How to Tea Stain Glass

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Things You'll Need

  • ¼ cup water

  • Small glass container

  • 10 tea bags

  • Glass beads

  • Glass baking dish

  • Paper towel

  • Oven

  • Microwave oven

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

Glass staining is an art that uses many different processes to layer colors on a variety of glass surfaces. Jewelry crafters commonly use glass-staining techniques to create their own artistic beads. Creating stained glass surfaces, such as beads, may sound like a complicated task, but using herbal tea as a stain helps to makes the process easier and is much safer to use than other staining products since the tea does not contain harmful chemicals.

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Step 1

Pour ¼ cup of water into a small glass container or microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high until the water comes to a boil.

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Step 2

Remove the water from the microwave, and add approximately 10 tea bags to the water. Let the tea-infused water cool.

Step 3

Dunk each bead into the tea water, and roll the bead around to thoroughly cover the entire surface of the bead. Place the beads in a glass baking dish.

Step 4

Place the baking dish in a cool oven, and turn the temperature up to around 250 degrees. Bake the glass beads for about 45 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the beads from the oven and let them cool. Wipe each bead with a damp paper towel to remove any excess stain.

Tip

Keep beads dry at all times. The longer the stain remains on the beads, the more permanent it becomes.

When staining larger objects, use a large glass container, more water and more tea. Use the same ratio of water/tea as above. For example, when making 1 cup of stain, use 1 cup of water and 40 tea bags.

Repeat the process to add even more color to the glass.

Use different color herbal teas for added color effects.

Warning

Be careful not to spill the tea mixture on countertops or clothing, as it will stain.

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