Allow it to adequately dry. You don’t want to paint on glass that’s streaky or wet.
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, use white vinegar; it has similar cleaning properties.
Make sure the tape is even. If it’s not perfect, it’s super easy to adjust. Use masking or painter’s tape for best results.
You by no means need to create a design that requires a sketch. Geometrical and abstract patterns are just as beautiful, if not more so. If it’d be helpful, use tape to devise a pattern on the outside of your glass; you can then easily paint around it. Same goes for the stem and base!
Place your sketch inside your glass and fill it with something like a sock or quilt batting. The soft interior will keep it in place, intact. Buy self-adhering stencils at your local craft supply store. If you can fathom its existence, it can be found. Stencils come in sticker form nowadays, and you can just plop them onto your glass and paint away.
This outline will probably remain visible. If you want to go for a more of a “One Stroke” method[5] X Research source , skip sketching directly on the glass, and just paint using the sketch underneath.
Enamels (like Folk Art or Martha Stewart) are water-based and especially geared toward glass painting. [6] X Research source They can handle the dishwasher if cured (not necessarily the microwave, however) – but some require a primer and top coat (like PermEnamel), so note the label. Acrylics work, too. However, it generally depends on the quality of the paints you choose – some are more prone to washing off. If you do go the acrylic route, spray a high-quality varnish on top (they have sparkly ones!) to secure the paint to the glass. [7] X Research source There are acrylics that are designed more for glass painting. If acrylic is your jam, use this variety. Regardless of what type of paint you end up using, you’ll probably encounter air dry and heat dry forms. In general, the glasses that are baked (require heat drying) last longer. To add more spice to the mix, you’ll also have the option of choosing transparent (light will pass through), opaque (light will not pass through), and frosted paints. Decisions, decisions. They’ve officially thought of everything – glass paint markers are available, too. They bake on and make even the most detailed of glasses beginner-doable.
While you’re at it, open the windows. Being high on paint fumes isn’t the state you want to be in for this project!
Create a marbleized glass by pouring your paint over your piece, top to bottom. Pour in a thin even layer, rotating the glass consistently. Alternate colors as desired. Liquid fill paints will be best for this method. [8] X Research source Use just one color and pour on until completely covered to create a solid painted glass. Use tape to make stripes. Just after you’ve painted between the stripes, take it off; if the tape is taken off when the paint is dry, you risk chipping the paint. If you have any quirks in your stripes, just take your craft knife and carefully chip away until the lines are straight. Get polka-dotting. The blunt end of your paintbrush is great for dots, or you can use a dauber or spouncer. To do this effectively, never come in or go out at an angle. Always place your tool straight down and take it straight back up. Use sponges. Whether it’s a dish sponge or a sponge brush, you can create interesting, layered designs with a dab of paint – little skill required. Add colors on top of each other to create shading and highlighting. That’s just painting 101. Don’t forget the stem and base! Half of your “canvas” isn’t the actual glass (if you’re using a wine glass). For the base, consider painting the underside to achieve an is-it-there-is-it-not-there look. You know the kind. If you were wondering about paintbrushes, unless you’re an avid painter, they’re all pretty much the same. But if we’re splitting hairs, the synthetic ones will be more stroke-y; natural-haired brushes will paint a smooth, complete picture.
If you’re air drying, it may need to be left to its lonesome for up to three weeks. Follow the instructions on the paint’s label. [6] X Research source
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Turn your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). There is no preheating required. The idea is to put the glass in a cold oven – this will gradually increase heat as opposed to placing the glassware in a hot oven, which might cause the glassware to break. Immediately put the glasses on the lined sheet and place in the oven. Set a timer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat after 20 minutes, but leave the glass in for a further 10 minutes. Then, remove the glasses after the 30 minutes is up. Or, do as-is instructed by the manufacturer on the label of the paints you’ve used (this is done to make the item washable).
Consider signing your name or adding the name of the recipient to the bottom of the glass. Add a dab of glue and secure on a bow. A gift too pretty to be wrapped!
