Painting glass is easier than you think! Learn how to prepare and paint glass for your craft projects – this is the complete guide. Check out my four step process, plus what you can do if you make any mistakes.
Glass painting is HOT! Not only is it fun, it’s easy for beginners. Painting glassware can be intimidating, so I’m going to show you how to do it in four easy steps. I’ll give you preparation tips, painting ideas (at the bottom), and curing + care instructions.
Let’s get started!
How to Paint on Glass
As you can probably guess since you are reading this post: YES, you can paint on glass. You can paint directly onto glass using a paint made for your surface as well as one of a variety of brushes or tools. Here are the four steps you’ll go through to achieve project success:
- Prepare the Surface
- Tape off the Area or Pattern
- Paint the Glass
- Cure According to Instructions
If you’re painting the entire surface, you might not even need step 2, so this potentially could be a three step process! Before you begin, you’ll need to gather your supplies.
Supplies You’ll Need for Glass Painting
Glassware is available in craft stores and discount stores in a wide variety of shapes and sizes (I love getting it from the Dollar Tree!). Obviously that’s the first thing you need to get – something to paint! You’ll also need:
- Rubbing alcohol or white vinegar
- Glass paint – I’ll discuss in the section below
- Paintbrushes – soft bristled
- Water bin
- Paint tray
- Foam daubers or spouncers (optional)
- Stencil tape (optional)
- Stylus (optional)
Everything on the list above is pretty straightforward, but I want to discuss the brushes and paint a little bit more so you know what you’re dealing with.
Types of Brushes
There are several types of brushes and tools you can use when painting glass. They accomplish different purposes.
Soft Bristled Brushes
These are regular paint brushes, however the bristles are softer than normal brushes. The reason for the “soft bristles” is to reduce brush strokes when you paint.
Once you start painting on glass you’ll see that this particular surface tends to *really* show brush strokes. A softer brush can help with this.
If you can’t find anything that says “soft bristles”, read the package and see if it says the brushes work for glass. I’ll be honest; the more expensive brushes seem to work best and these are the ones I take great care of.
don’t buy the 24 pack of kids brushes for glass painting. This is a time you’ll want to invest in your project.
I use these brushes to apply a basecoat of Enamel paint, chalk paint, or add details (with smaller brushes).
Spouncers
Spouncers are basically a sponge at the end of a stick. They are great for applying paint in an even application across a surface. I tend to use these for translucent or frosted paints, like FolkArt Frosted Glass.
When you spounce glass paint on, it dries with a bit of texture in the paint (you’ll see what I mean if you use them). That’s why I like using spouncers with the thinner paints. The frosted and stained glass paint types even out more than acrylics.
Daubers
Daublers resemble spouncers, but they are a more dense foam and not as long. I LOVE daubers for applying polka dots with relatively crisp ages. They are also great for painting small areas like wine glass stems.
Stylus
Great for adding small dots! Simply dip into a “fresh” puddle of paint and touch the surface. Reload for same-sized dots. Paint descending sized dots with one load; simply continue dotting until all paint has been removed.
NOTE: Be sure when painting dots that you carefully set your tool down straight and lift straight up. If lifted at an angle, painted dots will smear.
Try this: once your tool is loaded, touch the surface, carefully twist in a circular motion, then lift to remove. The extra twist will ensure a full even circle.
Types of Glass Paint
Enamel Paint
There is a specific type of paint you can use on glass and it will clearly say on the label. There should also be curing instructions.
When painting glassware, I typically use FolkArt Enamels; a water-based paint that is specially formulated for glass painting. It is available in craft stores and shop.plaidonline.com in many colors. When cured, it is top-shelf dishwasher safe.
Chalk Paint
I LOVE the finish that chalk paint gives glass! It’s a no-shine, smooth finish that adheres really well to glass.
Spray Paint
There are a variety of spray paints suitable for glass, and you can get them in transparent, stone, metallic, solid, and many other types of finishes.
Just make sure to read the can and spray in several light coats. You can typically paint on top with either chalk or enamel paint if you want to add to the design.
Paint Pens and Markers
There are plenty of paint pens and markers on the market; for example, Sharpie oil based. You’ll draw with these as you would with a regular marker, so there aren’t really any instructions here. You can also draw over other painted designs – just let the paint dry first.
NOTE: You can also paint glass with Gallery Glass and then with food coloring and Mod Podge. However, those aren’t as permanent as the other types of paint above. Learn how to Mod Podge on glass here.
Now that you’ve selected your supplies, it’s time to go through the steps of painting on glass! You’re going to start with surface preparation and go from there. Here’s how you do it.
Surface Preparation
Before you squeeze the first drop of paint or lift a brush, prepare your glass. This step is crucial if you want the paint to stick. You are removing oils from fingers – oils that repel paint. That is why you are cleaning the jars in this manner.
Thoroughly wash in warm, soapy water to remove dirt, dust, and grease film. Then rinse in warm water and let it dry.
Next, dampen a paper towel with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar and wipe the stemware to ensure it is clean of any remaining soap film. Set aside for 15 minutes to air dry.
