Give Your Glass Kitchen Canisters a Makeover with this Easy DIY
Try an easy kitchen canister makeover with a simple DIY to give glass jars a stylish update with copper lids and chalkboard labels.
Looking for ways to spruce up the kitchen on a budget? I’m excited to share a glass canister DIY that is perfect for displaying out on the kitchen counter or shelf.
Glass Canister DIY with Copper Lids and Chalkboard Labels
We have been using IKEA’s DROPPAR jars to hold our day-to-day ingredients for a few years now. Our family moves around often since we are a military family and our current kitchen situation is a rental house in beautiful Okinawa, Japan.

We live super close to the Pacific ocean with a beach just blocks down the street. Our house is full of natural light with lots of windows and doors including steel shutters for typhoon season.
The kitchen is almost all white with various tints in the linoleum floors, tile backsplash, walls, and appliances. I’ve been busy finding ways to add more interest with simple makeovers on a budget.
I recently found dollar store copper pulls to temporarily replace plastic ones and it inspired me to add copper elsewhere.

A Glass Canister DIY with Copper Lids and Chalkboard Labels
Give your kitchen canister set a makeover in a few simple steps.
Materials
- IKEA DOPPAR Canisters or other kitchen container sets
- Copper spray paint
- Chalkboard paint
- Chalk
- Clear coat of acrylic spray paint or polyurethane
Tools
- Painter's tape
- Cardboard or other painting surface
- Paint brush
Instructions
- Clean canisters and lids and let them dry completely.
- Layout lids on a drop cloth, cardboard, or other disposable surfaces in a well-ventilated area.
- Read the instructions on your spray can for the best results. Shake can at least 60 seconds. Test the paint spray on a scrap piece. Spray a light coat on the lids paying attention to the sides and holding the can 12-18 inches away. Slowly move the can back and forth to prevent drips. Metallic paint has great coverage so one coat may cover the lids completely. If not, spray a second coat once the first coat is dry to the touch.
- Optional: Spray a coat of clear or polyurethane paint to protect against dings and scratches.
- Cut a piece of paper down to the size of a label that will fit on your canisters. Prep your glass or other material canisters by marking out a rectangle with the paper template using painter's tape.
- Use a small craft brush and paint chalkboard paint onto the canisters. Let dry. Add a second coat if needed.
- Carefully remove the painter's tape. Touch up paint as needed.
- Optional: Once dry, season the chalkboard labels with a piece of chalk by rubbing it on and wiping it off a few times.
- Place your favorite ingredients in the canisters and display them on the kitchen counter or shelf.
Notes
Your label sizes can be different on different size canisters. You can spray-paint the entire lid even if it is glass and/or metal. Save on materials and use whatever paint you already have!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Rust-Oleum 314559 Universal All Surface Spray Paint, 11 Ounce (Pack of 1), Copper Rose
- e-concreto One Coat Blackboard Paint Black + Chalk (16 fl. oz.) | Water-based and Non-toxic | Black Chalkboard Paint
- Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids - Set of 4 Kitchen Canisters - Candy, Cookie, Rice and Spice Jars - Sugar or Flour Container - Big and Small Airtight Food Jar for Pantry
What You Need for Canister DIY
Even though I used the IKEA Doppar canister set for this simple makeover, any kitchen canister or jar set that needs an update would work! Even outdated ceramic or plastic ones.
You’ll also need your favorite metallic paint and chalkboard paint or match your kitchen colors with the lid paint. Don’t forget newspaper or scrap cardboard, painter’s tape, and a paintbrush.
How to Makeover Kitchen Canisters
First, you’ll want to clean and dry the canisters if needed. I just wiped the outsides of mine and kept the ingredients inside.
Lay your lids in a well-ventilated area and spray 1-2 coats of metallic spray paint. Seal with a coat of clear or polyurethane.

Tape out a rectangle in the middle of each canister to create a label. Use a piece of paper or business card for a template.


Paint 2 coats of chalkboard paint for each label letting the paint dry to the touch between layers.

After the last coat of chalkboard paint, while it is still wet, remove the painter’s tape. This will help prevent peeling that you can get with dry paint and painter’s tape. Touch up any streaks or spots as needed.

Wait 24 hours for the paint to cure then season the chalkboard labels with chalk. Â Simply rub chalk on the paint then wipe off.


Don’t they look spiffy? I really like how they tie in with the copper pulls.

Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, DIYs, decorating tips, room tours, and home inspiration. I’ll see you over there!

They also match DIY seasoning and spice jars that are over my oven-stop top. Make sure to see this full kitchen makeover for more rental-friendly kitchen ideas and our next rental kitchen in mainland Japan!
I also love these decorating tips for glass canisters and a beautiful display idea.
Do you have any favorite IKEA hacks?

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Absolutely awesome, as usual Kathy! I really like the copper look and I’m sure they go really well in your kitchen. I love how you make things looks so easy but also incredibly professional.
Wow! That made my day Sam. The project actually went smoothly… lol but that’s not always the case. 🙂
i love how these turned out! they look fab!
Thanks! They needed it. lol
The copper lids give these generic canisters such a high end look. Awesome work lady 🙂
Yay! I love hearing that. Thanks for stopping by Kristine. xoxo
They look amazing, Kathy! I love your style 🙂
Thanks LZ!! I love your style too. I’m so glad you stopped by. xoxo