Acrylic coatings are suitable for various surfaces and materials – including glass. When applying acrylic paints to glass, it is best to use enamel paints because they are durable and adhere well to smooth surfaces. Even if these coatings work well with glass, the glass still needs to be properly prepared for painting. Make sure there is no dirt, dust or oil on the glass. You can also add a primer to ensure that the acrylic paint on the glass adheres firmly. Also, You can protect the paint with a sealer or varnish to help extend its life. So, can you use acrylic paint on glass?
You can use acrylic paint on glass. Using a primer will ensure that the acrylic paint will adhere to the surface of the glass. After you have finished painting, you can use a sealer or varnish to protect your work and help prolong its life.
Acrylic coatings are famous for their quick-drying, ease of use and application, long lasting performance, versatility, water resistance, low toxicity, and easy cleanup. These coatings can be used with several different media and always produce excellent results.
Let’s keep reading!
Will acrylic paint stick to glass?
While you can use acrylic paint on any glass surface, that doesn’t mean it will stick easily. It is best to provide a base to adhere to the paint once applied to the glass. Since you will be using enamel-based paints, preparing the surface with an enamel-based primer is best.
These primers can be applied by spraying or brushing and will take 24 to 72 hours to adhere to the glass surface fully. Once dry, the surface will feel somewhat rough, which will increase the adhesion between the primed surface and the paint.
Can regular acrylic paints be used on glass?
No. Ordinary acrylic paints work well on glass and there is no need to purchase expensive special paints.
You just need to be aware that there may be poor-quality pigments that are not opaque enough to cover the area without showing brush marks in the first coat with cheaper acrylic paints.
If the first coat of your project dries before you get back, this may result in brush marks or areas without any additional color, rather than an attractive look!
High-quality paints will produce different results, and I will cover these later in this guide, but rest assured that you can paint on glass with regular acrylics and still get quite good results.
I also recommend using a sable hair brush rather than a pig hairbrush, as sable hair is softer and applies acrylic paint more smoothly on glass than a coarse, stiff brush.
How to choose the right acrylic paints for glass
When choosing acrylic paints for glass painting, keep the following tips.
- Brand and quality are important: acrylic paints containing high-quality acrylics are more durable than cheaper brands of acrylic paints. Also, always check samples or look at the color chart before choosing the acrylic paint you need. For craft projects, you can also use student grade acrylic paints.
- Opacity: The first thing you should consider is the opacity of the pigment. The rule to remember is that the higher the opacity of the pigment, the brighter and darker it will be. However, if you want to let some light through, such as window painting, you should consider getting a more translucent set of paints.
- Finish: Besides opacity, another thing you should consider is the paint’s finish. The finish is the texture or appearance of the paint after it has dried. There are different ones such as matte, glossy, or even cold.
- Types: Paint finishes are not the only way to classify them. You can also make them permanent or washable. So which one should you buy? If you’re doing a project with your kids or want to do a little practice first, you should get a washable set. On the other hand, use permanent paint if you want your work to last.
- Consistency: No matter which paint you use, it needs a similar consistency. Never mix two different concentrations of paint, leading to an inconsistent painting. Test how thin or thick the paint is by comparing small amounts of paint next to each other. Also, know that different paint concentrations will produce different results when the paint dries. When painting on glass, you do not want to use too thin paint.
- Lightfastness. When paint is exposed to sunlight, the color sometimes fades. This is what is meant by lightfastness. Light-resistant paints will retain their pigments and provide resistance to UV light and fading. This is an important consideration when painting on glass exposed to light.
- Drying Time: Acrylic paints are fast drying. Some brands dry in less than 10 minutes, but some, such as Golden Open Paint, take longer to dry – up to an hour. Typically, all acrylic and enamel paints are completely dry within 24 hours.
- True color: True color is beyond all the marketing and photo manipulated images brands use to showcase their acrylic paint colors.
How is this achieved?
Well, there are two ways. First, you can go to a store and ask the clerk if you can unscrew a tube of acrylic paint and see the actual color.
