Painting glass can be a fun activity for kids on vacation, and it's an easy and fun way to brighten up your home. Glass has a smooth surface to paint and is translucent which results in stunning and beautiful designs. If you know the type of paint to use and how to properly paint glass panels, bottles, and glasses, you can create beautiful glass paintings in no time.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Paints and Brushes
Step 1. Use enamel paint for long-lasting decor
There are several types of enamel paint that produce a variety of looks. Everything takes time to dry completely, but will last a long time on the glass once it has hardened. Here are some types of enamel paints that you can try:
- Gloss enamel paint will give the thickest layer and a more opaque finish.
- Frosted glass enamel paint will provide a thin coat with a slight tint.
- Crystal gloss enamel paint (crystal gloss) will give results in between the two types of paint above.
Step 2. Choose acrylic and gesso paint for a more opaque (matte) finish
Gesso is a combination of a binder and a white powder that will make almost any surface paintable. Apply gesso paint as a base coat and acrylic paint as a cover coat for an opaque glass look.
Gesso and acrylic paints are best for bottles, glasses, or other containers with interesting shapes. The appearance of gesso and acrylic paints on a glass panel will look very similar to a paint canvas
Step 3. Use a glass liner and water-based glass paint for a simpler tinted glass look
A glass liner or lead will provide a dark, solid outline that can fill color and translucent paint. Outline the glass and color it in sections to create cool translucent colors like stained glass windows.
Trace the outline of the design on the glass before overwriting it with the liner. It's easier if you overwrite or remove the marker than it is to get rid of the liner
Step 4. Choose the right paint brush for the design
While you can use different types of paint brushes or other applicators when painting, the overall appearance of the finished product can change. Here are some types of paint brushes that you can try:
- Brushes with synthetic bristles will leave clear strokes so the finished result can look more homely and rustic. Use it for small and intricate designs.
- A natural bristled brush will produce a smoother, more even coat. This brush is great for painting undercoats on glass surfaces.
- The applicator sponge will provide an even and textured layer on the glass surface. Use a sponge to coat the entire surface of the glass or give it a slightly “frozen” look.
- Make sure you use the right brush size for painting. Smaller and narrower brushes are better suited for small designs, while wide and large brushes are ideal for painting large surfaces.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Glass Surface
Step 1. Clean and dry the glass surface
Use warm water and soap to get rid of any oil or fingerprints left on the glass as this will prevent the paint from sticking well and evenly on the glass. Try not to leave fingerprints or grease on the glass when you clean it.
- Wear latex gloves when cleaning the glass to prevent the transfer of oil on the skin of the hands to the glass.
- For a more thorough cleaning, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab instead of warm water and soap.
Step 2. Cover the area that can touch the mouth
While it shouldn't be toxic, glass paint can chip and peel off if the glass container is used multiple times. Use masking tape to cover the top 2.5 cm from the rim of the drinking glass so it doesn't get painted.
You can also use masking tape to cover any areas you don't want to paint. Try to make slanted lines along the glass to create a cool, transparent pattern
Step 3. Apply a coat of primer for full color
Gently dip the tip of a wide brush into the paint of your choice. Coat the entire surface of the glass with paint and use a brush to smooth it out.
- If you want to make the paint look opaque, apply 1-2 coats of gesso paint as an initial base coat. After the gesso paint dries, you can cover it with 1-2 coats of paint of the color of your choice.
- If you just want to add embellishments to clear glass, skip this step and move on to the stage of creating the outline of the design on the glass.
Step 4. Allow the base coat to dry for at least an hour
Wait for the base coat to dry before painting the next coat. This prevents the color from your design from seeping into the base layer.
Some enamel paint manufacturers instruct to leave the paint for 5-7 days to dry completely. This step is necessary for the paint to harden, but is not necessary if you're going to apply multiple coats of paint
Part 3 of 3: Applying Paint
Step 1. Outline the design on the glass
Use a marker to transfer the desired design to the glass. Select a starting point and start tracing the outline carefully onto the glass.
- Don't worry about the markers ruining the finished design. The markers will be covered in paint or can be washed off easily.
- If you're using a glass liner, follow the same way to outline the design on the glass. Squeeze the bottle liner lightly while moving it along the outline.
- If you didn't apply an opaque base coat to the glass and it's still completely translucent, use a stencil on the inside of the glass instead of drawing on the outside. Transfer the design to paper and hold it against the inside of the glass as your painting guides.
Step 2. Start painting one color
Pour a small amount of one color onto the tip starting at the far side of the brush and start painting the color to where the design will be.
- At first, rub lightly, and apply pressure as you get used to painting. Adding paint is easier than removing it.
- If you make a mistake, use a paper towel to try to remove it from the glass while it's still wet. For enamel paint, it's a good idea to use a little paint thinner. Make sure you delete the part you want to repeat!
Step 3. Clean the brush to get rid of the paint residue
Dry the paint brush on the scrap paper before choosing the next color.
If you're using enamel paint, it's a good idea to use an enamel paint thinner to clean the brush. You can buy it at a paint store or building materials store
Step 4. Choose another color and continue painting
Pour a small amount of paint onto the tip of a clean, dry brush and continue painting. Work carefully so you don't accidentally blend the colors while the paint dries on the glass. Repeat the process until your design is completely colored.
If you're creating a complex design or don't want to mess up your paint job, wait for one color to dry before moving on to another. After about an hour, the paint should be dry enough and you shouldn't have to worry about making small mistakes anymore
Step 5. Apply a second coat of paint if you want the color to appear more vivid
When the first coat is dry, evaluate the brightness and clarity of the color obtained. If you want the color to be lighter and clearer, apply the same technique to applying a second coat of paint.
Make sure you use the same color for the second layer. If the paint is slightly transparent, the two different colors will combine and the end result will be slightly cloudy
Step 6. Allow the paint on the glass to dry until it hardens
Some enamel and acrylic paints only need to dry for a long time until they are completely hard. Leave in a dry, warm place for a week before using or displaying painted glass.
Always follow the product manufacturer's guidelines when drying paint. Some dry, hardened paint can only be washed with soap and warm water
Step 7. Dry the glass by baking it
Some paints need to be baked to fully harden and stay on the glass forever. Place the glass in the oven and set the temperature according to the directions on the paint bottle. Bake the glass for 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and allow it to cool before removing it.
Glass should be inserted and removed from the oven when it is cold. Drastic changes in temperature will break the glass
Tips
- If you don't feel confident about your painting skills, try using glass paint markers, which are easier to use than paint and paint brushes.
- Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the product you are using.
