Glass object to paint Cotton balls Rubbing alcohol Design printed on paper Masking tape Glass paints Paint brushes Plate or palette Oven (optional)
You can take the back out of a picture frame, or leave it in. If you decide to leave the back in, you might want to cover it with some white paper. Most glass paint is translucent, so it will show up best against a white background.
The best patterns to use are just outlines, like from a coloring book.
If you are painting on a flat sheet of glass, place the pattern face down on the glass. Tape the edges down with masking tape, and flip the glass over. If you are painting on a cup, place the pattern inside the cup. Move it around until it is where you want it to be. Press the paper against the wall of the cup, and tape it in place. Keep borders in mind. If you are going to put the glass panel inside a frame, make sure that the frame won’t be covering your design. [2] X Research source
Try not to touch the area where the pattern is from now on.
Some glass paint liners are labeled as “leading” or as “dimensional. " Most glass liners come in black, but you might also find them in other colors as well, such as silver and gold.
If you are left-handed, try to start tracing from the right side first. If you are right-handed, start tracing from the left. This will help prevent you from accidentally smudging the wet outline while you work.
If you are pressed for time, you can hold a fan or hairdryer over the paint. This will help it dry faster. If you are using a hair dryer, make sure that you are using the lowest setting.
You can use both synthetic and natural brushes for glass painting. Synthetic brushes may cost less, but they will be more likely to leave behind brush strokes. Brushes made from soft, natural fibers, may be more expensive, but they will leave behind the smoothest finish.
Glass paint will shrink a little when it dries. Try to paint all the way to the outline. If you are having trouble reaching a tight area, such as a point or corner, use a toothpick to spread the paint. [5] X Research source The thicker you lay the paint on, the more it will level off. This reduces brush strokes. [6] X Research source To create a swirled, marbled effect, put a few drops of two or more colors into the space you want colored. Use a toothpick to lightly swirl the colors together. Do not over-mix, or you may lose the swirled effect and end up with a solid color. [7] X Research source
Use a pin or needle to pierce any bubbles that may have formed in the paint. Be sure to do this while the paint is still wet.
Some labels will tell you to “cure” your paint for a certain amount of time. This simply means to let the paint “dry. "
Most glass paints will be completely cured after 21 days.
Most paint with glitter in it cannot be cured in the oven. You must allow them to air-cure for 21 days. The label on the bottle will tell you whether or not the paint can be oven-cured. [10] X Research source If you are using glass paints from different brands, know that they may have different curing temperatures and times. To avoid burning the paint, stick with the lower baking temperature and time.
