So I mentioned on Tuesday that I went on spray painting rampage this last weekend and it wasn’t just limited to my front porch furniture revamp. Oh no girl, I sprayed everything that wasn’t moving. Â Spray paint is my weakness!
So long story short, I have been loving all of the bright high gloss jewelry and accessories coming out for spring/summer. Â I want it all, every color! I had a little spray painting epiphany when I was loading up my basket at Target couple weeks ago as this sea of fun and bright jewelry jumped out at me:
As I looked at the enamel finish on all these baubles at Target, I knew from my experience that enamel spray paint can give the exact same kind of high gloss finish and once it’s dried and hardened, it is indestructible! Â I put all of the jewelry back on its hooks and I couldn’t get home fast enough to start spraying!
So let me just show you a few before and after pictures before I jump into the instructions. Â I bet you have similar pieces tucked away in a junk box somewhere:
Oh yeah, Momma has some new jewels!!
I cannot tell you just how easy it is to do this! Â And yes, if you use enamel spray paint or if you seal your non enamel spray paint with Rustoleum Clear Gloss Enamel and let it dry for 48 hours, the paint will not chip or flake and it is just as durable as the high gloss jewelry that’s out today! Â Again, if you do not use an enamel spray paint, you will have to use to seal the top coat with this:
There are a few little tricks needed to spray your old junk jewelry that will make the process a lot easier and also ensure that you have the perfect finish. Â Below are the instructions to help you with the transforming yours pieces!
Instructions
1) Use scotch tape or plastic wrap to cover any hardware that you don’t want sprayed. Â This is good for clasps and hooks or you can cover areas with tape to create a two-toned look like I did:
2) Prepare the surface of your old jewels by cleaning with soap and hot water. This is especially important with old dingy junk jewelry!
3) For easier spraying, you can hang your jewels by clipping a binder hook to something that you don’t mind that will be painted. Â Then drape the jewels over the binder clip:
4) It’s really important to prepare the surface by spraying a thin coat of spray primer and let it completely dry (at least an hour):
5) Spray your first light coat of your colored paint and move the can back and forth quickly while spraying. Â Again, just barely cover with this first coat so you don’t get any drips or too much paint on the piece:
6) After 30-60 minutes, spray a second light coat of your colored paint again, moving quickly and keeping it thin. Â Your goal is to lightly layer the color to prevent drips. Â If you are spraying a beaded necklace or bracelet, you will need to move the beads around after about an hour to make sure they do not stick:
7)Chances are you will only need two coats. You want as little paint as possible. Â Just enough to cover the pieces because too much paint will clump.
If you are not using an enamel spray paint, you will need to wait at least 1-2 hours and then spray a very light coat of the Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. Â Spray another thin coat about 2 hours later.
8) Enamel paints take a very long time to dry/harden.  It will take at least 48 hours for the spray enamel to dry completely.  Once it’s hardened, you will be amazed by how durable the finish is!
I also wanted to share all of the colors that I used to give you some ideas. Â My favorite color of all the pieces that I did was the ones done in brushed gold. Â Rustoleum Specialty Metallic in “Metallic Gold” is by far, the best gold spray paint on the market and it’s perfect for jewelry revamps because it looks exactly like the color of the brushed gold jewelry on the market today:
There is a trick to spraying the gold. Â Because the Rustoleum Metallic Gold is not an enamel, I had to do seal it with the Crystal Clear Enamel. Â When I did that, the metallic part of the gold burnished. Â So the trick is to seal it with the Crystal Clear but after an hour or so, lightly, lightly and quickly spray just enough Metallic Gold to get the metallic look again. Â This way the finish will be just as durable and still a pretty gold.
The green I used was Rustoleum Gloss Enamel in Fern:
The turquoise was Valspar Gloss in Exotic Sea. Â This is not an enamel so I had to seal it with Crystal Clear. Â I also think this is the best turquoise color on the market:
The gorgeous light turquoise/sea foam color is Krylon Gloss in Ocean Breeze:
If I could have got my hands on a can of Krylon Coral Isle, I would have twice as much new jewelry but there was not a can to be had in my town. Â If you can find Coral Isle, that would be a gorgeous color for bangles and beaded necklaces. Â This is what Coral Isle looks like:
That image came from the fabulous Mandi at one of my favorite blogs Vintage Revivals.
