Painting on glass is easy to do but the trick to good glass painting is all in the paint. Learn about different types of glass paint here. Products for this tutorial were supplied by Deco Art. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Have you ever wanted to try glass painting?
It is a fun craft to learn, but if you are new to this type of crafting you probably have some questions. That is why I am here to help!
We have partnered with Deco Art and want to show and explain their different Glass paints. They are all amazing, but each has a different look.
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More Glass Painting Craft Tutorials:
Glass painting is a fun craft and we are here to show you how you can do it too with step-by-step tutorials. Like these Colored Drinking Glasses, this Glass Painted Mug, and this Glass Painted Pumpkin Jar.
Be sure to look around the blog for more Craft Tutorial Ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you use regular acrylic paint on glass?
The answer to this question is yes and no. How is that for an answer?
You can use acrylic craft paints on glass, but it will not be permanent. Acrylic paint will easily scratch and flake off once it is dry.
What paint to use on glass that won't wash off?
If you are looking for a permanent option when it comes to painting on glass then you will want to look for paints that are specifically made to be used on glass.
Below I go over 5 different types of glass paint, all of the same color so you can see the differences between them.
Is glass paint dishwasher safe?
Once it has been cured properly, then yes it is. Although the pieces will last longer without fading if you handwash them.
Deco Art Paints Used:
For this test, I took a sheet of glass out of a frame so the different glass paint could be applied side by side. Also, the same blue was used in all paints so you could easily see a comparison.
You will notice that all of these are types of enamel paint. That is because this type of paint is resistant to moisture, and it's perfect for surfaces that need to be washed multiple times, like glassware.
- 3D Opaque Gloss Enamels
- The bottle includes a fine tip to easily write or draw to add dimension to your craft project. Great for personalizing, outlining, simple dots, and swirls.
- Frost Gloss Enamels
- Gives the glass a translucent finish. Use a cosmetic sponge to dab on paint for the best results.
- Crystal Gloss Enamels
- Brush on paint that gives the glass a transparent jewel tone.
- Gloss Enamels
- This paint works on several different surfaces including wood, paper mache, plastic, resin, ceramics, glass, and many other surfaces.
- Crystal Gloss Enamels Glitter
- Adds sparkle and shimmer to your painted glass project. Use a paintbrush to apply this transparent paint with ultra-fine glitter.
Different Looks of DecoArt Glass Paint:
Before use, be sure to shake the bottle well and clean the surface of the glass with alcohol.
In my sample, I divided each section with a strip of tape to keep the different paint separate.
I removed the tape and let the paint dry for 4 days. This is a must to let the paint completely dry and adhere to the glass.
How to Cure DecoArt Glass Paint so it is Permanent:
For a dishwasher-safe finish on oven-safe surfaces, place the project in a cool oven and set the oven to the indicated temperature on the bottle. (The different paints have different temperatures, so make sure to reference the container for complete instructions.) Bake for 30 minutes and cool with the oven door partially open.
After use, the item cleans up with soapy water.
Make sure to apply the paint to areas of the glass that will not be in direct contact with food or your mouth. The paint is non-toxic but you still don't want to ingest it.
From this test, my favorite is the Crystal Gloss Enamels. It is the middle strip on the pane of glass. I love the jewel tone that it gives. It is glossy and still transparent. But of course, it also depends on what type of project you are working on and the look that you are going for.
The test strip on the left is the most opaque, a solid blue with not much transparency.
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Our Crafting Essentials:
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily our favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Carol ("Mimi")
Good information to have for possible futures projects. Thanks for this info. I'm pinning for future reference.
Katie
Thanks, Carol! I'm happy to help, and thanks for the pin!
Priscilla
I paint on bottles and need to know what's the first strip of paint on the left ? I'm looking for a solid type of paint
Katie
It is the Gloss Enamels. This paint works on several different surfaces including wood, paper mache, plastic, resin, ceramics, glass and many other surfaces.
Kelly Brandt
What kind of paint is the one on the left the dark blue?
Katie Adams
True Blue Gloss Enamels: https://amzn.to/3COreDm
Robin
I have a project that I've been wanting do that requires painting glass, so thank you for the tips! Pinned
Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster. Robin | Fluster Buster
Katie
You are so welcome, Robin! Happy to help!
Angie ~ ambient wares
I've never painted on glass before and I've got a lot of old windows I should experiment on. Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday! Pinned
Katie
Ooh that sounds like fun! I'm excited to see what you come up with Angie!
