How to Paint Holiday Windows

You don't have to go shopping to enjoy festive seasonal windows - here's how to create your own at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Greeting Cards
• Squeegees
• Tempera Paints
• Stepladders
• Round Hobby Paintbrushes
• Sponges
• Single-edged Razor Blades
• Butcher Papers
• Small Plastic Cups For Paint
• Plastic Bucket
• Flat Hobby Paintbrushes
• Measuring Tapes
• Masking Tape
• Coloring Books
• Stencils
• Pencils And Erasers
• Sponge Paintbrushes
• Old Newspapers
• Overhead Projectors

1. Measure the window you will be painting, and note its dimensions and shape. Be sure the window has some protection from rain and snow, such as an awning. Window paint will wash off if it gets wet.

2. Consult coloring books and greeting cards for ideas, then decide what designs or images you want to paint. Or create your own original design.

3. 

   Draw your design, actual size, on a piece of butcher paper.

4. Tape the butcher paper to the inside of the window with the design facing out. This will be your guide for applying paint.

5. Don't bother washing the windows right before painting; a light coat of dust will help the paint adhere to the window.

6. Prepare the work area by placing newspaper on the ground.

7. 

   Plan the colors you'll use for each area of your design. Tempera paints are most commonly used.

8. 

   Pour paint from the bottles into small plastic cups.

9. 

   Paint large areas of the design first, using a wide brush. Use smaller brushes to paint smaller areas and add details.

10. 

    Outline your design and add finishing touches and highlights using a fine-tipped brush with black or white paint.

Tips & Warnings

• If painting a store window, discuss design possibilities with the owner in advance.
• Paint a simple, repetitive border freehand, or use a stencil or a cut sponge.
• If paint drips or runs down the window, let it dry, then use a razor blade to scrape it off.
• Tempera paints will wash off with water. When you're ready to wash your design off the window, soak the painted area with water from a sponge, then rinse and squeegee the window surface.
• Use caution when working on a ladder. Make sure the ladder is stable before climbing on.
• Keep razor blades out of the reach of children.

[Arty08windows]

on 12/24/2008 I am in the thinking of doing window painting as a way for making extra cash. How much do you charge per window. I think I can do the art work, [e-mail]

[fantum]

on 11/12/2008 hello again from da fantum. painting windows is a big money maker. I have made up to 10 thouand dollars a day. I taught myself how to do it. Had dreams about doing it faster and faster. I use a sponge roller and very expensive brushes. I use coloring books and the internet etc. for my designs. Or I just come up with them. I do window painting everyday of the year. My weekends are whenever I choose. I use single edge blades to scape off any paint I do not want there. I make sure that all paint is not overlayed outside the lines of the artwork or lettering. This will show from the inside if not scraped and the piece will look sloppy from inside. This is not good for the customers view. I use markers like sharpies to draw with. Also china markers, known as a grease pencil. I use a broom handle to make my top and bottom lines. This after I paint the lettering I use the handle to do the verti

[fantum]

on 11/12/2008 hello, I do window painting. I never measure the window. I always draw out the design after I apply the white base coat. I use semi-gloss exterior h20 paint.
This will hold up in rain etc. I never use a pattern unless the artwork is multiplied over 5 times. Also depends on the artwork. Most of the time I can have the painting done quicker without a pattern. i just look at the art piece and transfer it within seconds. I call my art Fun Time. It makes me feel 6 years old again and again. I am 50 years young now. I can show and tell someone how to do it. Doing it correctly is kinda difficult for some people. If the painting looks good from the inside, therefore it will look awesome from the outside. Any help from me e-mail @ [e-mail]

[Jazzygirl]

on 11/13/2008 What if I did wash the windows. Is there anything that I can put on it to make the paint stop beading up?

[hibb007]

on 1/28/2008 Im thinkng about doing window art for a hobbie and for extra cash. what all do I need to start out with....what type of paint and where can i get it from.....plus how much do i change? thanks