DIY Wedding

How to Turn Blah Buttons into Bodacious Buttons

Diane Gilleland, contributor

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These buttons were customized with Sharpie paint markers—one of four methods for painting buttons we'll explore in this post.

Diane Gilleland

Here's a set embellished with ordinary hobby-store model paints.

Diane Gilleland

This group of buttons gets luminous color from nail polish.

Diane Gilleland

These buttons were customized with Sharpie paint markers—one of four methods for painting buttons we'll explore in this post.

Photo: Diane Gilleland

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Method Three: Model Paints
Hobby stores carry these little bottles of glossy or matte colors for painting plastic models. The paint is very thin and runny, but it gives opaque coverage with one coat, and the glossy finish in particular looks beautiful on buttons. This is by far the most fume-intensive option and will require a couple days' drying time. The paints come with their own thinner for cleanup.

Model paints are available in gloss or matte finishes.

Model paints held up well through washing and drying on some plastics but not on others.

Model paints held up fairly well in my washer/dryer test. There appears to be some variation depending on the type of plastic the button is made from—some of my samples emerged from the dryer with scuffs, and some were perfect. You can seal your buttons with clear polyurethane sealer before washing.

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Comments (20)

BluKatDesign writes: Fun idea! This could add a whole new dimension to my button earrings :)
Posted: 10:18 pm on April 26th

mrsg3 writes: Thanks for all of the ispirational ideas! I'm off to play : )
Marie
Posted: 2:23 pm on May 2nd

KimberlyJDC writes: I've been using nail polish for about a week now until I found this tutorial... I'll be buying Sharpie paint markers tomorrow! I've been using a piece of styrofoam to stick my "buttons on toothpicks" in to let them dry too. Thanks for a wonderful tutorial!
Posted: 10:53 am on March 31st

BeckyN writes: I knew there was a reason why I've hung onto all these old white buttons for so long - that some day I could justify this habit!

Thanks! Off to get Sharpies!
Posted: 8:42 am on March 28th

beaderonboard writes: What a great idea!!!
I have lots of white buttons, as soon as I get some Sharpie Paint markers I will paint them all.
Yeah, no more boring white buttons,
Now I'm thinking I will buy nothing but white buttons from now on, they are cheaper, and I can customize them.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea.
Posted: 3:12 pm on March 22nd

pinkroses writes: You can make earrings too.
I have made some
you need a jewerly plier and you pop off the back and put on a post of finds and there you have it pinkroses
Posted: 1:29 pm on March 22nd

paperrain writes: This is great stuff. I especially like the use of different paints, and polishes, in case you can't find the right color. And I think of all the plain buttons I've given away because I thought they were blah!

never again!
Posted: 4:52 pm on March 21st

samsstuff writes: Too cute & so simple, what a great idea! Thanks for trying out the different methods for us! Thanks for the article.
Posted: 4:23 pm on March 21st

Inba_Weisman writes: Great tutorial!
Posted: 3:49 pm on March 21st

DonnaLee50 writes: I have used the sharpies for designs with great results. One of my favorites ways to use white buttons is to dye them with fabric dye. Just add boiling water to a jar with a teaspoon of your choice of powdered dye and let sit until cool. Some plastic buttons will take the dye well and become vibrant and others do not work at all.
Posted: 3:29 pm on March 21st

PamHarris writes: I would never, ever have thought to paint buttons! I love the way they look and that you can make them truly your very own. -No two alike!
Posted: 1:12 pm on March 21st

kathidahl writes: I cannot wait to try this. I have some granddaughter projects coming up - these clever buttons will really make them pop!
Posted: 12:48 pm on March 21st

TisMsMarlo writes: This is a great way to add a personalized touch to a project and it's thrifty too. Another inspiring project thanks Craftstylish!
Posted: 11:57 am on March 21st

Average_Jane_Crafter writes: Such an awesome tutorial! First off, the toothpick idea is beyond brilliant - I love it! And I love the idea of customizing plain buttons. Fantastic!
Posted: 11:21 am on March 21st

sweetserenity writes: A perfect tutorial.
Posted: 11:05 am on March 21st

walkinthewoodsllc writes: This is such a fun-fun-fun idea! And, as a rabid waste-not upcycling champion, I adore the nail polish idea! While I don't wear it, I know several who do and who likely have bottles that they (shame on them) regularly discard! :)
Posted: 7:54 am on March 21st

sandysheep writes: What an excellent article!! So great that you showed the laundry results as well as all of the different materials!!
Great pix too. Can't wait to try it!
Posted: 7:48 am on March 21st

Glorijane writes: I wish I thought of that, you just added a whole new level to my Button Bracelets that I make.
Posted: 5:21 pm on March 20th

JenniferStern writes: I love it...what an easy way to get buttons that match the fabric!!
Posted: 2:34 pm on March 20th

eyesaflame writes: Great job giving us not only the toothpick holder tips, but also showing how they hold up after washing! That's invaluable . . .
Posted: 1:05 pm on March 20th

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