You can turn glassware, jars, and bottles, into something more eye-catching by painting them. It can be a DIY project that you can do at home. Turn these pieces into displays or decor items, or use them to make dining more fun. Note that the paint is not safe for eating, so it’s best to paint those areas that do not touch the food, like the outer part of the glass, plates, or bowls. There are different paints and techniques that you can use forpainting glass. We have listed some general tips that you will find helpful on how to paint glass.
Find the glass to use
The glass doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t even have to spend any money, as you may already have some inside the house. Check your kitchen and other areas of the house for glass that you can paint. There might be old bottles, jars, glasses, plates, bowls, or other glass containers that you can use. If you can’t find anything at home, go to the dollar store or garage sale and search for cheap finds. With your creativity, you can turn even an inexpensive piece into a work of art.
Thoroughly clean the glass
Clean the glass thoroughly before painting. The paint will not adhere properly to the glass surface if there is oil or dirt. Use soapy, hot water for cleaning. You may also use a dishwasher to clean it, whichever you prefer. Before starting to paint, wipe it with alcohol and a clean rag to ensure it is thoroughly clean. Allow it to fully dry before applying any paint.
Prepare all your things
Make sure that you have all your things ready before you start painting. You might lose your focus if you are in the middle of painting and you find out that you are missing something. Here are some of the things that you need to prepare:
- Rags and paper towels to keep the area clean
- Paint for painting the glass. There are different types of paints available. Make sure that you use one that is made for glass. Various finishes are also available, including opaque, three dimensional, stained, and transparent. Some give shiny or sparkly finishes.
- Toothpicks and cotton swaps for cleaning details
- Sponges and brushes to apply the paint
- Decide on the design
Be clear about the design you want to achieve before painting. Sketch it on a piece of paper, so you know exactly what to do. If you make a mistake, you can usually remove the paint by wiping it quickly before it cures. Some paints require scraping to be removed.
Start painting
Once everything is ready, it’s time to dive into painting the glass. Read the paint instructions to determine its curing time. Also, it should explain if the paint needs to air dry or it’s best to use heat in the microwave.
You don’t have to be a professional artist to paint on glass. These simple steps will help you come up with attractive glass pieces that you can use as decor at home.