Painting on glass can, not only be a hobby, but also a creative way to give our homes a fresh new look. A new glass painting on the wall or that same old glass window painted with colourful flowers, the glass centre table transforming into the chic stained glass top! All these would bring ample of praises for you. And it's a very creative way to utilise your free time.

Just before we learn the art of painting glass, lets see an overview of the painting requirements:
1)Glass to paint on (explained later)
2)Glass paints: They can be:
a)Water Based: Can be diluted with water. Tools are easy to clean and can be cleaned with water. Drying time is 20 minutes and need 2-3 days to dry completely. Best for beginners as handling is easy.
b)Oil Based or Non-Water Based: Can be diluted with ceramic thinner. Tools can be cleaned with white spirit or thinner. Drying time is 2 hours and need 8 hours to dry completely. They give a more glossy and iridescent look.
Both these types have good range of colours. They are intermixable within some range.
Also Glass paints can be transparent or opaque. They should not be intermixed as the result is not very appealing. Each has their own texture and do not gel well. Transparent paints give an enchanting, shimmering effect to the painting and are good for making sun catchers, lamp shades, etc. While opaque paints are better for conventional paintings like figures and still life.

3)Glass Outliners: They are used for tracing out the pattern on glass or for giving clear definition to the outlines and sections to stand out in the painting. They are conveniently packed in tubes. They are available in a big range of hues. Black outliner is generally preferred because it gives the best and the most clear effect.
4)Paint Bushes: Fine brushes for outlining and for painting in corners and narrow areas. Medium sized brushes for painting larger areas.
5)Nail Polish remover and a soft cloth: For cleaning mistakes
6)Paint Palette: For mixing paint.

Where shall I paint?
First of all you need to choose the glass you want to paint. It can be a flat clear glass, glass vase, table top, glassware like plates, bowls, etc. If you are a first timer, start with a flat square glass of size 8X8".

Cleaning the surface.
The glass to be painted needs to be clean of the dirt, dust, fingerprints or any other marks. For this first of all wash the glass with detergent and liquid. You can use the dishwasher too! Dry the glass and clean with white

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