Well have I convinced you to drag out your old junk jewelry? Â I sure hope so because it was so fun watching these pieces go from junk to something fabulous and it hardly cost a thing! I’m ready for spring and summer with my great new baubles!
So which piece is your favorite? Â I love them all but that gold cross beaded bangle is my favorite. Â I can’t wait to wear it and you would never know it was spray painted! Ha!!
Thank you for hanging out with me today and I am skipping Friday Favorites again tomorrow but will be back on my regular schedule next week.
Cheers!
Cyndy
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katherine shauger says
Cyndy, I’m so going to do this. Was cruising long necklaces just last night for silver/navy blend, for jeans and jacket. So will spray some of stands darkest navy…. I’m also liking turquoise w/navy. Earrings for sure…. My new fav in baskets is spray painted/dyed bottoms, great look. Thanks again for another fabulous idea Cyndy, love, your ideas….. Katherine in Portland.
Cyndy says
Thank you sweet Katherine! I did some long strands of beads in Valspar Indigo Streamer (Navy) that are not pictured and they turned out fabulous! Lowe’s carries Valspar Indigo but it’s not an enamel so be sure and pick up the Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. I plan on mixing the indigo with the green pieces you see and white and gold. Girl, I’m gonna be blinged out!! You’ll love the Indigo Streamer! Big hugs friend!
Ella Elizabeth says
This is incredible! I’m always on the lookout for ways to revamp my jewellery collection (half of which I forget about and end up hardly wearing) so I’m definitely going to be trying this out. I just hope I can get hold of some enamel spray paint just as easily in the UK!
Thanks for the fab tutorial,
Ella,
Little Scarlet Robin
Cyndy says
Thanks Ella! I’m sure there are some great enamels in the UK. Seems to be that there is an awesome brand that we can’t get in the states? I can’t remember the name but I think if your checked online, you could find sources. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Tanya says
You are so good with spray paints! Great job done with those tiny pieces. Love the colors too
Cyndy says
Thanks Tanya! I can’t stop spraying! LOL! Thanks for stopping by!
Megan says
What a great idea, Cyndy! I love how all your pieces turned out. Way to think outside of the box. 🙂
Cyndy says
Thanks Megan! It’s addicting! I can’t stop!! LOL!!
Shemiah says
This makes my summer! I love trendy jewelry and sometimes buy it often because it’s inexpensive but then of course it does fade or tarnish. I don’t like to be wasteful so this is a perfect solution!!
Cyndy says
Thanks Shemiah!
Lee says
What great makeovers, I am in New Zealand so probably cannot get this exact brand of paint but should be able to get something similar. I plan to use the same idea you have but on a chandelier that I removed from my mums house before I sold it. I think I might either jazz it up with a colour or use a silver spray. At the moment it is a dull gold and won’t really work with my decor, I want to hang it over my breakfast bar.
Thanks for this great post as I can easily follow instructions and cover up the crystal droplets just like you did on the earring fittings.
Lee 🙂
Cyndy says
Thanks Lee! Yes, this process should work for a chandelier as well and would be fabulous! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Janet says
Thanks for the inspiration – I have a box of jewlry that could be updated this way! Do you have a paint recommendation for creating silver jewelry? I’m envisioning a brushed or “aged” silver, not a chrome look.
Cyndy says
Thanks Janet! I really don’t like any of the silvers out there. I think you would like the Rustoleum Brillaint Metallics in silver because its more of a brushed silver look and not chrome. Please let me know if you give it a try and what you think of the silver.
Judith Wilson says
I live in a small town in northern Belize. There are car part shops here that sell Ambro spray paint that’s for cars. I like how the Chrome Plate color does for silver, surprisingly! I like the Abro gold but it’s not so good for jewelry, but just got my Rusoleum Specialty Metallic Gold yesterday and can’t wait to try it! I LOVE this page, and have read it about 24 times. LOVE to do my own jewelry!
