Question: What steps do I need to take to paint on a glazed surface or glass container?

Answer: There are defiantly differences in painting on smooth surfaces such as glass compared to wood or paper mache. The real problem here is that these surfaces are not porous and you will find the paint sliding around rather than adhering to object. This can be very frustrating and difficult to achieve your desired look.

To begin, make sure that the paint that you purchase is labeled for painting glass. These paints are usually not as easy to thin or clean as regular craft paint and I recommend purchasing paint thinner as well. Most of the glass paint has the appropriate thinner for the paint located next to it at the craft store.

Once you have the proper paint, select your brushes. Fine bristle good quality brushes are a must for glass painting. In addition because the surface will not absorb your paint, smaller brushes work better as larger ones tend to leave too much paint on the glass creating blobs of paint. In addition to brushes there are other types of tools that can be used for applying the paint. Brush marks are easily visible when painting on glass, using the tip of a nail or end of a knitting needle works well for applying small drops and preventing brush marks.

Make sure that your surface is clean and free of oils from hands and any dust. You can use a fine sandpaper to lightly buff the surface but take care because abrasive sanding will leave scratch marks in the glass.

If you are creating a small design the use of a lead outline can help make your design sharp by preventing the paint from flowing into other areas. Lead comes in small tubes and can also be found at your local craft store.

Blending colors and creating depth in your design can also be more difficult when using glass. Colors should be blended before placing the paint on the surface. If you place a new color on a previously painted color you can create some interesting effects. I recommend practicing blending and thinning of your paint on a surface that can be used solely for practice. You will also find that if you let your previous color dry before applying a new color that it will be easily removed with a soft cloth if you make a mistake.

Like any other craft this takes practice and you may feel a bit discouraged if you have been successfully painting on other surfaces. Overall, glass painting can be very rewarding and just takes a bit of practice!

This article is provided by Amy, one of our Country Primitive Home Owners.