How to Paint on Glass Cups

Spruce up your glass cups with paint.

Learn how to paint on glass cups for a simple project you can complete in one afternoon. Use materials from an arts and crafts store to create personalized items. Give guests painted glassware party favors. Such items also work well as birthday, wedding and anniversary gifts. Painting on glass also is a suitable activity for children.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass cups
• Glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol
• Enamel surface conditioner
• 2 sponges
• Magazine photos or clip art
• Tape
• Small paper cups
• Acrylic paint
• 2 or 3 small flat brushes
• Fine brush
• Rinse water container
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Mild soap or detergent
• Water

Instructions

1. Clean the cups with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. The cups must be clean for the paint to properly adhere to the surface. Use a sponge to apply a thin coat of enamel surface conditioner to the cup's outer area--this will help the paint adhere to the glass.

2. Choose a design. Use magazines photos or clip art for inspiration. For example, use a gardening magazine as a guide to create flowers. Clip art provides a simpler guide to copy as it usually is a simpler image. For additional guidance, tape the clip art inside the cup and follow the design.

3. Pour small amounts of acrylic paint into small paper cups. Use the flat brushes and acrylic paint to create a design on the cup's exterior. Quickly wipe away mistakes with the corner of a wet sponge. To switch colors, rinse off the paint brush in the rinse water container. Outline the design with a fine brush. Let the paint dry for at least 48 hours.

4. Set the glasses on a baking sheet. Place them in an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the glass cups for 10 minutes to set the paint. Turn the oven off and keep the door closed until the oven cools. This will prevent damage to the cups. Remove the glass cups once the oven has cooled.

5. Use warm water and soap to rinse away any conditioner that is left on the glass cups. Always hand wash the cups with a sponge and mild detergent so you don't damage the painted art design. Let the cups dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If the glass cups are a gift, include a note stating that the cups need to be washed by hand.

References

• Frugal Bride: Hand-Painted Wineglasses
• Michaels: Glass Painting Basics