GLASS PAINTING

It's All Right Here!

You’re wondering, “Can I really turn a glass jar into a work of art?” And right now you’re not even sure where to begin.

Here you'll find what every decorative painter needs to know. So, you can relax; we’ve included lots here to help you out.

Painting on glassware is very popular and the demand for project ideas and techniques is growing.

In response, the manufacturers in the decorative painting industry have risen to the challenge.

They’ve come up with new lines of specially formulated paints and products.

Likewise, more and more craft and painting magazines are featuring interesting designs for glass surfaces.

Here are some basic things to keep in mind:

Glass presents a bit of a challenge because the surface is slick. It doesn’t have the “tooth” you’re used to.

Fear not, there are many ways of preparing the glass for good paint adhesion. It’s about choosing the right paints and mediums.

It’s important to make sure your glassware is dirt and oil free. A good cleaning with soap and water is your first step.

Careful handling during the painting process ensures that oils from your hands are kept off the painted surface. So take a pass on the hand lotion and slip on some latex or surgical gloves.

Another useful recommendation is that you do not mix paints and mediums from different manufacturers … just simple chemistry at work.

Because glass is transparent, you’ll need to learn how to handle your pattern. And here's information about reverse glass painting which is when you’re working on the underside or “wrong side” of a glass object. Which comes first? Here's a hint, it’s not the basecoat!

By going to our page about these special paints you'll get lots of advice about everything from solvent-based paint, enamel-based ones as well as glass and tile painting mediums.
We're working real hard at getting you some fresh new project ideas to try out. And we'd like to encourage you to share your thoughts or ideas about glass painting.

Do you have a photo of a project you've hand-painted? Send it to us and we'll show it off for you!

For now, here are some free patterns, just click here.

Do you have Glass Painting advice?

Do you have tips on, or a story about Glass Painting? We're sure that others would love to hear all about your Glass painting experience. And if you have photos, we'd love to have you share them here for all to see.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...