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How To Apply Glass Paint For Best Results

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How To Apply Glass Paint For Best Results

How To Apply Glass Paint For Best Results

If you’re not a professional painter – and most people aren’t – you might wonder how you can get the best results when applying glass paint to a surface. Glass paint is a versatile medium and you can apply it in a number of ways. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results from your glass paint project.

Tips to Apply Glass Paint


You can apply glass paint using the same techniques you use to apply ordinary paint to a surface, but some painting techniques yield better results.

Spraying to apply glass paint


A high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer is the applicator of choice for glass paint projects. These devices allow you to spray paint evenly and quickly, and help prevent overspray. Because these tools are so effective at applying paint, they actually reduce the amount of paint you use by up to 40%. HVLP paint sprayers have a built in compressor that applies even pressure to the liquid paint, and offers a transfer efficiency of about 90%.

Usually, HVLP paint sprayers have adjustable spray patterns, so you can paint using vertical, horizontal or circular motions to achieve the desired coverage effect. In addition to spraying paint, a HVLP sprayer can apply lacquer, varnish and stain, so it can quickly become a go-to tool for the do-it-yourself decorator. As an added benefit, HVLP sprayers apply paint very evenly, so they tend to reduce the drying time required. You can find HVLP paint sprayers in hardware and home improvement stores.

Rolling to apply glass paint


If you don’t have a HVLP paint sprayer or are looking for a different effect, you can apply glass paint with a paint roller. Take some time to choose the correct roller, though! You want to look for a solvent-resistant mohair roller. You can choose any nap, however you’ll get better results with even, thin coatings of paint. Thicker nap on a roller will absorb more paint. You’ll extend your drying time and you’ll use more paint with each coating. Mohair rollers are available in home improvement and hardware stores, but be sure to choose the right materials. The most inexpensive paint rollers are synthetic, and they will not produce the same high quality results that mohair rollers will.

Brushing to apply glass paint


If you need a lot of control over your glass paint application, you can use a good quality, solvent resistant mohair paintbrush. Brushes come in a variety of widths, but as with paint rollers, you’ll get better results with even, thin coatings of paint. If you have a large surface to cover, a roller will give you more even application than a brush will. Mohair brushes are available in home improvement and hardware stores. Like paint rollers, the most inexpensive paint brushes are synthetic, and they will not produce the same high quality results that mohair brushes will.

If you’d like more information about glass paint, or would like to purchase glass paint online, please visit our online store.

Photo Credit: Frank Hermers, via FreeImages.com

Surface preparation for glass paint

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Surface preparation for glass paint

Surface preparation for glass paint

Since glass paint isn’t like ordinary paint, you will need to perform some recommended surface preparation before painting to achieve the best results. Here are some tips to ensure that your glass paint project is a success.

Glass paint surface preparation

To complete proper surface preparation for a glass paint project, you’ll need rubbing alcohol, paper towels, latex gloves and fine-grit steel wool. We recommend #000 or #0000 gauge steel wool. You can buy a pack of disposable latex gloves (like the kind you see in a doctor’s office), in the paint section of a hardware store. You’ll also need ordinary paper towels. It’s a bit counterintuitive, but don’t use lint-free paper towels or shop towels – the ordinary store-brand paper towels you find in the grocery store will do just fine!

Put on your gloves and spray the surface to be painted with rubbing alcohol. Scrub it thoroughly with the steel wool. You may have to repeat this step if the glass you’re working with is dirty, dusty or has significant surface imperfections. Make sure you spray and scrub every inch of all surfaces you plan to paint!

Once you’ve completed this step, wipe the surface(s) to be painted with more rubbing alcohol and paper towels. Repeat this until the glass squeaks when you rub it. Once the glass is clean, do not handle it with your bare hands! Change out your latex gloves as needed to keep the glass clean. If you plan to coat more than one surface, prepare each surface separately to keep each one as clean as possible and do your surface preparation immediately before painting.

That’s it! Your surface is now ready to take its first coat of glass paint! Depending upon the size of the project and how you apply the paint, you may have to wait several hours between coats. The drying time for a single coat of glass paint will vary, based on the thickness of the coat you’ve applied and the humidity in the air. High humidity will significantly increase the drying time. Under ideal humidity conditions, glass paint will be dry to the touch in about 2.5 hours, and can be safely handled after about 4 hours. The paint will be fully cured in 24-48 hours when you’ve used the catalyst. If you have not used the gatalyst (which we do not recommend), the paint may take up to a full year to cure.

If you’d like more information about glass paint, or would like to purchase glass paint online, please visit our online store.

How much glass paint will I need?

