How to Paint on Clear Glass Vases

Painting a clear glass vase can turn any ordinary vase into a true eye-catching beauty. You can paint the vase to match the decor in your home, to match color schemes, or to just add variety to your flower arrangement. Painting clear glass is not difficult, but it is somewhat different than the painting most of us are accustomed to. Learn how to paint a clear glass vase easily and beautifully.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The glass vase you want to paint
• glass paints
• glass outliners
• paint brushes
• nail polish remover
• palette for mixing paint

1. This article will teach you to turn a plain, clear glass vase into a beautiful, stained glass vase that will appeal to many. Gather your supplies and get ready to begin.

2. 

   Now that you have chosen the vase you want to paint, chosen your glass paint and colors, and gathered the remaining supplies, you are ready to begin.

3. 

   Make sure you start with a clean vase. It should be free of dust, fingerprints, or any other visible marks. Wash it by hand or throw it in the dishwasher, but make sure it is completely dry before you start painting.

4. 

   Begin by drawing your outlines with the glass outliners. Keep in mind that the space inside of the outlines is the space that will hold the colored glass paint. Be creative. Free hand your outline in any shapes or directions you choose. There is no wrong or right way, which is why this stain glass look is so appealing. Note: You can use any color of glass outliner you choose, but Black tends to give the best effect. Once you are finished with your outline, allow the outliner paint to dry completely.

5. Once your outliner paint is completely dry, you can begin filling in the spaces with your colored glass paint. Again, the colors you choose are completely up to you. You may want to develop a pattern, which can be drawn out on paper for reference, but this is in no way required.

6. Continue adding the colored glass paints as desired until you have painted the entire vase. A few things to remember while you are painting:
   *Allow paint to fully dry between coats
   *Painting numerous layers will give depth to the painting
   *Keep the direction of the paint the same
   *Do not use too much paint in one area.
   *Cover small areas slowly, as the paint may spread further than you thought.
   *Burst any bubbles that have formed by pricking with a needle or your brush.

7. 

   Allow the entire vase to completely set and dry before using. Do not use detergents to clean the vase after it has been painted. Clean with a dry cloth instead.

[tachic]

on 4/7/2009 Painting on clear glass vases sounds like a great activity!

[langleycornwell]

on 3/19/2009 I love colored glass. Great ideas on painting clear vases, we've got so many hanging around here. Excellent suggestion. 5*s.

[blueskye0707]

on 3/16/2009 Sounds like fun can't wait to try this!! 5*

[woot]

on 3/15/2009 When I paint I have found that it is often better to only paint from left to right or from top to bottom, so you don't run your hand over what you have already painted.

[sonni57]

on 3/15/2009 I love painted glass vases thanks for the info on how to do it.