Traci says
I have thought of painting some of my older jewelry but I wasn’t quite sure how it would hold up so thank you for all your great tips. I am not sure that I understand which spray paints are the enamel paints? But I think I will be paint some jewelry tomorrow.
Traci
Christy@ plantedandbloominggirl.blogspot.com says
I love this idea! I am doing this today!!! Thanks for the idea!!
Jessie says
I really like this idea! I was just wondering how you got the stretch bracelet to get such good coverage. Do you need to stretch it while painting it? I am just unclear on how to get in all the nooks and crannies. Thanks for this tutorial!
Ilana says
Hi, thank you for this tutorial! I have a question – can you do this for hardware (clasps and findings and shoe buckles)? I have some that needs to become silver/steel-toned (from gold-toned), and it’s not expensive enough to be worth taking to jeweler for replacement, but keeps me from using them. Would hardware like bracelet clasps still work after being sprayed?
Ayla says
This tutorial is everything! Thanks so much for sharing!
Nikki says
Hi Cyndy,
Can you tell me what gold you used? It’s just what I’m looking for to repurpose old jewelry!
Valerie says
Wonderful info here! Thnx. Can you recommend a product that would duplicate a sterling silver finish? Have been wanting to paint a thrift store bracelet that has a not so nice gold finish but have not figured out how to get that done…i do appreciate the wealth of information on your site. So happy to have come here.
Valerie says
Your site is saving me lots of time & research hours!
The Beautifulbeing says
Cyndy,
girl you have made my morning!! I knew there was a way to do this. I am so grateful that I found you! I am so hooked on before and afters. I have place your site on my favorites and will be checking with you on the regular to see what you come up with next! You are awesome girl!
Jackie says
Hi Cindy,
Does this work with silver toned jewlry that has lost it’s shine? Have you tried re-paitining using silver?
Thanks!
Chrislyn says
I’m with Jennifer. Is there a “metallic silver” that I can use to transform my faded silver fashion jewelry back to new?
Rachel Jones says
I loved this idea and shared the link on FB but several people commented wondering about the safety of wearing spray paint against your skin. I didn’t know how to answer and I didn’t see where you addressed this on your page so–just wondering how you would answer that concern? Thanks! 🙂
Cyndy says
Most costume jewelry sold today in stores, especially the colored pieces is an enamel finish. Of course, I can’t for sure say whether or not something is toxic to the skin. I guess I would say if you can where all the costume jewelry out there with all the various finishes like enamel, you’re probably ok. However, I cannot say for certainty, so I would not do it if you have any questions. Thanks for sharing Rachel.
Cai A says
Still one question:
This is great– exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’ve been wanting to refresh the look of some old costume jewelry that used to be “gold” and thought spray paint just might work. I still have one question, though: what sort of primer did you use? Your pieces look awesome– thanks for posting them!
Sarah says
I am going to try this out on some non-metal jewelry. How have your pieces held up?
Beka says
Ooh! Very well done! I love the gradient bracelets!
Jawana Jackson says
Cyndy-I too love spray painting ANYHING!!!! I recently bought a 37 inch circles necklace and I want to re-do it in a gold tone. Can I please send it to you and have you refinish this piece? I will pay you plus any shipping to do the job. It is a very special piece and want it done right. It was a necklace belonging to my mother who passed in November of 2013. As an only child being able to wear the piece that belonged to her would mean so much to me. I was lucky to find someone who is an expert in this area. Thanks for your attention and looking forward to receiving a favorable response. In peace, Jawana
Glenna says
I have a custom order for earrings needing the leaves painted green and I am nervous but going to give it a try. Seems like a lot of layers of paint/product and I’m worried about the smell lingering. Glad I found your post in my search!
Kim says
Hi… I painted some filagree last weekend for earrings and the smell is definately lingering! They look awesome, but I can’t sell/list them on my site until the smell is gone. Maybe it’s the brand of clear sealant I used? Not sure. I’ve heard that a heat gun might help to finish the curing process so that the smell goes away but to be careful not to burn the paint. I will try this tonight on a few of the pieces, hoping that will help. I’ll post here with my results! Anyone else have trouble with that laquer-ish paint smell?
