How to Airbrush on Glass

Airbrushed glass can make a beautiful piece of art or a unique piece of home decor. Airbrushed glass is often used to make decorative plates, glass tabletops, mirrors and wall hangings. These items are costly, and some people believe that they must be ordered custom-made from skilled artists. Yet airbrushed glass can be made at a lower cost at home with a few simple supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Table or easel Old newspaper Painters tape Stencil Glass paint Single action airbrush Clear acrylic spray paint

Instructions

1. Find an out of the way work area that will allow you to paint freely without the worry of making a mess. It is best to work in a room that has been designated for painting and crafts, or outdoors to avoid getting paint on items other than the glass.

2. Set up the work area. It is more productive to use an art easel that will hold up the glass. If you do not have an art easel, find a flat work surface. Cover the work surface in newspaper, and tape it down to prevent it from moving.

3. Set your glass on the easel or table. Use the painters tape to tape off any areas that will not be painted. You should also tape around the edges of the glass.

4. Fill the airbrush with the desired paint color, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to use glass paint. Other paint types will not stick to the glass surface.

5. Hold the stencil with one hand over the area where you wish to paint. Airbrushing goes quickly, so there is no need to tape down. Hold the airbrush in the other hand, and spray the outline of the stencil. Move slowly to avoid spraying outside the stencil.

6. Change the paint color if needed. Hold up the next overlapping stencil, and spray in the outline. Repeat this process until all stencil layers have been added.

7. Allow the paint to dry completely. Leave it overnight if possible. Spray the painting with clear acrylic spray paint. Allow the spray to dry, and repeat if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape paper on the walls behind the easel to avoid painting the wall. Put a triple layer of newspaper down on the tabletop to avoid leakage.

• Wear a mask if working in a closed room.

Resources

• About airbrushing
• How to airbrush