Class painting Tips and Tricks

Many beginners are intimidated by glass painting. Painting in general is approached with great trepidation as the person feels they “can’t make mistakes”. We are fond of saying, “it’s just paint!”  If you don’t like how your glass project is going, wipe it off and begin again. If the paint has dried but not been baked, soak the painted glassware in warm water, then scrape off the paint and begin again. If you notice a spot or uneven edge after the paint has dried that you are unhappy with, use a razor blade or craft knife to trim off the excess paint.

Here are five more glass painting tips:

• It is important to have a clean glass surface when applying glass paints. Oils or lotions on our skin will transfer onto the glass which will affect adhesion of the paints. Clean glass by washing in warm, soapy water then rinsing and drying with a lint-free towel or wipe with rubbing alcohol. Take care not to touch the areas where you will be applying paint.
• Transfer patterns onto glass by placing pattern inside glass and securing with tape.
• Some paints may require more than one coat, especially on slick surfaces like glass. It is important to allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat.
• Your food and mouth should never come in contact with the paint. So make sure you put a barrier between your food and the plate, like wax paper, and if you are painting a glass, only paint up to the point where your lips won't touch.
• Use a light touch. Try not to apply too much pressure with the tip of the brush. Pushing down too hard will cause the paint to wipe off the slippery surface of the glass. Instead, use a light touch and allow the paint to flow off the brush, creating a pool of color. This allows you to create thicker, more solid coverage in one step. If you do need a second coat, make sure to let it dry completely first.

For more information and inspiration from over 100 glass projects, visit our glass paint website!