How to Paint on Glass Dishes

Painting on glass has become a popular craft these days. Painted glass pieces sell very well at high end stores that carry home décor and decorative tableware This type of artwork can simply be a piece of glass artwork that you sit around and enjoy or you can have pieces that serve a utilitarian purpose such as dishes and stemware. There are special techniques and products that will ensure that your stays intact through microwaving and dishwashers.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner
• Glassware
• Good quality glass paint
• Brush
• Stencil
• Sponge applicator

Instructions

1. Clean the glass before painting by using rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner. Make sure it is free of all grease or sticky residue from price tags.

2. Select the correct type of paint by deciding whether the piece of glass is for decorative purposes only or will be used for eating and drinking. Glass is a non-porous surface so actually will only need a small amount of paint. Each paint tube will cover several pieces of glass. For pieces that will be used at your table, choose a good quality paint that can be baked on. This is necessary for utilitarian pieces and will guarantee that your artwork will last a long time. Pebeo's Vitrea 160 and Liquitex Glossies are both paints that can be baked.

3. Decide whether you want opaque or transparent paint colors. Transparent paints have the look of real stained glass and light will not pass through opaque shades.

4. Choose a design for your glass piece. To paint the pattern, simply hold the pattern inside the glass and follow the design with the paint and a brush on the outside of the glass. You can also find stencils that make it even easier by just sticking them on the glass and filling in the paint with a sponge applicator.

5. Bake the finished piece by putting it in a cool oven. Turn the oven on the desired temperature and once it preheats, set the timer for the length of time the paint directions recommend. Turn the oven off when the timer goes off and leave the glass in the oven until it is cool to the touch.

6. Get the children involved; they now have markers made for glassware and it is a very simple technique to simply trace a pattern and fill in with the marker. These pieces will make wonderful gifts for grandparents and other loved ones. This is handy for the person who is not very confident of their artistic abilities also.

References

• Michael's:Glass Painting Basics

Resources

• Plaid Online:Glass Painting