Clear glass can be tinted to resemble light-colored sea glass. If you want to make blue canning jars or multicolored chandeliers, dyeing the glass surface requires only a few materials, a few minutes of work and some time for the color to dry. Learn how to color glass with waterproof paints or food dyes.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Waterproof Glass Color
Step 1. Choose the clear glass object you want to color
These methods are not suitable for coloring glass surfaces of food containers, however you can always color the outside of trays, jugs and jugs that can be washed by hand.
Step 2. Wash and dry the glass object
If possible, wash it in the dishwasher to make sure you remove any impurities and grime. If it's a thin bottle, soak it in soapy water and then rinse it off.
A bottle brush is able to reach the bottom of the bottle and remove food and grease residues. You can buy them on the internet or in kitchenware stores
Step 3. Purchase the glass color of your choice
You can purchase glass paints at craft stores and on the internet.
Step 4. Purchase acetone-based nail polish remover, available at many sundries stores
You may also find it in some craft stores, as it is used as a paint thinner.
Step 5. Protect your work area with newspapers or paper bags
Step 6. In a small plastic bowl, mix one tablespoon of color for glass (5ml) with 1/4 tablespoon of acetone (1.2ml)
Blend them with a brush. Acetone is used to dilute the paint, so adjust the amount of glass paint or thinner based on the shade of color you want to achieve.
- Keep in mind that once dry, the glass color will be lighter than it initially looks. Increase the amount of thinner if you want to dye the glass object a lighter color.
- The amount you need is proportional to the size of the project. Increase the amount of paint and acetone for larger objects.
- If you are coloring a glass bottle, pour the acetone-color mixture directly into the bottle, then shake it.
Step 7. Pour the mixture into the bottle or jar
Paint only the base and outer walls of a tray or bottle if they need to come into contact with food or drink. With a brush, distribute the color evenly.
- The color on the outer surface may make the object sticky to the touch. It is preferable to use it on surfaces that should not be used and therefore wash too often.
- Shake the liquid inside the bottle to create a swirl until the entire surface is covered. Roll the bottle on a flat surface or shake it slowly in the air to coat the surface with color.
- If the color does not distribute evenly, it means that you have gone too far with the acetone. Add more color inside the bottle and mix again.
Step 8. Remove excess color from the bottle after coating the inner or outer surface
A small amount of color may drain to the bottom, so avoid buildup.
Step 9. Leave the item to dry for a few days (3 to 7 days)
Let the color dry for a week before pouring some water inside.
Method 2 of 2: Glue-Based Glass Paint
Step 1. Clean the glass thoroughly
This method of coloring glass is faster and cheaper. However, it is preferable not to use it with glass objects that could get wet or that need to contain or carry food.
Step 2. Cover the work surface with wax paper
Step 3. Experiment with shades of food coloring
Adding food coloring to glue is like adding them to icing on sweets.
Remember that the hue will be lighter than it initially appears once the color has dried
Step 4. Mix one tablespoon of white glue (5ml) or Mod Podge with 3 drops of food coloring and one and a half tablespoons of water (7.5ml)
To mix the mixture it is recommended to use a bowl and a disposable spoon.
Step 5. Paint the inside of the glass object with a brush
The color will spread better if you use a large brush. You can also pour the glue mixture into a jar and then shake it.
This method can cause further dripping and consequent blemishes
Step 6. Place the jar upside down on a piece of wax paper
Let it sit for 6 hours or until it stops dripping. Excess color will build up on the jar opening.
If you are coloring a flat surface, simply place it face up
Step 7. Flip the glass jar or bottle and let it dry for 12 hours
When the color reached appears to be the original one, it means that the object is ready to be decorated.
