Upcycling Vases with Paint Markers
Have you ever received flowers that came in a glass vase and wondered what to do with it afterward?
Instead of storing it away, try turning it into a beautiful piece of seasonal décor.
Author: Lisa Goldstein
Publish Date: March 21, 2026
With Shake & Paint Acrylic Paint Markers, it’s easy to transform a plain glass vase into a colorful decoration perfect for spring, Easter, or any special occasion. These opaque paint markers work on a variety of surfaces and are great for adding custom designs to everyday objects.
Important: Shake & Paint markers are not food-safe or dishwasher-safe, so they should not be used on glasses or dishes that you plan to drink or eat from.
For this project, we used the Black Edition Metallic Shake & Paint markers along with the Black Shake & Paint marker to add finer details.
Preparing Your Paint Markers
Before using your markers, they need to be primed so the paint flows into the tip.
Shake, pump, and paint!
- Step 1: Shake the marker well.
- Step 2: Pump the tip on a scrap surface until paint begins to flow.
- Step 3: Once the tip is saturated, you’re ready to start decorating.

Test Before You Paint
Before decorating your vase, it’s a good idea to test your markers on a similar surface first. This helps you see how the paint looks and ensures you’ll get the effect you want.
If you don’t have another glass item to test on, simply test the paint on the bottom of your vase.
Decorating Your Vase
Once you’re happy with the test results, it’s time to start designing!
Paint any pattern or design you like—florals, dots, seasonal icons, or abstract patterns all work beautifully. When finished, allow the paint to dry completely.
In this example, we created Spring and Easter-themed designs, but these vases can easily be customized for any holiday, event, or home décor style.

Enjoy Your Personalized Décor
That’s it! With just a few paint markers and a little creativity, you can turn an ordinary vase into a one-of-a-kind decorative piece.
Enjoy your new, personalized décor and give those old vases a fresh new life!
