How to Paint on Glass With Liquid Stringer

Glass painting is an old technique, now done with modern designs and media.

Liquid stringer is a medium into which frits, crushed glass, enamels and other tints can be added to create a paste used for painting on glass. The painted object is then fired, so the additives liquefy and bond to the glass to create a durable work of art. This technique is centuries old and, with modern media such as Liquid Stringer, is making a comeback with artisans.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol
• Liquid Stringer medium
• Mixing knife
• Brushes
• Squeeze bottle
• X-acto knife
• Ground glass
• Kiln

Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean your glass surface with alcohol.

2. Mix Liquid Stringer with ground glass at a ration of 1 to 1, utilizing a pallet knife. If the paste is too thick to be painted or squeezed, depending on your project, add a few drops of water until the needed consistency is achieved.

3. Paint the tinted Liquid Stringer onto your glass with brushes or a squeeze bottle with the tip cut to an appropriate size for the design. Allow the Liquid Stringer to dry overnight.

4. Fire the project in the kiln, according to the temperature range of the piece. At a minimum, the project should be fired for 10 minutes at 1335 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow to cool in the kiln before removing.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid Stringer and ground glass can be mixed in a plastic bag, then poured into a squeeze bottle.

• Touch up any runs or smears with an X-acto knife prior to firing.

• The longer and hotter you fire, the less granular the Liquid Medium looks, but also the more it runs. Fire a test piece first, if in doubt.

• Liquid Stringer lets off an odor during the heating process, so use a vented kiln.

References

• "Fusion Headquarters, Inc."; Liquid Stringer Medium