathroom storage ideas

How to Organize a Bathroom Vanity
7 Clever & Creative Ideas for Small Bathroom Storage

For details about the yellow “Enjoy the Little Things” sign mentioned in this project, look for the blog post titled “Bathroom Decor Using FolkArt Chalk.”

{Disclosure: I was compensated for this post with product from FolkArt. However, all opinions are my own.}