How to Paint on Glass

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Glass paint gives you the ability to transform your glassware, including everyday glasses, bottles, jars, candle holders, plates and vases, into custom pieces of home decor. A number of brands of glass paint is available in a range of colors.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Paper towels

  • Paper

  • Pen

  • Painter's tape

  • Paper plate

  • Paintbrush or paint dabbers

  • Cup of water

  • Glass paint

Step 1: Clean the Glass

Before you can paint glass, you must clean it thoroughly. First, wash the glass piece in soap and hot water, and dry it with a rag or paper towel. Second, use a paper towel to clean the entire surface of the class with rubbing alcohol. Allow the glass to air-dry for 15 minutes prior to painting.

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Step 2: Decide on a Design

There are many ways to accentuate your glass piece. You can tape off stripes with painter's tape, draw a design on paper and tape it to the inside of the glass as a template, or freehand a beautiful design directly on the glass. Before you begin, plan your design, and sketch it if need be. Use your paper plate as a paint palette -- pour out a dab of each color you need onto the plate.

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Warning

Some glass paint is not food safe. If you're painting a plate or other item that food will come in contact with, select a brand stating that it's food safe on the label.

Step 3: Apply the Paint

Use paintbrushes and paint dabbers to apply the paint directly to the glassware. Glass paint is thin and sometimes requires multiple coats, depending upon how transparent you want the end result to be. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Step 4: Allow the Glass to Dry

After the painting is complete, place the item aside and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.

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Tip

If you don't want to bake the glass, allowing the paint to air dry for 21 days also produces permanent results.

Step 5: Bake the Glass

Bake the painted glassware to help set the paint and make it dishwasher safe. Do not let the glass heat up or cool down too quickly, or it will crack. Place the item in the oven while the oven is still turned off. Then set the temperature to 350 degrees and allow the glassware to bake for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven, leaving the glassware inside to cool down. Once the oven is completely cool, remove the glass and place it aside for 72 hours before using it.

Warning

Painted glass is not microwave safe and should not be soaked.

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