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how-much-glass-paint-will-i-need

Whether you’re planning a glass paint project or a small one, it’s important to know how much surface area a gallon of paint will cover. A single gallon of Glassprimer™ glass paint can effectively coat about 265 square feet of surface. When you take into account the catalyst, your final cost is about $1.00 per square foot.

Glass paint coverage

Although it can be, glass paint isn’t usually used like ordinary wall paint. If you plan to coat a backsplash, for example, and your backsplash is 3 x 10, that’s 30 square feet. Depending upon your application, you may want to use multiple coats of paint to ensure complete coverage. We recommend that users not exceed 8 coats of paint on a single surface.

Glass paint comes in a number of finishes, including opaque, translucent and transparent. Many people prefer an opaque coating for backsplashes and cabinet fronts, but a translucent finish will allow light to shine through the glass. Depending upon your installation plans, a translucent finish may work better for your intended application.

Glassprimer™ glass paint can be tinted to match any color. This is an exceptional advantage when you’re planning a glass paint project for your home. You can match any existing color or create the perfect contrast for your project.

You can also store glass paint like any other paint. Since the catalyst is sold in a separate container, you need only to mix the exact amount of paint and catalyst you need to complete your project, and you can safely store the unused paint for later use.

Glassprimer™ glass paint is fully compliant with all EPA regulations regarding volatile organic compounds, is self-priming and when used with the Glassprimer™ catalyst, dries and cures completely in 24-48 hours. Once Glassprimer™ glass paint has cured, the bond to glass is permanent. Your paint will not be damaged by humidity, and will not chip or fade.

 

Photo Credit: Jenny Kennedy-Olsen, via FreeImages.com

Glass paint and furniture projects

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If you’re thinking about using glass paint, a wall is a natural “go-to” target, especially if the wall is in a working environment, like a kitchen or bathroom. Here’s a surprise: glass paint is a highly versatile medium that can be used on a variety of surfaces and objects, like furniture!

Glass paint on a coffee table

Glass paint is specially designed to work on glass, but you can combine glass and just about any surface to create a new, fresh modern look. For example, if your wood coffee table is in good shape but the surface is looking worn or stained, consider refreshing it with a backpainted glass top.

To complete this easy project, you’ll want to work with tempered glass that’s been designed to fit the dimensions of your tabletop. Apply a coat of Glassprimer™ in the color of your choice to the surface of the glass and allow the paint to cure for about 48 hours. If the tempered glass is heavy enough, the glass should stay in place without help, but if the table is small or you’ve got pets or small children, you can then permanently attach the glass to the existing table surface with mastic. You can change the color of the backpainted glass whenever you redo the room, so you can keep your coffee table in sync with your color preferences!

Glass paint on a dining table

This same trick will work with an old dining room table. If you have a wooden table that has a good, solid base, you can apply a glass top to it in no time! Work with a glass shop to custom-fit a sheet of glass to your table. Backpaint one side of the glass and when the paint has cured, attach it to the table. You’ll definitely want to use tempered glass for this application. Tempered glass is specially strengthened glass that resists temperature changes and impacts. Glass tabletops are easy to clean and sanitize, and spills will never reach the carpet or floors!

Glass paint on desktops

You can refresh an old desk by outfitting it with a glass top. Since impacts and heat aren’t usually a concern around desks, you can actually use a sheet of regular glass. (You might want to spring for a thicker sheet, though!) Glass makes an ideal work surface, and will complement any décor. Apply glass paint to the back of the glass, either as a solid color or using decorative stencils, allow the paint to cure and turn the glass over to cover the desk surface.

 

Glassprimer™ catalyst – what exactly does it do?

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Glassprimer™ catalyst – what exactly does it do?

Glassprimer™ catalyst – what exactly does it do?

A common misperception about Glassprimer™ catalyst is that it turns any paint into glass paint. Here’s a rundown on what the catalyst is and what it does.

Glassprimer™ catalyst works with Glassprimer™ paint


Paint (of any kind) doesn’t like to stick to certain surfaces, glass being one of them. Generally, paint “prefers” porous surfaces. If the target surface isn’t at least somewhat porous, the paint will not adhere well.

Liquid paint contains solvents. When the paint is applied to a surface, the solvents gradually evaporate from the paint and the paint dries. Oil based paints dry to the touch in about 6-8 hours. Latex paints dry to the touch in about an hour. But just because a paint is dry doesn’t mean that the paint is “cured.”

Oil-based paints cure in about 7 days. Latex paints take much longer – about 30 days to cure. Once a paint is cured, it is hardened and firmly bonded to the surface. Left to itself, glass paint might take as long as a year to cure. That means the paint would be soft, easily damaged or dislodged, and not firmly bonded to the surface it was applied to. Most folks don’t have a year to wait for paint to cure, so to help reduce the curing time for glass paint, we strongly recommend the addition of something to speed up the curing process.