Eva K. says
Thank you for the tips! I am still having a bit of a problem with the pieces that are simply too small to hang. It goes frustratingly like this….
I get a beautifully fully cured finish on one side of about 500 pieces of jewelry “findings” and then I flip them over and continue the process on the other side. I am careful to do the THINNEST coats possible, yet, somehow, the paint from the second side curls around and affects the first side that I did. When I pick up the pieces to move them, yep, the first side is ruined. Sometimes even sticking to whatever surface I have them on and pulling off the paint in places. If I flip again to fix those,,,the same thing happens to the OTHER side! HELP, PLEASE!!!!
Is there a product I can use to place the pieces on so that the paint won’t travel? I have tried cardboard,linen cloth (the cloth got stuck to the paint!) and wax paper. I have also tried two different spray paints. Krylon and Rustoleum. I spray from a distance of 10 inches and never fully cover the piece the first time with either the primer or the paint. I am using very light coats. These pieces are very tiny though, and meant to hold 18pp crystals. I keep removing the paint and trying again. One side is drying….AGAIN. I will try and wait for your advice until I attempt even lighter coats with DAYS between them instead of the recommended 30-60 minutes (otherwise it recommends 48 hrs.). That is all I can think to do. When I spray from more distance though, I have found that the paint leaves a sandpaper-like feel….Not so attractive. Maybe I should use an old towel? I hope you still read your old posts…Eva
Christine37 says
Thanks a lot for this marvelous tuto. what a good idea to paint odl jewelery. hope I will find that kind of paint in France. I believe similar product does exist. Thanks a lot for your share.
Sarah says
For everyone that has asked about spray painting to get a silver tone color, I used Krylon’s Premium Metallic in Chrome and it worked wonderfully.
Debbie says
Thanks for all the painting tips but do have a question. I want to paint metal pieces in matte pinks, purples, blue etc. Any suggestions on an inexpensive paint to accomplish this? thanks much
Nancy says
I love the gold too that you did. I have a sterling silver necklace that is very important to me but I never wear sterling silver I only wear gold. Could I do the same thing with my silver necklace without worrying about destroying it?
Marie Ammann says
Any suggestions for taking a silver ring and painting it jet black in a way that will allow it to keep its color?
TDavis says
Is it safe to use the enamel paint for jewelry that will be in prolonged direct contact with skin (i.e. necklaces and bracelets)?
Cyndy says
All costume jewelry is either enamel paint or metal coating. I have worn costume jewelry all of my life and have never had an issue with it or specifically, enamel paint. However, if you are sensitive to costume jewelry, chances are you would be sensitive to this process. Thanks for your note and stopping by.
Robyn says
Love this tutorial! Can you tell me which brand/type of primer is best? I can’t wait to try this!
Cyndy says
Hi Robyn! I like Rustoleum primer in white. Hope that helps. Thanks for your note and have fun transforming!
Mandy says
Hi Cyndy,
Since you’ve used enamel on jewelry, you would be the best person to ask about this.
I’ve thought about getting a ring that is either brass with white enamel paint or a tin alloy with shiny sliver enamel. When I wear metals with copper, it’s not on my finger for long before it and my skin starts turning green(I always remove jewelry before washing). Would enamel painted rings eventually fade and turn green?
Thank you!
Erin says
Can you recommend a paint for getting a natural pewter look?
ing says
I have been very interested in enamelling old jewellery since I saw your post about refurbishing old jewellery. I am currently living in the netherlands and cannot find anyone that ships to the NL. Do you know how I can get my hands on this clear gloss? Or do you maybe know what it might translate into in Dutch? I have searched everywhere but cannot find it and i really need something like for my jewellery designs. Can you please help me?
Thank you and love our page!
Ing
Diana says
You’re a God, Cyndy!
Maria says
Cyndy, these spray painted pieces are amazing! I have a bunch of faux brushed gold pieces that are looking junky. I’d love to freshen them up like you did with the metallic gold. I don’t trust myself, so I was wondering if you would be interested in doing some pieces for me, with payment of course!! If not, could you walk me through the process specifically for the Rustoleum Metallic Gold. Your new gold criss cross bracelet is gorgeous!