If it matches the label and looks like you expect it to, then this may be a good brand you are looking for in the future.
If you don’t have any craft stores near you, or think they are too expensive (as they usually are), you can find great acrylic paints online.
It’s harder to find real colors online, but you can usually rely on user-submitted photos of the paint being removed from the tube.
Tips:
- Glossy enamel acrylic coatings can be used for opaque finishes or thick coatings.
- Frosted coatings are lighter and thinner.
- There is a crystal gloss enamel paint that can be used to provide a combination between gloss and frosting.
- If you want a completely matte and opaque surface, you can use a combination of plaster and acrylic paint. If painted on a flat piece of glass, this combination looks like a canvas.
- Glass liners and water-based acrylics can be used for stained glass paintings. Or, you can use a special glass coating to achieve this effect.
Some basic supplies to consider when using acrylic coatings on glass
- Your glass – whichever type of glassware you choose to use.
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls, paper towels: clean the surface thoroughly before applying the paint.
- Paintbrushes: use what you have on hand or go to your local craft store.
- A palette, or a plate to squeeze the paint into.
- A pattern, unless you are working with your bare hands (then congratulations!).
- Acrylic Glass Paint or Enamel Paint – Professional acrylic glass paints are easy to apply and don’t require heat to hold the artwork in place. They are water-based paints, but not only that, their finishes will naturally have a nice sheen to them which will ensure their long-term water resistance.
- Glass and tile mediums – When using acrylic paint by itself, it will work on glass, but you must use a medium to make sure it will hold up for years. The last thing you want to have to happen is for your beautiful painting to deteriorate after a few washes. Using this medium allows the paint to adhere to the non-porous glass or form “teeth” that produce a lasting effect.
- Clear Medium – Clear medium helps to dilute the paint you are using, as it is not recommended to consider water when using acrylic paint on non-porous surfaces such as glass.
- Glass outlining markers – if you intend to do fake stained glass projects.
- Glass Paint Markers – Helpful for small details or writing.
- Stencil Tape – Only needed if you are doing lines or some sort of design and want to get a precise clean area after removal.
- Sharpie Pen – This can be used as a finishing pen or even sign your work. Don’t use markers on glassware that you’ll eat or drink.
- Spray on sealer or varnish – don’t use it on areas with food or drink. Use only on decorative glassware, as it is used in place of “baking” the paint in the oven.
What types of glass are best for varnishing?
Different glasses have their own coefficient of expansion (COE) – the degree to which the glass expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled. This is a very important consideration when painting glass with acrylic paints, as the paint needs to be flexible enough not to crack under these conditions. This is especially important if you are baking sheets of glass. Thicker glass may be stronger, but thinner glass is more flexible. The most flexible glass with excellent COE is the type of glass used for tableware. Thick glass, such as the type used for baking pans, is not very flexible, so it may break when it expands.
Glass used for cookware and windows is good for acrylic painting because it is thin and flexible. Overall, the glass itself is not the best surface for acrylic painting, but it can definitely be used. There are six different types of glass.
- Float glass.
- Tempered glass.
- Stained glass.
- Embossed glass.
- Solar control glass, and
- Laminated glass.
Basically, you can paint on any kind glass, but keep in mind that if you want to bake your glass, you need to know its coefficient of expansion (COE). This coefficient shows the flexibility of this glass.
Regular glassware is good for acrylic painting and baking – it’s flexible and very thin.
I don’t think you would use laminated glass or solar control glass for your home project – they are thicker and have industrial uses.
More tips on paints and brushes
You may have the best acrylic paints, but it’s no use not having the right brushes. When painting on glass with acrylic paints, you have a variety of brush styles to choose from. Everyone has their own unique style of painting. We have outlined some top brush tips below.
- Synthetic bristle brushes are not preferred because they leave brush marks in the paint. However, if you want a more rustic look, then this may work in your favor. Synthetic bristle brushes are a good choice for smaller, more detailed paintings.
- Natural bristle brushes provide a smoother, more even surface. This is the best choice for primers and wide blocks of color.
