Lately, it seems like hand-painted wine or cocktail glasses are all the rage! It is possible to paint them at home, and it is also quite easy. In fact, it is a fun pastime that allows you to create beautiful, unique and personalized wine glasses, to be transformed into cheap gifts for friends and family, or to be kept in the kitchen as ornamental furniture!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Glass
Step 1. Wash the glass well with hot water and detergent
Whether you're using a new glass or choosing one of your favorites, a layer of dust or dirt may have accumulated, even inside the cupboard or cabinet it was stored in. Therefore, make sure it is shiny: wash it with soap and water and rinse it well.
Let it dry properly. It is not recommended to paint on a wet glass or one that has traces of water
Step 2. Clean the surface of the wine or cocktail glass by wiping it with alcohol and paper towels
Remove any residue of oil, dirt, fingerprints and anything else that can ruin the job. Let the glass dry for 7 to 10 minutes after cleaning it.
If you don't have denatured alcohol, use white vinegar - it has similar cleansing properties
Step 3. Put masking tape on the edge of the glass
It is best to have a 2 cm margin without paint around the rim of the glass. As some colors are toxic, it is important not to paint where you will surely go to lay your mouth. In addition, there is a risk that the paint will deteriorate in contact with drinks and lips.
Make sure you apply the duct tape evenly. If it's not perfect, you can fix it very easily. For best results, use paper or painter's tape
Part 2 of 3: Draw on the Glass
Step 1. Make a sketch of the design you want to make on a piece of paper
Once you have traced the design on tissue paper or fabric, you can insert it inside the glass and, after fixing it, you can copy it on the glass. Tissue paper is easier to handle and allows you to spread out the design better.
It is not absolutely necessary to create a sketch. Geometric and abstract designs are just as beautiful, if not more so. If it helps, use duct tape to work out a pattern on the outside of the glass, after which it will be easier to paint around. The same goes for the stem and base of the glass
Step 2. Fix the motif on the glass
There are so many products on the market that it's hard to know where to start. The easiest way is to trace the design and tape it to the inside of the cup. However, you have a couple of other options:
- Insert the design inside the glass and fill it with a sock or some stuffing material. The soft fabric will keep it in place, without ruining it.
- Purchase an adhesive stencil at your nearest fine art store. If you go looking, you will be able to find it. Normally stencils are adhesive and, therefore, you can simply glue them to the glass and color directly.
Step 3. Trace the design on the glass
Use an indelible fine-tipped marker to outline the design on the glass. If you don't like the sketch, wipe it off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or acetone.
The outline will likely remain visible. If you prefer to use the "one stroke" technique, do not trace the contours on the glass, but paint directly following the design that is inside the glass
Step 4. Choose the colors
As with stencils, it's easy to get dejected when walking the paint and color aisle. There is a wide variety of choices and the differences, in reality, are very subtle: these are shades that are pleasing to the eye. What you get to choose depends mainly on your mood and your tastes.
- Water-based enamels are especially designed for glass painting. They tolerate dishwasher washing (not microwave), but some require a base coat and a final protection product (primer and top coat), so watch out for the label.
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Acrylic paints are also suitable. However, it depends on the quality - some tend to go away with water. If you choose acrylic paint, apply a final layer of high quality paint (even bright!) To fix the color on the glass.
There are acrylics designed for painting on glass. If you prefer this kind of color, go for this variety
- Regardless of the type of colors you are going to use, as far as the drying method is concerned, you will probably find these two solutions: air and oven. Generally, when the color is baked in the oven it lasts longer.
- To make things more fun, you also have the option to choose between transparent, matte and satin colors. The decision is up to you.
- The manufacturers have thought of everything: there are also glass markers on the market. They harden on the surface once placed in the oven, are very precise and make the job easier even for beginners.
Step 5. Prepare the area to be colored
While it goes without saying, it's no fun to ruin your favorite sweater or grandma's mahogany table. Therefore, change your clothes and spread several sheets of newspaper or wax paper to protect the work surface. And take the dog out too.
While you are at work, keep the windows open so you don't breathe in the fumes produced by the painting
Step 6. Start painting
The methods for painting glasses are as varied as those for painting on canvas. The choice is entirely up to you. However, if you are looking for some inspiration, here are some ideas:
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Create a marbled glass by pouring the color onto the glass from top to bottom. Pour an even, thin layer, constantly rotating the glass. Alternate the colors as you wish. Liquid paint is best suited for this method.
Use a single color and pour it until the glass is completely covered to create an entirely colored glass
- Use masking tape to make strips. As soon as you are done painting between the strips, take them off. If you remove the tape when the paint is dry, you risk crumbling the paint. If you see any unevenness after removing the strips, just take the cutter and carefully reshape the paint until the lines are straight.
- Make the polka dots. The blunt handle of the brush is ideal for making polka dots. Alternatively, you can use a small sponge or swab. To proceed effectively, never tilt the tool you are using. Put it down and always withdraw it straight.
- Use a sponge. Whether you use a sponge for washing dishes or a sponge brush, you can create interesting patterns of various layers, without wasting color. It is not even necessary to have great skill.
- Overlay colors to create shadows and reflections. This is the method for painting like a pro.
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Don't forget the stem and base! Half of the work isn't the cup itself (if you're using a wine glass). As for the bottom, try to paint it in order to get a visible / invisible effect.
If you've asked yourself a few questions about brushes, they're all more or less the same, unless you're a painting enthusiast. However, if you are a very precise type, synthetic ones give a more pronounced effect, while those with natural bristles produce smoother and more uniform images
Step 7. Remove the color with nail polish remover if you need to make any corrections
Resin-based paint does not last long unless placed in the oven, and can also be removed with hot water. If you absolutely must remove the colors, do it as soon as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Fixing the Paint
Step 1. Let the color dry
Leave the glass to dry at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step of heat setting. Place it upside down on a soft surface, perhaps on a tea towel. Place it in a corner away from the kitchen or bathroom so that moisture doesn't affect drying.
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If you air dry it, you will probably have to leave it for three weeks.
Follow the instructions in the paint package.
Step 2. Set the color using heat
If you choose a color that needs oven drying, now is the time. The process is very simple and don't be afraid that the glass will melt.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Turn on the oven at 180 ° C. You don't have to preheat it. You have to put the glass in the cold oven. The gradual increase in temperature will prevent it from breaking down, which could happen with a sudden change in temperature.
- Immediately place the glass on the baking sheet and place it in the oven.
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Set the timer to sound after 30 minutes. Turn off the oven after 20 minutes, leaving the glass warm for another 10 minutes. After half an hour, take it out of the oven.
Alternatively, follow the instructions on the paint package. This step is essential to make the glass washable
Step 3. Embellish your creation
Since some glasses may be suitable for a birthday gift or other occasion, try filling them with candies, dragees, chocolates, and so on. You will make a great impression!
Consider putting your signature or adding the recipient's name to the bottom of the glass. Put a drop of glue to add a bow. It will be too good a gift to wrap
Advice
- If you are a beginner, this article might come in handy: How to Learn the Art of Glass Painting
- Circulate the air in the room where you work! The smell of paint is not pleasant.
- Follow the instructions on the paint package. Generally it is recommended to leave a space of 2, 5 cm between the design and the edge of the glass.
Warnings
- be careful! Some glass paints have serious contraindications, while others are non-toxic. Read the label carefully if in doubt and, if possible, choose non-toxic paints.
- Follow the instructions on the paint package. Generally, you will find directions advising you to leave some space between the edge of the glass and the painted surface. It is a precaution that must be respected.
