How to Decorate Opaque Glass

You can use acrylic enamel to paint many designs on opaque glass.

Many people are familiar with the painted glass displayed in the windows of many churches. However, other opaque glass objects can be painted, such as wine glasses, vases, glass lamps and other glassware. Opaque glass paint is an acrylic enamel paint with a tile medium that can stick to ceramics, glass and other glossy surfaces. You can also choose a shimmering iridescent glass paint or transparent glass paint that allows more light to shine through the opaque glass.

Things You'll Need

• Glassware
• Plastic container
• Glass paints (acrylic enamel)
• Plastic plate
• Different size paintbrushes
• Newspapers
• Cloth
• Oven mittens
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Wash your glassware to get rid of dust from the surface. Allow the glass to dry.

2. Fill the plastic container with water. Cover your workspace with sheets of newspapers to protect the space from paint spills. Place the glassware on the paper.

3. Pour small amounts of different color paints on the plastic plate.

4. Dip a paintbrush into your color choice of glass paint. Paint your desired image on the glass. Use the cloth to wipe away excess paint. Let the painted glass dry.

5. Add a second coat of paint over the first coat. Two or three coats are needed because glass paint dries nearly transparent. Allow the paint to dry between coats.

6. Place the glass in a safe place to dry for 48 hours.

7. Put the glass in the oven on a low heat setting to bake for 15 minutes .

8. Remove the glass from the oven with oven mittens.

9. Paint a coat of varnish on the glass and let it dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not paint on glass that you use to serve food. If you paint on a drinking glass, leave about 2 inches between the rim of the glass and the beginning of the design.

References

• Elderonestop; How to Paint Glass
• Glass Paint:; Here's How to Use the Various Brands