- Some artists prefer to use sponges because they create a special textured appearance on the glass. This appearance is a uniform coating that looks slightly colder.
- It is also important to choose the right size paintbrush. The size and shape of brush will determine what kind of effect you will create and what kind of detail you will be able to paint. Use flat, wide brushes to apply the base coat and smaller pointed brushes for finer details.
- In addition to the above factors, here are some tips you can keep in mind to create better work.
- Acrylic enamel is an acrylic paint that works best on smooth surfaces, including glass.
- Don’t skimp on the paint. High-grade paints are not only easy to use, but they produce more vibrant colors that last longer.
- The brush plays a key role in the look of your finished piece. Use synthetic brushes if you want bolder strokes or natural hair for a smoother finish.
- Finally, don’t forget to give your work a good cleaning before you start.
How to prepare your glass for painting
You can prepare your glass for painting by following these steps.
Wash your glass piece as you would a plate. You can also use warm water to remove any oil that adheres to the surface as an added measure.
Let it air dry.
Wear latex gloves, as this will prevent the natural oils on your hands from sticking to the surface of the glass. Be careful, though, as it can be a bit slippery.
Wipe the whole piece with a paper towel soaked in alcohol. White vinegar also works well.
Let it air dry again.
When you’re done, you can go ahead and start painting!
How to use acrylic painted glass
We encourage you to experiment with your own style as much as possible, but if you need a quick guide, then you can follow these steps.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare your paint. Read the instructions on the paint kit package. Does it require a base coat or a large coat? Do you need to do any preparation before using it? According to the manufacturer itself, be sure to follow them to ensure the best possible results.
- Decide on your design. It is best to put it on paper first.
- Outline. After determining the final appearance of your design, you can now draw it on the glass surface using a permanent marker.
- Start drawing. Use the outline you have drawn as a guide. Some artists use a syringe to apply paint to the glass surface in small, controlled amounts. This is an excellent technique for smaller details. Otherwise, you can start filling in your outline using the right size brush and the color of your choice.
- Remove any mistakes. You can use a cotton clothing dipped in nail polish remover or alcohol to erase smaller mistakes and areas that need finer control.
- Finish your work by sealing.
- Just a few sentences before we finish painting, some acrylic paints contain toxic ingredients. Therefore, if you plan to paint your mug, we recommend that you put some tape around the edges to avoid getting paint on them.
- If you find it difficult to get the paint to stick, then here’s a pro tip: You can spray the surface with a general purpose sealer and then let it dry for a full day before painting the outline.
Design Tips & Tricks
A variety of effects can be achieved through the creative use of brushes and painting tools. Here are some useful tips and tricks:
- You can apply a pattern to the inside of the glass to easily trace it on the outside.
- For drawing straight lines, you can use tape as a marker Use a flat brush to apply paint to the edges and remove the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid peeling and chipping. You can operate a craft knife to carefully clean up any bad edges.
- You can use an applicator or a large sponge for dots and spots. Any small handles or dots can be used to make small dots. You can simply put paint to the tip and press it against the glass, then remove the tip straight – no angles. This will create a perfect dot.
Drying paints
Different paints have different drying times. Typically, acrylic paints on glass take about an hour to dry. For some enamel paints, the drying process can take up to a full week to cure. To completely dry paint, it is best to leave the glass in a warm and sunny place. Will the acrylic paint stick to the glass after drying? Yes, but this can be enhanced by baking or sealing. Using a sealer can add extra protection, and baking can provide many benefits to glass artwork. We will explore these further in a moment.
Best acrylic paint on glass
Not your typical painted surface, it does require high quality paint to pass well. If you are planning to color your glass with acrylics, we have selected some top products from below for you to choose from:
Overall Best: FOLKART Acrylic Craft Paint Set
This acrylic paint set from CraftArt is perfect for painting on glass thanks to its satin finish. The set includes 12 useful paint colors. While these acrylic paints are perfect for glass, they can also be used on canvas, wood, fabric, ceramics, paper, and various other surfaces. Due to their non-toxic nature, these pigments are completely safe to use. Their water base makes them easy for all to clean up and use. Due to their versatility and durability, the FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set can be used indoors or outdoors. You can get vibrant colors and quality pigments in this set.
