How to Paint An Antique Gumball Machine

An antique gumball machine turned whimsical!

I learn something new with every newly styled gumball machine!

With this being my very first ANTIQUE gumball machine, you know there was a lesson or FIVE involved! Can we please start a gumball revolution fancy family?! 100% of my past painted gumball machines were newly ordered from Amazon. They are relatively lightweight, easy to disassemble, and fully intact!

This one is made of cast iron, meaning it weighs A LOT, was challenging to disassemble (user error LOL), and had a large crack on the faceplate.

Using Dixie Belle paint on a gumball machine

Preparing the gumball machine to paint

It belongs to my aunt, so saying no to the project was not an option!

Once the machine was disassembled and the remnants of gumball shells and paper wrappers were removed from the inside, I gave it a good wipe down with White Lightning and rinsed it well with water.

Since the machine is slick metal, I used Slick Stick which is my go-to primer for all slick surfaces.

You apply one coat and let it dry overnight. Then follow with a second coat the next day and allow it to dry for several hours before you begin painting.

Pro tip: I almost always apply Slick Stick with a stipple motion.

Repairing time!

While the Slick Stick dried, I decided to tackle the large crack on the faceplate.

Using Dixie Belle Mud, I filled the large cracked area and smoothed it out as much as possible.

Using Dixie Belle Mud in white to fill crack in cast iron gumball machine

I allowed this to dry overnight before sanding back smooth with a fine-grit pad.

It worked beautifully!

sanded down dixie belle mud to repair gumball machine

WoodUBend additions

Adding WoodUBend trim around the base always adds so much to these gumball machines.

Applying WUB trim to gumball machine that was heated with a heat gun

This time, I chose to stack two trims and I'm thrilled with how it looks!

WoodUBend is easy to use. Just apply heat, add glue, and press into place.

It's color time!

I landed on the colors Antebellum Blue, In the Navy, and Peacock.

I covered the entire base with Antebellum Blue and let it dry.

Painting on dixie belle paint on a gumball machine to upcycle

An ombre effect was created by adding In the Navy to the bottom third and Peacock to the upper third, blending each into the Antebellum.

Ombre effect with blended dark and light blue chalk mineral paints from dixie belle

Pro Tip: Keeping the gumball machine on a turntable helps this process.

I used the same three colors of blue to paint a WoodUBend applique that I was planning to apply to the glass globe.

Using In the Navy to paint WoodUBend applique for gumball machine upcycling

Finished color blend for applique that will be applied to glass of gumball machine

The top of the gumball machine is painted in a starburst pattern using the three blues as well; however, I used a paint wash technique to soften the overall sharp edges of that design. Paint washing means adding a lot of water to paint and sometimes wiping it back slightly.

Using Titebond wood glue, I attached the gorgeous applique to the glass globe.

Applying titebond on painted back of WoodUBend applique

WoodUBend applique applied to glass dome of gumball machine

Finished view of applique on gumball machine

Make sure to heat the applique first, then press it into place. Also, make sure to cover the entire backside with glue.

I also paint the backside of the appliques on the glass, so the raw wood color does not show from the other side.

Metal leafing on the gumball machine faceplate

Now for that repaired faceplate!

I brushed on a single coat of metal leaf adhesive and waited thirty minutes.

Painting metal leaf adhesive onto front of gumball machine

I applied it to the screw on the top, the faceplate, and the coin handle.

Wrapping metal leaf on top screw for gumball machine

Once it became full tack, I laid down the silver leaf sheets and brushed away the excess.

Placing silver metal leafing on faceplate of gumball machine

Brushed off metal leafing to smooth out application to gumball machine

Metal leafing is a huge favorite of mine, and I just love an opportunity to use it!

I brushed on a single coat of metal leaf sealer to all the silver leaf areas (not the paint) to protect this finish and keep it looking fresh!

It is time to enhance the gorgeous new trim around the base and the applique on the globe.

I used Dixie Belle's silver gilding wax and a small craft brush to dry brush all the raised areas, which is excellent for highlighting the trim work!