How to Paint on Glass Pens

Painted pens work well as gifts for friends who have recently graduated from high school or college, or who have been promoted at work. You can paint directly on glass with acrylic paint. Purchase acrylic paint online or at your local art and craft supply store. Look for Liquitex Glossies for about $4 per two-ounce jar, or Delta PermEnamel for about $3.50 per two-ounce jar. You'll also need small, soft paintbrushes.

Things You'll Need

• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Clean the glass pen you want to paint carefully with soap and water to remove any dust or grit. Let the pen dry thoroughly.

2. Choose a design or phrase to paint on your pen. Try out a few ideas on paper before committing them to the pen. Consider writing the name of the school your friend is graduating from, or the friend's name. Or simply design an abstract pattern to paint on the pen.

3. Paint directly on the pen with a small detail brush or a precision point acrylic paint bottle. If you want to paint all the way around the pen, let one side dry thoroughly before you rotate the pen to paint the other sides.

4. Allow 24 hours for acrylic paint to dry completely once you have painted all sides of the pen.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a refillable glass pen to paint so that you can use it for longer.

References

• Allsands.com: How to Paint on Glass
• Familyeducation.com: Glass Painting
• Michaels.com: Glass Painting Basics