Taping Off the Area or Pattern
If you aren’t painting the entire jar one solid color, you might want to use stencil tape to tape off an area (like a square or other shape). Other options are adhesive stencils or stencils cut with a Cricut machine.
In all these situations, you’ll want to smooth your tape or stencil down thoroughly on the glass surface.
Stripes: Painting stripes is easy and create interesting backgrounds. Paint freehand stripes using your flat brush. Or you may also use stencil tape to mask an area to be striped. Apply paint using a flat brush, dauber, or spouncer.
While wet, carefully remove tape. Caution: do NOT allow the paint to dry with tape in place; paint may lift when tape is removed later. Hint: if you need to clean an edge after removing the tape, scrape using your craft knife when paint is dry.
As far as patterns, you’ll want to tape those to the inside of the glass instead of transferring them like you would on wood.
Just place your pattern inside the glassware and tape in place. If a pattern is repeated around the glass, secure several patterns. Voila, you can now see the pattern through the glass!
Painting Your Design
The way you paint your design is often determined by your brush or tool, which I’ll go over below.
Typically you’ll start with a basecoat of Enamel or chalk paint on your glass.
Chalk paint tends to show the least amount of brush strokes in my opinion. You can see what chalk paint looks like on mason jars in my post “how to paint mason jars.” It provides a really smooth finish.
Here’s the process I go through:
- Dip the end of the brush into your paint. Don’t overload the brush – keep it on the bottom 1/3 to 1/2.
- Start brushing on the glass. Expect to do a thin layer for your first layer. Enamel and multisurface paint will look thin when applied, but you’re going to build up layers.
- Don’t keep brushing over the same areas when wet. You’ll end up removing what you just painted.
- Paint in layers, letting dry between layers. It may take 3 – 4 coats to cover the glass.
- Add details with smaller brushes, a stylus, or daubers. You can layer the paint but it must be dry before you do so.
Painting on glass is very similar to painting on wood, but I find that it shows more brush strokes. There is nothing that can be done to remove the brush strokes, however if you continue to layer the paint thinly, that will help reduce them. I also find they reduce as the glass cures, especially in the oven.
A spouncer can be used to paint glass too! This helps with brush strokes (there aren’t any!). However, it does provide a different look on the glass, so I suggest giving it a try and see what look you like best.
Remember – quality of brushes matters. I find that higher quality brushes give higher quality results.
Other Tips
- Remove any stencil or painting tape from your glass before paint dries.
- Experiment with the tools. For example, you can use daubers or small spouncers to paint wine stems, sometimes more easily than a brush.
Once you’re done painting, you’re ready to cure your project!
Curing Glass Paint
ALWAYS read the bottle to get the instructions for your specific paint. Having said that, here are some general guidelines:
Drying Times: Glassware should be thoroughly dry before handling, at least 24 hours.
Curing Instructions: FolkArt Enamels should be cured prior to using; there are two recommended methods:
- Air Dry Method: Air dry the project for 21 days before using.
- Bake Method: Place your painted glassware in a cool oven. Set the oven temperature to 350ºF and bake for 30 minutes. Note: Glass must heat gradually with the oven to avoid breakage. After 30 minutes, turn the oven off; let the glass cool completely in the oven. Painted glass should heat up and cool down in the oven. Set aside for 72 hours.
Care Instructions: Once your painted stemware has been cured, it can be hand washed in mild soap and water or dishwasher cleaned on the top shelf.
NOTE ABOUT CHALK PAINT: it is not washable on glass and there are no curing instructions. Just don’t wash it – it’s used for decorative purposes only.
Troubleshooting
What if my paint doesn’t stick?
Make sure you have cleaned the glass with rubbing alcohol and that you are using the right kind of paint.
You can always spray a clear layer of acrylic spray sealer down first before painting glass. Some kinds of glass are stubborn and this spray helps. Otherwise, get a new piece of glassware and call it a day.
How do I remove paint from glass?
Before it has cured, you can remove glass paint by washing it off in the sink. If it has dried securely to the glass, use a razor blade, craft knife, or other type of scraper to remove it. This is also how you will remove excess paint before you cure your glassware.
FolkArt Enamels Paint Important Facts
- Food and beverages should not come in contact with FolkArt Enamels. When painting glasses, it is best to leave 3/4″ top around the rim free of paint. When painting plates only paint the rim; leave the center free of paint. An alternative is to reverse glass paint on a clear plate if artwork is desired in the center of the plate.
- Painted items are not microwaveable.
- Do not soak painted items.
I hope you have enjoyed learning glass painting 101. It was easy, wasn’t it? If you can hold a dauber, a stylus, and a flat brush, you can paint glass! if you’re ready to give a project a try, check out the list below:
Glass Painting Ideas
Do you have some extra glass bottles or mason jars lying around the house? Turn them into something beautiful and useful by adding a little glass paint! You'll love these projects ranging from gifts to decor.
Faux Beach Glass Mason Jar Lanterns
Use glass paint to create these mason jar lanterns with a faux beach glass theme. These look gorgeous with tea lights inside!
