It may sound strange, but one of my favorite types of DIY projects to make are dining pieces. Whether is is a napkin ring, drinking glass, napkin, or plates. I love creating a unique place setting entirely out of DIYs. Not only can I get what I want that way, but I really do enjoy the making process too! These custom colored glass plates are just another DIY of mine that fit into that dining category.

I was at IKEA shopping for the supplies for this project, and I found these plain circle glass plates for a dollar each. So naturally, as any good DIYer does, I loaded up my cart. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to make, but when you find plain glass plates at that price, you buy them out! Only half kidding. But in all seriousness, I am so glad I bought them, because with just a bit of spray paint and shellac I was able to create the perfect custom plates!

• Glass plates (as I mentioned, these ones from IKEA were only $1)
• Spray paint in one or several colors depending on whether you want your set to match (I used Montana Gold in Strawberry, Pink Pink, Lychee, and Shrimp)
• Spray Shellac Sealant
• Gold Paint pen for the rim (optional) – I used the Krylon 18kt gold Leafing Pen

Making your plates is as simple as spray painting the under side of the plates and letting the paint dry. Then, once dry, spraying the clear shellac over the paint to seal it and help protect against chipping and scratches. Once the shellac has cured according to the can directions, you can flip the plates over and use the gold paint pen to paint just the rim of the plates.

Now depending on what paint pen you get, this rim may not be food safe. I personally am not worried about my food touching the outer rim of the plate, so I went ahead and added the gold. But if you are concerned, either omit this step or use a food safe non-toxic paint for the rim.

Since you only painted the underside of the plates, the top has a nice and shiny appearance and they are food safe! I stopped at 4 plates for this post, but I can tell you that I likely be making more in every color of spray paint I own. And believe me, that is a lot of colors!