This month’s 12 Months of Martha box arrived packed with glass paint—and an exciting glass spray paint kit. I looked at the contents, then at a plain cake dome on my shelf, and decided it was begging for a quick makeover. Since anything displayed under a cake dome practically screams “YUM,” I thought it would be fun to spell that message out right on the glass. If you have a dome lying around, consider jazzing it up too—you’ll have a great excuse to bake or buy a delicious treat to display inside.
Supplies you’ll need:
Glass cake dome
Glass paint
Glass spray paint kit (mixing medium + spray bottle)
Wide painter’s tape
Letter stencils (or print your own letters)
X-Acto knife and cutting board
Pencil
Protective surface such as a garbage bag or tarp
Start by covering a section of your cutting board with painter’s tape large enough for all the letters, or prepare each letter individually. Trace your stencil letters onto the tape and carefully cut them out with an X-Acto knife. Work slowly to keep edges clean and to avoid tearing the tape.
Peel your tape stencils from the board and apply them to the cake dome. Depending on your letter shapes this can take a bit of patience—adhere from bottom to top and from one side to the other for better alignment and fewer bubbles. Cover any areas you don’t want painted with additional tape or protective masking so overspray won’t reach the rest of the dome.
Now prepare the spray paint. The kit’s process is simple and impressive: mix a 1:1 ratio of the spray medium and the chosen paint color in the provided mixing bottle. Shake thoroughly until fully combined to ensure an even spray consistency.
After mixing, remove the lid from the mixing bottle and attach the spray top, making sure the plastic dip tube is properly secured. Test the spray on scrap material to confirm the flow and that the color is mixed evenly—the spray can be a little temperamental the first time you use it.
Set your dome on a protected surface—garbage bag, drop cloth, or tarp—and hold the spray bottle about 8–10 inches from the glass. Spray evenly in a steady motion to avoid pooling. Apply a light coat, allow it to dry, then repeat with another coat or two if you want more opacity. Let each coat dry fully for the best results.
Once the paint has set, remove the tape stencils carefully. If you’re impatient like me, you can peel them before everything is completely dry, but taking your time will produce cleaner edges. If any paint seeped under the stencil, a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover can lift small mistakes without harming the rest of the finish—test in an inconspicuous spot first.
When everything looks good, place your favorite treats under the dome and enjoy the display. A decorated cake dome makes a simple dessert feel special and is an easy way to personalize your kitchen or a party table.
Imagine the surprise if you hid a small cake piñata under this dome—what a fun reveal. For the photos here I used Trader Joe’s macarons as a prop; they’re a great frozen option that comes in packs and tastes delicious. No need to sample every one to know they’re a crowd-pleaser.
This simple project is one of many quick, satisfying DIYs that turn ordinary items into charming accents. Fill your stenciled dome with cookies, cupcakes, or any sweet treat and let it become a statement piece on your counter or dessert table.
All photos by Studio DIY
This project was created as part of the 12 Months of Martha program; ideas and opinions are my own.