Fun Frosted Cake Plates
These are an inexpensive way to decorate for holidays, making cake plates to match the theme of your Easter, Halloween, or Fourth of July festivities.
I have a small collection of cake plates, mostly clear or white, and I wanted something a bit more colorful—for tea parties, to display at holidays, and to dress up a table. While I have previously made cake stands out of found objects at the thrift store, this project would involve painting and would not require that the materials that make up the base and the plate be similar in color or style.
I started by perusing the local thrift stores for odd candlesticks, heavy wine or cocktail glasses, and glass or china plates in various sizes. (I like to choose plain or those with only light color decorations, as they cover the best with paint.) Bases and plates can normally be found for 50 cents to $2, maybe more depending on the market you are in. Add in the small amount of paint and adhesive you use and the overall cost comes out to be less than $4.
Because the paints dry quickly, this project can be completed in one day. To maximize your use of time and spray paint, I recommend doing multiple cake plates all at one time. (And while you’re at it, why not paint up a few of those extra clear florist vases you have lying around?)
NOTE: It is not recommended that you place food directly onto the plates. Find some pretty paper doilies or make some out of wax, parchment or kraft paper. And if you really want to get crafty, you can dye paper doilies with food coloring.
Supplies:
- Bases: candlesticks, cocktail glasses, small vases
- Plates: china or glass, various sizes
- GE Premium Waterproof Silicone for Windows (Dap makes a similar product)
- Rustoleum Frosted Glass Spray Paint
- Rustoleum Colored Spray Paint
Instructions:
Before beginning, remove any stickers and wash everything thoroughly. I recommend running things through the dishwasher and then hand drying any water residue. Then you need to match up the bases and plates. On candlesticks, make sure there is no wax residue, as paint will not adhere.
1. Frosted Glass Coat
In a well-ventilated area, set up newspaper as a protective layer. Lay your plate upside down, with base on top. (You will attach the base on Step 3.) Spray a light even coat of the Frosted Glass Spray over all surfaces. Let dry 15 minutes and repeat. Once the 2nd coat has been applied and is dry, turn over the plate and spray a light even coat over the surface of the plate. Let dry 15 minutes and repeat. Dry for 30 minutes. NOTE: Most spray paints will not adhere directly to glass, which is why you need the frosted glass coat to act as a primer.
2. Color Coat
Turn your plate upside down and set base on top. Spray your color over in an even light coat. Let dry, as recommended on the can, and repeat until desired color is achieved. Then you can flip over and do the same on the surface of the plate. NOTE: It is not necessary that each coat is completely uniform, and do not try to even out the coats, as this will result in a layer that is too thick and will run. Be patient and do 2-4 thin color layers.
3. Attaching Base to Plate
Once the paint has completely dried (try to wait 2-3 hours), turn your plate over. There should be a white ring with no paint on it, where your base sat while painting. This is where you are going to apply your waterproof silicone sealant. Squeeze a thick ring of sealant around that white edge and place your base on top, pressing firmly. Leave to dry for a few hours upside down, then you can turn it over to finish curing. Wait overnight to begin using, so that the silicone is fully set. (Because you have used a waterproof sealant, you can gently wash your cake plate as needed. )
Now, you are ready to use your new cake plate for either food or decoration. Remember to put down a paper doily or piece of wax or parchment paper between the plate and the food.
Tips:
While you want your work area to be well ventilated, make sure that there is no floating debris or dust. Particles of dust, animal hair, or other debris can adhere to the painted surface as it is drying and cannot be removed.
Because you should use a generous amount of silicone to attach the base to the plate, some may seep out around the edges. Because this is the bottom, it is unlikely to be seen, but feel free to clean up with a metal or wooden object. (Do not use Q-Tips, as they will leave cotton strands behind.)
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