Colored Mason Jars

First of all who doesn't love mason jars. Something so simple but versatile that it can be used in so many different ways to add that extra something.  I really liked this pin when I saw it on Pinterest because I thought they were so cute and seemed so easy. I did some research to see which would be the best way to go about it as some said to use Modpodge while others said to use Elmer's Glue. Some said to apply it on the outside of the jars while others said to put it on the inside. Not being able to decide which one would be easier or better I did both.

Mod Podge vs. Elmer's Glue
Between these two I preferred the Mod Podge. It was thinner and easier to apply more evenly. I used the Elmer's Glue hoping that it would provide a more glossy finish that would help the glass look naturally tinted rather than painted. The Mod Podge I had on hand was mat finish which made the jars look like they were dirty/filmy. One of the directions also said to add water to the Mod Podge, do not do this! The water thins it out enough that it just streaks and drips.
Unfortunately the Elmer's Glue had the opposite problem, it was too thick. That made it really hard to apply it evenly. It was thicker in some places than othes, it took forever to dry and the brush strokes were very obvious.
Based on the finish of your Mod Podge I would recommend this over the Elmer's Glue anytime. Even though it's kind of difficult to get it on without streaks, as it dries much faster the streaks are far less obvious than the glue and it's just much easier to work with.

Inside vs. Outside
I'm not really sure which one of these methods was easier than the other. The outside method was easier to apply but was tricky to dry since I couldn't set it down because of painting the bottom. The inside method was slightly trickier to apply but super easy drying as I could just leave it on the table. One of the effects that I was trying to do was apply it heavier on the top and bottom to make those darker hence making it more realistic since the glass would be thicker at those points. For this, painting it on the inside was easier as any excess would collect at the bottom making it darker. Painting the jar from the outside made it trickier for the color to collect and be darker at those points.

Overview:
This project was actually a lot of fun. Once I figured out the method I liked better it took no time at all and I really enjoyed it's simplicity. The good thing as well as the bad thing is that it can easily be washed off. If you mess it up and want to try again just run some water over it and wipe it away unfortunetly the one I finally decided I liked the best accidentally got wet and it was ruined, so beware the danger.

*I also spray painted a couple of jars. I loved the way they looked and of course it was easy but they did have a problem with drips so I obviously need to work on my spray painting technique. If you are good with a can though I would say go for it because I really liked those ones.*