Sherry says
Hi. I need to know if I can use the gold colored spray paint that you spoke of on a pice of costume jewelry…a foux diamond solitair ring weith a gold colored band. The stone is a clear cubic sarconium (sp). What kind of spray paint and clear coat would I need to purchase? Also do I need to worry about any lead in the paint? Thank you so much.
Sherry
Walter says
How long can this spray paint on a wedding ring last?
Charlene says
Hi Cyndy,
Thanks for your tutorial, all your pieces look great. Regarding the metallic gold paint burnishing if the clear coat enamel is used, is there a way (besides what’s previously mentioned) to make sure the gold stays as bright as possible? When you spray the clear coat, do you spray the metallic gold immediately after or do you wait a few seconds/minutes before doing so? When you do this method, do you feel the clear coat is sufficiently covering the item? Also, is it possible or safe to wear the piece without the clear coat enamel? What are the pros and cons of that if you know any? (i.e. without coat, the paint will rub off on skin or is toxic, etc.)
Thanks in advance!
Jillian says
Hi! My boyfriend have me a promise ring and the paint on it has pretty much completely rubbed off! I love this idea! But in worried about covering the stone that’s set in it. I’m afraid that the paint would make it under the tape.. What are some other ways to keep paint off unwanted areas?
Cole says
I’ve used just regular elmers school glue to cover gems- a thick blob of it takes a whileto dry but peels right off in one peice when it does. Same as being a kid and putting some in your palm then peeling it off…if anyone did that besides me haha. Make sure its cheap, washable kid’s glue. They are water soluble too- so in the event of a mishap warm water will wash off even dried glue.
Kathleen Norton says
Hi, how can I spray on a gold finish that shines like regular new gold? Thank you.
Thecia Roulston says
Hey, those pieces that you spray painted look amazing! I’m doing some research before setting out to make jewelry and I want my pieces to be this nice and glossy but i’ concerned about how it affect people’s skin. Have you or anyone worn these and had any complications? are there any skin safe spray paints that you can recommend to a future jewelry maker?
Hayley says
I recently spray painted some of my oldest jewelry with gold spray paint to freshen it up a bit. I did everything that I was supposed to as far as giving it ample time to dry before wearing it. I wore it last night and I started rubbing off on my skin and now it looks like I didn’t even spray paint it. Is there something I’m not doing that I need to? Please help!
Kara says
Did you remember to put on the crystal clear enamel spray paint on after you let the gold dry for an hour or two?
Joe Kapala says
Cindy, Hi..
Believe it or not I have a challenge that might be up your ally. I have a Rosary (Catholic). The beads are made of stone/wire wrapped. I need to paint them and add a clear coat. Any suggestions?
Ana says
Hello, I was looking for some idea for my tarnished bracelets and this idea is an awesome one, I love it, but I am concerned about the spray paint, is it not toxic to the skin? This is my main concern.
Kerri Manjarrez says
My husband accidentally purchased the rustoleum clear matte enamel..I was thinking of using it on some new jewelry I made..but have never tried this type before..I use another kind. Some of the jewelry has a glossy finish. The main purpose I am looking for is to keep items from tarnishing or giving people the infamous green skin..maybe I should just spray the interior part..
Linda M Billings says
I see that I am going to spraying crazy! Can’t wait to go to the the Good will. Thanks for sharing! LMB
Doug Bates says
Cyndy, the coral paint you desire isn’t called coral anymore it’s called Sunrise @ Michael’s! Truly beautiful color to use. Thanks for ideas, I have alotof old pieces I’ve recently refurbished this exact same way. Doug B. Sparkle&Shine Bead Designs
Amy McIntyre says
Thank you so much for this post! I had a collection of gold colored jewelry that had lost their finish. They had all been signature pieces and cost a pretty penny. I held on to them hoping to find a way to restore them and thanks to your post I have a very nice collection of newly restored gold colored jewelry!!!
Suzanne Caster says
Thank you so much! A friend gave me some old costume jewelry and this will be the perfect way to give them new life!