Set the bottles on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area, spacing them so you can walk around them. Hold the can 30 cm from the surface and apply the first coat in slow, sweeping passes. The goal is a light, even veil of colour, not full coverage. Thin coats prevent drips and give you the flat matte finish that looks expensive; one thick coat gives you a shiny, uneven mess. Let the first coat dry for the time stated on the can (usually 20 to 30 minutes) before applying a second.

Once the bottles are fully covered and completely dry, leave them undisturbed on the drop cloth for the full cure time on the can. Resist moving them. When the surface no longer feels faintly tacky and the sheen is uniform and flat, they are ready.

Letter each kraft label with a single word: "Hemlock", "Nightshade", "Wormwood", or any apothecary-style name in block capitals. Cut a 20 cm length of twine per bottle, thread it through the label hole or tie it around the label, and knot it firmly to the bottle neck. Trim any excess twine close to the knot so the label sits flush.