Pros
- Very high quality pigments
- You can get a variety of bold colors
- These pigments can be used on many different surfaces
- Non-toxic and safe for water-based paints
Disadvantages
- Dries very quickly
- Not a light resistant paint, so not the best choice for outdoor use
Premium acrylic paint option: Arteza outdoor acrylic paint set
This set of 20 large packs of acrylic paints designed by Arteza features some beautifully rich and vibrant colors. Made with a high pigment content, these paints provide a long lasting rich and smooth finish. These coatings are a luxury option when it comes to acrylic coatings on glass. They have a high viscosity that helps make them last longer after drying. This set of acrylic paints is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. These coatings are durable, self-sealing, resistant to wear and tear, and adhere well to many different surfaces. These pigments are water-based, easy to apply and have a non-toxic formulation.
Pros
- You can get a variety of rich colors in this kit
- These acrylic coatings are suitable for a variety of surfaces
- Certified non-toxic
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Durable and corrosion resistant paint
Disadvantages
- Very thick paint that may require thinning in some applications
- Other acrylic paints offer better coverage
Best budget acrylic paint: Personal Premium Acrylic Paint Kit
While this is our most affordable selection of acrylic paint kits, you still get a superior quality paint. These paints are professional grade and produce vibrant colors and a very smooth consistency. These are highly tinted paints that stretch far and wide. Diluting them works very well and the color stays the same. This is a slightly smaller set that includes eight different colors. However, these colors are easy to mix together and can create any type of shade you can imagine. These pigments are also formulated to last and will keep the artwork bright and vibrant for years to come.
Pros
- Pigments with high pigment content
- Bold and vibrant colors
- Very user-friendly acryic paint
- This acrylic paint is good for most types of surfaces, including glass
Disadvantages
- Very small selection of colors in the paint kit
Apple barrel Acrylic paints for glass
Apple Barrel paints are general purpose craft paints used for small projects. The brand itself has been producing paints since 1976.
The set contains 18 2-ounce bottles, each in the following colors. white and black, yellow flame, bright yellow, bright magenta, fuchsia, jack-o’-lantern, flag red, purple iris, parrot blue, bimini blue, bright blue, too blue, new clover, holly branch, nutmeg Brown, melted chocolate and copper grey.
All vibrant colors are available in matte finish.
Pros
- Low price
- Easy to paint and clean
- Top 5 best-selling craft paints on Amazon
- Best choice for beginners
Disadvantages
- Matte finish* (may fit your idea)
- Craft quality paint
- Only suitable for interior use
- Some customers’ paints are too thin or too white
Liquitex Acrylic Paints for Glass
Liquitex is one of the most trusted brands of paint, Liquitex Basics is a high performance student grade paint made for multi-purpose projects.
This paint has a thick and creamy consistency that needs to be thinned on the job. The kit includes 12 basic colors with varying opacity and lightfastness.
Pros
High quality paint and a trusted brand
Wide coverage
Smooth finish
Vibrant colors
Disadvantages
May be too thick for beginners Needs to be slimmed down
Smaller sets are quite expensive
Not specifically designed for glass
Magicfly Acrylic Paint Set
The Magicfly Acrylic Paint Set is designed for a variety of painting surfaces, including glass. The set includes 20 colors and all the paints are liquid. It also includes 3 little brushes.
Be careful with this acrylicpaint – it dries fast! Do not open the bottle or the paint in the bottle will dry.
Pros
- Trustworthy best-selling glass painting set
- Very affordable: good value for money
- Fast drying time
- Waterproof when fully cured
Disadvantages
- Quality of paint still being processed
- May dry too quickly
- Some batches of paint are chalky white
- Paint charts are not accurate
- Paint is too much water and coverage is not as good as it should be
Magicdo stained glass paint – the best acrylic paint for stained glass
Magicdo paints are acrylic paints for painting stained glass, windows and glassware. The set includes 12 colors: violet, dark red, dark blue, orange, light green, sky blue, black, rose, green, dark brown, medium yellow and titanium white.
