Glass Painting for Beginners
Glass painting is a lovely way for an artist to express herself. Creating artwork by applying paint to a glass object is a simple project that even beginners can enjoy. There are a few tips that can help you create an objet d'art that you can give as a gift or enjoy in your home.
Technique
Choose a piece of glass with simple lines to begin your project. An angular vase or small square glass votive is perfect for a beginner.
Decide on the design you would like to place on the glass. You can do something freehand or use a stencil or pattern. Choose a simple pattern for your first project that does not contain an intricate pattern or many colors. A simple flower design like a daisy or even a rubber duck would be easy.
Clean the piece of glass with window cleaner or rubbing alcohol so that the paint will adhere easily to the surface.
Choose your colors and whether you want the paint to be transparent or opaque. Transparent colors allow light to pass through and give the artwork more of a stained glass appearance. Purchase quality paints, as they will last through many projects. The paint spreads easily and goes a long way since glass is non-porous. Choose paints that can be baked on if you will use the piece of glass for serving food and if it will be put in the microwave or a dishwasher. Some paints need an undercoat and an overcoat after painting, be sure to note if this is the case with your paint choice. Resin based paints can be removed until they are baked, so if you make a mistake, just erase it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, according to Michaels.com.
Hold a pattern against the inside of the glass or tape it in place. Then with a good quality paintbrush apply the paint to the outside of the glass while following the pattern. If you prefer, you can tape a stencil to the outside of the glass and fill in the sections with a brush or a sponge stencil applicator. Allow the first color to dry before applying another color. Paint markers are available if you are doing something freehand or having children join you in the project.
Place the artwork in a cool oven and preheat it to the temperature on the paint directions. Set the timer for the number of minutes the piece will require and then turn the oven off when the timer goes off. Leave the piece inside the oven until it is cool, this will prevent accidental burns and allow the paint time to set. Now you can enjoy your artwork and reap the praises.
