You may be wondering if you can use acrylic paints on glass. The answer is definitely yes!
Acrylic paint is so versatile, and it can be used on all kinds of different surfaces easily. As long as the glass is properly prepped, it is relatively easy to paint designs on it with acrylic paints.
Acrylic paints do work better on porous surfaces because on smooth surfaces they can peel away. But, where there is a will, there is a way.
In this post you will learn about the best acrylic paints for glass, the challenges of using acrylic paint on glass, and how to paint on glass. Keep reading to learn more.
Can Acrylic Paints Be Used On Glass?
As I mentioned in the introduction, acrylic paints are very versatile. They are also durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It is these qualities that make acrylic paints so popular with artists of all levels.
Yes, you can use acrylic paints on glass. The trick is to use paints that are made for painting on glass, such as acrylic enamel.
Even when you are using the right paints, there are still going to be some challenges to painting on glass with acrylics. For instance, because they work better on porous surfaces, it is important to use a primer or sand the glass to make it rough.
You will also need to seal the paint after you finish the artwork. Use a sealant or varnish for this to keep the paint from becoming damaged over time.
It is also important to make sure the paint is food-safe if you are painting on an item such as a plate or a cup. Only use the paint on the outside of the object if it is to be used for food or drink unless you are using food-safe paint.
Choosing the Right Acrylic Paint for Glass
There are certain qualities to look for when choosing the right acrylic paint for glass. Not all acrylic paints are suitable to use on glass.
Do you want the design to last for many years? Do you need the item to be food-safe? These are things you will need to consider when choosing the right acrylic paint for your project.
Ideally, you will be using enamel-based acrylic paints. These paints are durable and you won’t have to bother with priming the glass before painting.
The only problem with enamel paints is that they are usually not food-safe. Here are some things to look for when choosing acrylic paint for glass.
#1. Opacity
Do you want the design you are painting to appear transparent or opaque? This is something you will need to consider when choosing the right acrylic paint for the job.
If you want light to pass through the design, you will want to use paint that is at least somewhat transparent. If you aren’t worried about this, you can use opaque paint.
It all comes down to a matter of preference.
#2. Lightfastness
Some paints will fade if they are exposed to sunlight. I have found this happens with stained glass paints, which sucks because they are made for items that will have light shining through, such as sun catchers.
Look for a lightfast paint that is UV-resistant, and resistant to fading. The levels of lightfastness range from one to four, one being the highest level of lightfastness.
#3. Consistency
The consistency of your paint will also play a role in how transparent the finished product is. If you want your painting to be opaque, you will need to use thick paints. If you want the finished item to have a stained glass appearance, you will need to use thinner paints.
Be careful when choosing your paint, and do not mix paints of different consistencies. Test the paint in small amounts to see which one has the consistency you desire.
Never use water to thin your acrylic paints, and do not thicken them with flour or cornstarch when painting on glass.
#4. Drying Time
Look for paint that will dry quickly. In most cases, a thin layer of acrylic paint will dry in 10 minutes or less, but some brands do take longer to dry.
#5. Finish
When the paint dries it has a very specific feel and appearance, or finish. Do you want the finished piece to look glossy, matte, or frosted?
When working on glass, many people like to have a frosted or matte finish. But, glossiness does have its advantages for some types of projects.
Again, your choice will come down to personal preference.
Which Acrylic Paint Should You Use On Glass?
The best type of acrylic paint to use on glass is acrylic enamel paint. These are made for painting on smooth surfaces, such as glass, and the glass doesn’t need to be primed before painting.
If you are painting on an item that will be used for food or drink, be sure to choose an acrylic enamel that is food-safe and non-toxic.
Other acrylic paints are good for glass as well. Keep in mind that if it isn’t enamel, you will likely need to prime the glass.
You may also wish to use bake-on acrylic paint for glass. You do not need to use primer, but you will need to bake the finished piece in the oven.
How to Paint on Glass Using Acrylic Paint
Now we come to the fun part, which is learning how to paint on glass with acrylic paint. First, let’s take a look at the materials you will need.
- A tarp or paper to catch spills
- Paper towels or rags
- Disposable gloves
- Warm, soapy water
- Alcohol (rubbing or isopropyl) or vinegar
- Acrylic glass paint
- Paintbrushes
- Primer or gesso
- Acrylic medium (optional)
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Tape (optional)
#1. Prep the Glass
It isn’t always going to be necessary to prep the glass before painting it. But, you may need to depending on the type of paint you are using.
Wear disposable gloves for this. That way you won’t end up leaving any fingerprints on the glass, which will show up in your painting.
Wash the glass item with warm, soapy water. Let it air-dry, and then wipe it down with alcohol or vinegar. Allow it to air-dry.
Cover the areas you don’t want to paint with tape. You can also use masking fluid for this purpose.
An optional step is to lightly sand the glass in the areas you plan to paint. This will allow the paint to adhere to the glass surface.
Add a thin layer of primer or gesso. Again, this is optional. If you are using acrylic enamel paint, be sure to use a primer that is made for this type of paint. Make sure the tarp is in place before using the primer or gesso.
#2. Paint Your Design
Now it is time to start painting. Be sure to use one color at a time, and to paint in thin, even strokes. Paint in multiple thin layers.
Once you have finished using one color you can move on to the next, and so on. Be sure to clean the brush between colors.
Allow each coat of paint to fully dry before moving on to the next coat. It will take longer to complete your project, but it will be worth it in the long run.
If you make any mistakes, don’t be alarmed. Simply wipe them off with a cotton ball soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol.
#3. Dry and Cure the Paint
When the painting is finished, it will need time to dry and cure. In most cases, the paint will be dry within an hour or two.
Leaving the painted object in a warm, dry area that gets lots of sunshine will help to speed up the drying process. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting, making sure to not have it too close to the paint.
#4. Seal the Paint
This step isn’t always necessary, but it will give your finished piece a longer lifespan. There are two ways to seal paint on glass.
The first method is to use a coat of transparent sealant. You can choose a spray sealant or one that you paint on with a brush.
The second method is to use bake-on paint, which will be cured and sealed in the oven.
Sealants are not ideal for use on items that will be used for food and drink. It is best to use bake-on paint if you are going to be eating or drinking from the glass item.
How to Use Bake-On Paint
Bake-on paint is ideal for painting on glass items that you will be using for food and drink. You do not need a special kiln for this purpose as the paint will seal and cure in a regular oven.
Place the item onto the oven rack before turning the oven on. Set the oven to 350 degrees, or whatever temperature is on the product’s instructions.
When the oven reaches the desired temperature, set a timer for 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, turn the oven off and allow the glass to cool completely before taking it out.
Wait three or four days, and then wash the piece.
Conclusion
Painting on glass is loads of fun, even if it can be a bit of a challenge. I particularly love painting on bottles.
As long as you are using the right type of acrylic paint and following the manufacturer’s instructions, you should have no problem painting on glass items. You can even paint on items that will be used for food and drink if you are using a bake-on paint.
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!