How to Layer Glass Paint
Glass painting is a traditional art, often used to decorate places of worship as well as homes. The topics of glass paintings vary greatly, from religious imagery to detailed portraits, and even intricate paintings of everyday objects such as fruit. To create a detailed and professional glass painting, the paint needs to be layered, to give the painting more dimension and allow the paint colors to become stronger. Layering glass paint is much easier than it sounds, and it can transform a painting.
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Things You'll Need
- Glass
- Grease pencil
- Palette
- Brush cleaner
- Tissues
- Glass paints
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Clean the glass thoroughly before you start. Any debris on the glass will show up when you paint over it, so make sure it is completely smooth and clean before you start to paint.
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2
Lay the glass down so the side you want to paint faces upward. Try not to touch either side of the glass once it is clean.
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3
Sketch your design onto the glass using a grease pencil. Ensure your design is the correct size and shape, and that it fits well onto the glass. Make any changes you think are necessary until the sketch is perfect.
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4
Set up your paints. Squeeze small amounts of color into palettes, and set up a brush-cleaning solution. Have some tissues available to dry your brushes on, too.
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5
Paint base colors. This is a light layer of the color you are using, painted with a thin, square brush to ensure a light, even layer.
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6
Allow the paint to dry, and add a second layer. This should build up the color.
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7
Choose which areas you would like to make more vibrant. You may wish to paint over an area in a different color, such as adding another tone of red to an apple, or to use the same color but add another layer to add more vibrancy and make the area a focal point of the painting.
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Ensure the second layer is completely dry. It is best to look at the drying time of the paint you have used and add an extra hour, rather than touching the paint to see if it is dry, as this can cause the paint to bubble or texture if it is still wet.
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9
Paint the third and fourth layers. Ensure the paint dries completely in between. Apply thin, smooth layers, and wash your brush in between. Use tissue to dry the brush, and remove any loose bristles.
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10
Highlight the focal points. You could add a slightly darker red outline to an apple, for example, or a touch of brown to a leaf. Use a small detail brush and very small amounts of paint. It is easier to add more color than to take color away!
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Allow the painting to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Always apply paint in the same direction. This prevents paint lines from being seen, and gives a professional finish.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