For best color lightfastness, the painted glass is recommended to be cured in an oven at 176°F for two hours.
Advantages
- Made for glass painting
- Can be used in ovens
- Non-toxic
- Very high purity
- Good value for money
Disadvantages
- Not waterproof
- Hard to get, very little in stock
- May look too transparent
Magicdo Stained Glass Paint – The best acrylic paint for stained glass
Magicdo paints are acrylic paints for painting stained glass, windows and glassware. The set includes 12 colors: violet, dark red, dark blue, orange, light green, sky blue, black, rose, green, dark brown, medium yellow and titanium white.
For best color lightfastness, the coated glass is recommended to be cured in an oven at 176°F for two hours.
Advantages
- Made for glass painting
- Can be used in ovens
- Non-toxic
- Very high purity
- Good value for money
Disadvantages
- Not waterproof
- Hard to get, very little in stock
- May appear too transparent
Pébéo Vitrea 160 glass paint – Acrylic paint for glass bottles
The paint offers high quality paints for professional artists. Pébéo Vitrea 160 is a glass pigment for painting on glassware, vases, lamps and windows. The pigment is fluid, easy to use, transparent, non-toxic and heat hardening.
The colors available in a set of 10 are Sun Yellow, Paprika, Chili Red, Celestial Green, Turquoise, Sandalwood Green, Emerald, Earth Brown, Veil White and Ink Black.
Vitrea’s line also offers frosted media to create a frosted or etched effect and iridescent media that allows the color to change in light.
Benefits
- Permanent, high quality coatings designed specifically for glass
- Can be baked in an oven
- Dishwasher safe
- Entire product line includes frosting and iridescent media and thinners
Disadvantages
- Expensive ($55.85 for a 10-piece set)
- Does not meet food safety standards
Crafty Dab Window Writers Paint – Best Acrylic Paint for Temporary Glass Projects
Crafty Dab Window Writers Paint is a temporary paint for glass with great coverage. It is suitable for large areas and is easy to remove afterwards. You can use this paint to paint windows for Christmas, or car windows for a wedding.
Pros
- Temporary nature
- Good coverage, fairly clear
Cons
- Expensive ($55.85 for a set of 10)
- Not very good for small details (using brushes)
How to seal acrylic paint on glass?
While we’ve discussed letting things dry, before you consider a sealing job, make sure your paint is completely dry. Once you’re ready, you’re ready to follow the sealing guidelines below.
You see, there are two ways to seal your job. You can spray or bake with a sealer.
Sealant Method
- Choose the sealant you prefer. There are two types: spray on and brush on. Honestly, we prefer to apply the spray-on type over the brush-on sealant because it interacts less with our work in case it hasn’t completely dried after 24 hours of air drying.
- Read the package. Don’t forget to read the instructions no matter what type of sealant you decide to use. It is located on the back of the bottle.
- Choose a well-ventilated workspace. Some sealants have strong odors and toxic fumes. It is best to seal in an open area.
- Spray your sealant. You can now spray lightly at least 12 inches from the surface for those of you using spray sealers. Use a back sweeping motion to cover the entire area. Don’t let it spray over the designated area for too long. This will ensure that the coating is sprayed evenly.
- Allow the layer to dry. Depending on the type of sealer you use, 15 minutes is usually enough. This is why it is best to read the instructions beforehand.
- Repeat steps 4-5 two more times. Make three even layers of sealant.
- Let it dry. Let your piece dry undisturbed for 24 hours.
For those of you using a brush sealer, follow these steps. Starting with step 3, you will need to do the following.
- Dip the brush into the sealer. Place it over the sealant container and let the excess varnish drip off.
- Brush on the sealant. Remember, as with spray sealer, we want a light, even coat, so brush the varnish back and forth in a methodical manner.
