How to Paint Lettering on Windows

Paint your windows for special occasions.

There are several reasons you may want to paint lettering on the windows of your home or vehicle temporarily -- you can write holiday messages, welcome home messages or wedding wishes, for example, and the paint will come off easily. Most types of water-based paints can be used and removed on windows, but the professionals use a water-resistant, water-based paint for commercial window painting. Look for window paint at art supply and craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Glass cleaner
• Paper towels
• Window paint
• Paint brushes
• Letter stencils
• Tape
• Stencil brush

Instructions

1. Clean both sides of the the window with glass cleaner and paper towels.

2. Shake or stir the paint. Using a paint brush, draw the outlines of the letters on the window freehand. Lettering that is applied to the outside of the glass is done as if you were painting on paper. If you're painting the inside of the glass, the letters must be painted backward.

3. Paint the insides of the letter in a second color, if desired.

4. Purchase stencils of the letters and tape them to the window as an alternative to freehand painting. Use a flat-tipped stenciling brush and tap the paint over the stencil lightly until the letter areas are covered. Remove the stencils and let the paint dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay out your design on a sheet of paper first to get an idea of how large the letters should be.

• Remove the paint with mild soap, water and ammonia. Paint can also be removed from glass with a razor blade.

• For simple freehand designs and quick jobs on car windows, use a window paint pen.

References

• Time Out New York: Window Treatments

Resources

• Dick Blick: Rich Art Window Paint