Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

How to Paint Glass Windows?

Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

Looking to make a change and make them boring glass windows look amazing? Painting the glass is an amazing option to add something entirely new! If you are wondering if you can paint on glass windows, the answer is yes! There are many different ways you can do this depending on the outcome you want.

Painted windows is no longer something that is done on luxury homes. With the easy method of creating a gorgeous window, anyone can do it! It is a reasonably simple task that can transform your property!

Why Do We Paint Glass Windows?

There are many reasons why someone would want to paint glass windows. Windows are boring and very standard looking even though they are a huge part of your house. Glass windows can be painted to change the look and add something more to a property.

Why Do We Paint Glass Windows

Giving your windows a bit of personality is never a bad idea. It can add value to your property and make it uniquely yours. Painting your glass window also solves other issues. You can paint for privacy reasons, so the windows are not so easy to look in. It can be a gorgeous place to get creative with your artistic talents. Or simply a fun arts and crafts project for your kids keeping them occupied.

Frosting the glass is a method used primarily in bathrooms and is highly effective at creating some privacy. Some people paint glass windows in this way throughout their property to get a high level of privacy all over. This method still allows light to get into the room, so it is a great choice for many properties.

You can even go as far to paint your windows for each season. Especially around Christmas time this method is popular because you can add a bit more festivities into your home.

If it is painted glass on a shop you can create beautiful displays and artwork to draw customers in. Instead of sticking with the plain glass windows, you can adda bit of character into it.

Which Paint to Use on Glass Windows?

You cant just use any pain on glass windows. They must be made to bond specially with the glass surface like a solvent-based paint, water-based acrylic. You will need to consider the opacity of the paint to match your needs and check the curing time.

Which Paint To Use On Glass Windows

  • Solvent based glass paint:If you are wanting a professional glass window treatment then this is the paint for you. This type of paint has been designed specifically for the glass windows surface so it will not fail you. This is the recommended type of paint.
  • Water-based acrylic:Great for a DIY craft on your windows. If you are after something a bit more fun and not as permanent this this is a great paint to pick. The paint you decide to pick will be based on what you want to achieve. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider.
  • Curing time:If it is an urgent paint job then opt for a water-based acrylic or enamel paint as it dries within a couple of hours, so it is perfect. If time isnt an issue then a solvent-based glass paint takes a while longer to fully cure, but it is the preferred method.
  • Health and safety:With all paints you need to consider the health and safety. Water-based acrylics are a lot less toxic than solvent based paint. This needs to be factored into your decision depending on how often you will be in the room where the paint is curing.
  • Durability: This is one of the most important decisions you need to make. The different types of paint can have a huge impact on the durability of the design. If you want to use acrylic paint then you need to be aware that it can chip and easily be removed by scraping with a sharp blade. It can last years untouched on the glass, but you do risk it becoming cracked. Solvent based glass paint is the best for permanent designs that will last forever on your windows.
  • Opacity:How much light do you want to be let through the paint? Acrylic paints are opaquer than glass paints as solvent based is ideal for blocking out a lot of bright light.

You need to take all of this into consideration when you are picking your paint. Think about what will work the best for your desires.

Product Benefits
Violtan solvent based paint Long lasting, non-toxic, wide range of colours
Camlin Kokuyo solvent based paint Vibrant colours, long lasting, easy to apply
Fevircrly water based paint Amazing coverage, rapid drying, easy to remove

How to Paint Glass Windows: Step to Step Guide

Painting your glass windows is a straightforward process. You need to follow these steps in order to get a long-lasting result that will give you a superior result.

How To Paint Glass Windows

Before beginning the painting make sure you have some gloves to protect your hands. Not all paint varieties are toxic it is still an important step. Also, make sure that the room you are painting has good ventilation when using solvent-based paint. This will prevent you from breathing in toxic chemicals and will allow the paint to cure faster.

Steps to painting a glass window:

  1. Start with a clean surface. Use soap and warm water to clean all of the dirt off your windows. You dont want to be painting on top of dirt! Take some rubbing alcohol to get all of the grease and smudges off the glass. Once it is all clean allow it to air dry before you start painting.
  2. Create yourself a barrier. Tape off anywhere you dont want to paint over. This will make your painting a lot more precise and reduce mistakes.
  3. Draw out your design. Dont use permanent marker for your design on the glass window, use a temporary marker like a whiteboard pen. Draw out the design that you wish to paint so that all of the boundaries are set. If you arent comfortable drawing directly on the window, draw on some tracing paper the same size as your window so that you have a template.
  4. Use a soft bristle brush so it does not damage your window. Apply the first coat of paint with the brush. Or if you prefer you could use a sponge to apply the paint or a roller. Pick an application method that goes best with your design.
  5. Allow the paint to dry before assessing whether you need a second coat. Check to see if the colour is vibrant enough for you and that the design you are after is looking perfect. If not then go in with a second coat.

Conclusion

For whatever reason you are wanting to paint your windows follow the steps and advice carefully. It is important that you end up with the perfect result on your windows especially if you are using solvent-based glass paint which is a permanent paint.

Read More:How to Protect Acrylic Painting?

Randy CharlesProfessional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.

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