- Allow this coat to dry. Unlike spray sealers, the brush-on type takes longer to dry. Therefore, it is best to wait one hour to be sure, unless the sealer instructions specify otherwise.
- Repeat steps 2-3 two more times. Again, make three even coats of sealer.
- Allow it to dry. allow your painting to dry for 24 hours.
Best acrylic paint sealer on glass
If you choose to add an extra layer of protection over the acrylic coating on the glass, using a sealer works well. Try using sealers on decorative glassware only; otherwise, make sure you have a food-safe sealer available. Here are the top sealers for painted glass.
Best Spray Sealer: ALEENE’S Spray Gloss Finish
For an easy-to-apply sealer, this product from Aleene’s produces one of the best glare results. The sealer dries to a glossy, clear sheen that works well indoors and outdoors, and the sealer is CFC-free, making it easy to apply and use. It is a UV resistant sealer that dries very quickly. This means it stays on the outside and doesn’t yellow when exposed to sunlight. Instead, you get a long lasting glossy and clear finish with an added layer of good durability.
Advantages
- A fast drying spray sealant
- UV protected coating that will not yellow over time
- Dries to a glossy and clear finish
- You get a long-lasting protective layer from this sealer
Disadvantages
- When spraying this sealant, it emits strong fumes and odors, so you should wear a breathing mask when using this sealant.
Best brush-on sealant: mod podge sealant and finishing agent
This special sealant from Mod podge offers a unique formulation. The sealant can be used as an adhesive or as a clear and strong sealant topcoat. It is a water-based product that can cover many small items or a single large item. A dishwasher safe sealer allows you to use any sealing glass in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, this sealer is not food safe.
Pros
- All-in-one glue, sealer and finish
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to apply and quick drying
- Very cost effective
Disadvantages
- Long time to fully cure
Baking acrylic coatings on glass
Some acrylic coatings come with instructions on baking them and the best temperature to use. Be sure to check first. When baking glass, place the item in a cold oven. glass needs to be heated very slowly and can be damaged if placed directly in a hot oven. You should set the oven at about 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the glass for about half an hour after it has reached the correct temperature. Then turn off the oven and allow the glass to cool inside. After the oven has cooled completely, open the door and remove the glass.
When the glass comes out of the oven, you still need to allow it to fully cure. This process takes about 72 hours before the glass can be used.
Tips and tricks for curing in the oven
- Ensure there are no chips and cracks in the glass. There is a good chance the glass will break in the oven if there are.
- Spray a generic primer or sealer on the glass first, this will help the acrylic coating on the glass adhere.
- Always wear gloves when painting on clean glass. Otherwise, you will leave fingerprints and marks on the glass. The natural oils left by the skin can affect the way the paint adheres.
- Although glass is usually dishwasher safe after baking in the oven, hand washing is still the best option. Use care when cleaning and use a very soft cloth
- When using chemical sealers, use only for decorative items. Any glassware used for food and beverage should be cured in the oven
- When painting glass, do not paint areas that come into direct contact with food or beverages. For example, put tape around the rim of a water glass so you don’t put your lips on the paint. This will help protect the acrylic paint and prevent you from ingesting any paint that may flake off. Another option is to paint on the reverse side of the glass piece.
- Painting on glass should not be done with recycled glass. Recycled glass includes different glass materials and soda ash that will lower its COE. prefer to choose new glass that is stronger
Best acrylic markers on glass
Acrylic markers can be used for fine work and craft projects on glass.
Arteza Acrylic Markers
Arteza acrylic markers come in a set of 40 pens designed for painting on rocks, glass, plastic, wood, fabric and more.
These pens are perfect for fine work (nibs are 0.8-1.2 mm), dry quickly, are UV resistant and have better ink flow. The colors include 37 vibrant pigments and 3 metallic pigments.
Pros
- Premium brand
- Fast drying, UV resistant
- High purity
- Long lasting
Disadvantages
- Rarely dries quickly
- May not cover large areas well
- May seem expensive – $45
- Acrylic Paint Marker, Emooqi
Emooqi’s acrylic paint markers
It can be used on glass, wood, ceramics, clay, fabric, metal, and even eggs. 12 colors are permanent, including gold and pigment.
