by Janet Sandford

Created on: June 10, 2010   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

Painting glasses can add a splash of extra colour to your kitchen, and is both decorative and practical. There is a variety of glass paints available, all of which are suitable for different purposes, so always check the instructions and follow them carefully. Some paints create a matt and opaque finish while others give a transparent or glossy look. Some glass paint is for decorative use only and will come off easily if washed, while other brands can be left to cure for 24 hours before being baked in the oven and set: these paints become safe when in contact with food and drink and are also dishwasher-safe.  It is easy to experiment with glass paints as most will wash off under running water from the tap before they have had time to set. Glass paints are available from most hobby and craft shops.

Materials:

• Glasses

• Glass paint

• Household brush

• Cloth

• Artist's brush

Method:

1. Insert your hand inside a glass to hold it. Then, using a household brush, apply pink glass paint on to two sides of the glass, leaving the remaining sections bare.

2. Before the paint starts to dry, drag the paint evenly down the sides of the glass with a clean dry brush to create a dragged effect. If you do not achieve a clean edge, wipe off any excess paint with a damp cloth.

3. Holding the glass flat, paint pink dots on the clear sections of the glass with a small brush. For greater definition, you may have to go over them a second time. Do not apply too much paint at once as it could run.

4. Using a fine artist's brush, paint the rim of the glass in the same colour for added definition. The base of the glass can also be painted, if desired. Some glass paints require baking to set; always follow the manufacturers guidelines regarding oven temperatures as they can vary a great deal.

Tips:

1. Special glass paint liners can be used to outline or give a raised effect to painted patterns.

2. When trying to paint a neat edge, use your fingernail to remove any tiny blobs of paint that make the edge uneven. 

You don't have to use only one colour to paint all your glasses. A mixture of jolly colours is advisable. Colours such as sunshine yellow and turquoise are great for making a kitchen vibrant and a lively environment. For inspiration in choosing bright and cheerful colours for your glassware, look at exotic flowers, bright fabrics and patterns, food products and packages from the Caribbean. In recent years these colours have become popular for use in interior decoration.

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