Megs
Wow, really cool tips! Thank you for sharing!
Happy Monday, from the Inspire Me Monday linkup!
Megs
Katie
Thanks Megs! I'm so glad you like this post about painting on glass.
Marianne Perry
Morning, I saw your blog today and was very interested as I am starting a glass project this weekend, HOWEVER, I couldn't get your sound up, turned it up all the way, and the sound on my computer, but it was not easy to hear you.
Katie
Hi Marianne, were you on a device like a phone or a tablet? For some reason, the audio doesn't always work on these devices. You can try from a computer, laptop or a different device. I'm sorry for the difficulty.
Faye
Thank you for your information. I have wanted to try painting glass but after one case of following all the directions the paint came off in the dishwasher. Are all art deco glass paints dishwasher safe?
Katie
Yes, the paint is top rack dishwasher safe. But of course the more you wash in the dishwasher the more faded the paint will become. I would recommend handwashing if its something you want to keep in tip-top shape for a long time.
Tina
I stained my octagon bathroom window. I used gallery glass paints and found since I was doing this project vertically, the gallery paints ran; to thin for a vertical project there I used deco art glass/ enamel paints
I spent 2 days on my bathroom window
Using a liquid leading as well. It was beautiful. I say was because after 5 days my paints have run over the liquid leading, colors are fading. I can no longer see where the lead ends and the paints started. I can only guess it’s due to the hot showers. Any suggestions.
Thank you.
Katie
Hi Tina, that sounds gorgeous! I am sorry it didn't work as planned. I think it since the window is already set you couldn't bake the glass. Baking is what sets the paint.
Archana
Thank you for the post. Very informative. I am planning to paint on a window (one of them is a hurricane proof). How would it last with direct sunlight? As it is a prefixed window I can't bake the class. Will that make a difference? By the way i am just about to start my glass painting journey ?
Katie
Hi Archana! Baking the glass is what sets the paint in and makes it permanent. If you cannot bake the glass I would recommend looking for a different paint. Congrats on starting your journey! 🙂
Dottie Lewis
I want to make Christmas decorations from wine bottles - a raindeer, a santa and a snowman. What type of paint to I use - and spray or brush on? I need something that is permanent and won't rub off (or flake on the glass)
Katie
Any of the Glass Enamels will work. Make sure to bake if you want the paint to be permanent.
Carol Redding
I have the same question. I’m wanting to paint on wine bottles which I will add small lights in the bottle. I’m wondering how to bake to make permanent.
Katie
This paint would work great for that! Just make sure to follow the directions on the bottle for baking. Each paint has a different time and/or temp.
Deepa
Where did you get a glass for painting ? can you share info ?
Katie
Are you talking about the glass sheet? It is actually the glass from an old frame I wasn't using. The dollar store is a great place to get frames that have glass sheets too!
Louise Perrault
Hi, my name is Louise and I recently got interested in painting on glass and dishes. I just bought a beautiful panted plate. So I was wondering once it is painted do you have to cook the glass or plate???
Katie
HI Louise! If you are using the glass paint from Decor Art then yes. Baking is how you cure the paint and make it permanent. If you use a different brand of glass paint just make sure to follow their directions.
Marie Stankiewicz
Hi Katie,
I am making dish flower garden art for my girlfriends for Christmas gifts. Will gloss enamel paint withstand weather conditions? Also, will five month of drying/curing replace baking in the oven?
Thanks for your time,
Marie
Katie
Hello Marie! Such a beautiful gift idea! I think the paint will withstand for a bit but may fade if it is in direct sunlight. As for the drying vs curing, I am not quite sure. Baking at high temperatures is what cures the paint and makes it more permanent. I have only followed the directions on the label and have not tried other methods.
Jeanne
I use different brands of glass paint with different baking temperatures. Which one should I use when time to bake? The lowest or highest temp?
Katie Adams
Sorry, but I can't give you the final answer to that. You would need to do testing to see what worked best for the different products used.
barb.
Hi! Thanks for such an informative article! I am a bit confused tho-I want to paint on a glass 'frog' that would go outside. On one hand I hear it wont work and the other not so sure-I have always love this paint line and would be happy to hear what you recommend-happy new year! barb.
Katie Adams
I don't see why it wouldn't work. Just make sure to cure the piece in the oven when you are finished.
Tina Tremain
How would you cure a larger project that won't fit in an oven?
Katie Adams
I would suggest using paint that doesn't require curing in an oven. Gallery glass doesn't require an oven, it simply dries. But it is less permanent.