The nibs are not suitable for fine work, they have a medium nib – 2-3 mm.
Pros
- waterproof
- Best-selling marker with more than 4,000 positive reviews
- UV resistant
- Opaque
- High gloss
- Great value for money – only $13
Disadvantages
- They are not truly waterproof, but slightly waterproof
- Coverage is not as good as customers expect
- Niutop Colors Acrylic Paint Pens
- Niutop Colors acrylic paint set includes 24 colors for painting glass, stone, wood, fabric, and metal. 8,000+ reviews prove this set is one of the best sellers.
Slim nibs for detailed painting
Pros
- Fast drying
- 0.7 mm nylon nib for fine work
- Smooth paint
- Weather resistant
- comfortable in the hand
- inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Sometimes not so easy to use: either doesn’t dry or leaks
- Artistro Paint Markers – the best acrylic markers for glass
Artistro
they offer high quality, opaque vibrant colors, glossy finish and super fine lines – 0.7 mm.
Advantages
- High quality
- Versatility: from paper to glass and clay
- Fine lines and detailed workmanship
- Great gift for beginners
Cons
- more expensive than others, but worth it
- Rarely does the finished product get damaged in the dishwasher or oven
How to take care of your acrylic paint on glass?
You’ve worked hard on your painting, so you don’t want it to break anytime soon, do you?
So, as our final sub-theme, here are some tips on how to take care of your artwork, beyond sealing the paint.
Put it on the glass surface. Let’s face it; the biggest threat to any artwork made of glass, painted or unpainted, is breakage. It is, after all, a fragile material. You can stick it to any surface with adhesive or double-sided tape to reduce the chances of it falling off.
Dust frequently. If your piece gets so dirty that you have to wash it all the time, the best sealing method still won’t fully protect your design. That’s why we need to dust it often so it doesn’t get too dirty.
Wipe it down carefully. If it gets too dirty, you can wipe your glassware with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid painted parts if possible, or if you have to wipe them, be extra careful.
Do not use abrasive materials for cleaning. It will scratch the delicate and smooth surface of the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I seal the acrylic paint on the glass?
Baking stained glass pieces in the oven should provide a good surface for added protection. This is the preferred method that most people use to paint on glass. However, you can also use a chemical sealer to add a layer over the paint. Various types of sealers can be used, depending on your personal preference.
Will acrylic paint stick to glass?
Acrylic paints are versatile and can be used on various surfaces – including glass. For better adhesion, a primer may be required.
Can Mod Podge seal glass coated with acrylic paint?
Mod podge is a versatile substance used for paper cutting. This medium is an all-in-one glue, finish and sealer. It can be used on glass, leaving a clear protective layer.
Can I use acrylic paint on glass windows?
Of course, acrylic is the ideal medium when painting on windows. A variety of paints can be used to create a range of different effects – such as a stained glass effect.
Will acrylic paint wash off the glass?
Acrylic paints are water-based and it is not difficult to remove acrylic paints from glass. In addition, acrylic paint that has cured in the oven will be water resistant on glass.
Do I need to prime the glass before painting with acrylics?
Primer is not always necessary, but it is preferred for longer lasting and more durable paint adhesion. Some acrylic paints do not require a primer, while other paints are best primed. Just make sure the glass surface is completely clean before painting, as any dust or dirt will affect the adhesion of the paint.
Final words
Acrylic paint on glass can be used for a variety of purposes and it produces some fascinating effects. Whether you are painting windows, decorations or glasses, you can be as creative as you like and create something very special. The beautiful transparent quality of acrylic on clear glass sheets is unparalleled, and the ingenuity of your personal design on a vase filled with beautiful spring flowers will be admired by all who witness it.
When finished, you may have a beautiful piece that you can display in your own home, give to a beloved one, or use at home.
Our complete guide to acrylic paint on glass should get you ready to start your next project and get inspired.