DIY Chalk Painted Mason Jars
Create a beautiful centerpiece for a springtime or summer brunch using glass mason jars and FolkArt chalk paint. It's very easy to create the distressing, too.
Recycle Glass Bottles Into Vases
Recycle glass bottles and turn them into vases - all you need is a little bit of spray paint and Mod Podge. This craft is so easy! You can use this method with any glass vessel.
Folkloric Glass Vase
Embrace the current folkloric trend in your DIY home decor with this pretty glass vase. You're going to love the pretty window that goes to the inside of the vase. It's easier than you think!
Easy Marble Wine Glasses
Jen used multisurface paint to make beautiful marbled wine glasses! This is perfect for beginning glass painters. Easy to make, easy to cure - and even easier to use!
DIY Painted Vase Trio
Transform simple hurricane vases into a set of stylish and colorful home decor accents. Use tape and stencils to make a unique leopard print, terrazzo, and striped pattern.
Chalk Paint Mason Jars with Succulents
Learn how to paint mason jars with chalk paint and add succulents for spring. Perfect for a kitchen windowsill or a seasonal mantel!
Gloss Painted Glass Votives
Add some color to your home decor with these beautifully painted glass votives. Each tea light holder will light up your space with unique color and charm. This is the perfect home decor project to brighten any space.
Bright and Bold Glass Tableware
This tutorial shows you the reverse painting method on plates - you'll actually paint on the BACK of the plate so that you can eat off the top! Don't forget to paint a matching glass mug.
Faux Stained Glass with Mod Podge
I wanted to share one example of Mod Podge and coloring on glass so you could see how it looks. This is not a permanent method, but it's great for simple decor that looks like stained glass.
DIY Lace Mason Jars: Pretty Decor in Minutes
Make DIY lace mason jars in less than an hour! This simple glass painting project is perfect for fall decorating and goes with a variety of themes.
Dollar Store Painted Wine Glasses
These DIY painted wine glasses are super easy to make, they look AMAZING, and they’re dishwasher safe! Best of all, they’re made with dollar store glasses!
Plaid Pet Food and Water Bowls
So many of you are just like me and would make anything for your pets! The cutest, the better. Take glass bowls and votive holders to create these raised pet food and water bowls. Combines glass painting with Mod Podge.
How to Spray Paint Glass
Yes, you can spray paint glass! Venita shares all her tips to transform glass and crystal with a flawless spray paint finish that stays put.
Colorful Painted Glass Kitchen Canisters
Decorate and organize with fun, personalized glass canisters for any room in the house. These are so easy to make with adhesive stencils . . . They can be used in the kitchen, craft room, office, and more.
Kiss Me Valentine's Day Wine Glasses
When painting wine glasses, you'll want to stay about 3/4" away from the top rim! These make such pretty gifts, and you can customize for any holiday. They are hand wash only.
Fall Footed Bowl and Cups
Capture the cozy aroma of fall with this footed bowl and cups for potpourri or candles. Give your plain bowls a hand-painted touch that brightens your cool fall days.
Martha Stewart Halloween Glasses
Anything Halloween puts a big smile on my face! Use multisurface paint along with some adhesive holiday stencils to get your glassware ready for holiday parties.
Farmhouse Mason Jar Christmas Vase
Learn how to make a mason jar Christmas vase by painting on glass! This is way easier than you think - and we've included a free pattern too.
Christmas Apothecary Jars on a Budget
Create Christmas apothecary jars to hold holiday candy using dollar store supplies! This holiday craft is easy and budget friendly.
Handpainted Owl Gift Jars
Have you seen the small glass bulb jars you can get online or at the craft store? I haven't quite known what to do with them, but now I do. These winter owls are too cute, and now I'm wondering what other characters I could make!
Barbara Stump
Tuesday 14th of May 2024
I have a deck table that has 12 inch glass tiles for the surface. They are painted on the underside. Many tiles are now flaking off the paint and I want to restore the ones that are bad and prevent the remaining from flaking off. How much of the process above applies to my project? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Judy
Thursday 28th of December 2023
Is all glass oven safe?
Kavita karpe
Monday 15th of May 2023
Very useful information thanks...
Arlette
Wednesday 22nd of March 2023
Once you have painted a jar and it is all fixed is there a way to have that design commercialized on other jars without having to repaint it? Thanks for giving me an idea how to do this.
Amy
Sunday 2nd of April 2023
Hi Arlette! You would have to somehow get a high resolution image of the design - through a photograph from a good camera - and then you could print it out either as a sticker, on tissue paper and decoupage it, or a variety of ways that you could reproduce it. But first you need to capture it :)
Sue
Sunday 15th of January 2023
Is it possible to paint modpodge on glass Christmas bulbs and then paint watercolor on top of modpodge? I don’t want to use acrylics.
Amy
Monday 16th of January 2023
Hi Sue! That is out of my area of expertise. It might work . . . I don't know about watercolor on top of Mod Podge on glass. That's a combo I haven't tried. Give it a try with a simple watercolor painting and let me know how it turns out. If it doesn't work you can soak and peel the Mod Podge off of the bulb.