The Glassprimer™ component B catalyst does just that. When you add the catalyst to Glassprimer™ glass paint, the curing time is reduced to about 24-48 hours – much faster and more practical than a year! Once the paint is cured, the bond to the glass is permanent. Humidity in the air won’t cause the paint to peel, chip or flake, and glues and caulks won’t show through backpainted glass.

The catalyst is designed to work exclusively with Glassprimer™ glass paint to help the paint cure. It does not work with other paints, and it will not allow an ordinary paint to create a permanent bond with glass. It was designed specifically to help reduce the curing time of Glassprimer™ glass paint.

If you’d like more information about working with glass paint, or the Glassprimer™ component B catalyst, please visit our online store.

Photo Credit: Cagatay Cevik, via FreeImages.com

Using glass paint in the kitchen

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Using glass paint in the kitchen

Using glass paint in the kitchen

If you’re looking for decorating ideas, look no farther than your kitchen! Glass paint makes a great decorating medium for the kitchen because it’s durable, and can stand up to what’s likely to be the toughest environment in your home. As a surface, glass is ideal in the kitchen because it’s tough, impervious and easy to clean.

Glass paint projects for the kitchen

Backpainted glass works well as a backsplash material, and also works well around the stove. Glassprimer™ glass paint works with the catalyst to create a fast, permanent bond to the glass surface. This is ideal because once the Glassprimer™ paint has cured (24-48 hours) the paint will stick to the glass under even the most challenging conditions.

The kitchen – especially around the sink and stove – is often filled with moist air. Moisture in the air will cause most paints to peel, regardless of what surface they’re applied to. Glassprimer™ paint is different. It is specially engineered to resist humidity, and will never peel or chip.

The permanent bond also means that you can safely attach glass to the wall using mastics or glues that will not seep through the paint – immediately or over time. A backsplash decorated with glass paint will retain its good looks and true color for years to come. And because the backsplash is made of glass, it can be cleaned and sanitized with common household cleaners.

If you intend to install a backsplash that uses glass paint and you intend to use it around the stove, be sure to use tempered glass. Tempered glass is specially heat treated (or chemical-treated) to make it stronger and better able to withstand “insults” that would break untreated glass.

Tempered glass is more expensive, and it cannot be cut once the glass is finished. This is because the outer surface of the glass is compressed, which places the inner surface of the glass under tension. The balance of compression and tension makes the glass stronger, but means that the glass will shatter once the outer surface has been breached. One more note of caution: you can’t cover existing electrical outlets with glass or any other material. You’ll need to move above-the-counter electrical outlets before mounting your backsplash.

Backpainted glass cabinet doors also make a stunning addition to a kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for clear glass, frosted glass or backpainted glass bonded to existing cabinet doors, glass cabinet fronts lend an air of sophistication to your kitchen. Using Glassprimer™ paint, you can apply any color under the rainbow and give your kitchen cabinets an immediate facelift!

If you’d like more information about using Glassprimer™ to decorate your kitchen, or would like to buy Glassprimer™ glass paint, visit our online store to place your order!

Photo Credit: Marmit, via FreeImages.com

Spring paint colors for 2016

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Spring paint colors for 2016

Spring paint colors for 2016

If the decorating bug has bitten, you may be looking to update the paint in your home. Here are some suggestions for spring paint colors and combinations you may not have considered.

White paint

The last several years have featured bright, high-contrast colors, so the shift to white isn’t a complete surprise. Pair your favorite white with high-contrast glass paint accents to break up an all-white environment. Using glass paint strategically in doorways and on trim not only helps liven up your room, it also cuts down on wear and peeling in your high-traffic or rough-and-tumble areas!

Gray paint

Without a doubt, gray has been a favorite among neutral spring paint colors for about 10 years. Gray has become the go-to choice because it always plays so well with other colors. Most experienced decorators add color accents on the floors, walls or using furniture to avoid a complete washout, though! Grey and white are always a winning combination, as are bright, jewel-tone colors like red and royal blue. Glass paint gives an unbeatable glossy finish that enamel just can’t touch!

Paint it black!

Tuck black in among your choices for spring paint colors. As an accent with white paint, black provides crisp contrast and ultra-confidence that other color combinations just can’t match. Use black glass paint to create a simple, shiny and clean art deco look. The color goes well with most appliances, and will give the most important room in the house a fresh, fast casual style.

Soften up with pastels

If you’re already looking at a house full of brightly colored rooms, consider softer spring paint colors. Paint manufacturers have noted that the shift to a softer palette is coming, and have created a rainbow of spring paint colors that are easy to combine. Glass paint comes in a variety of colors and can be tinted to match virtually anything. Soften its look by using opaque or translucent glass paint, and create a soothing, durable and artistic finish in any room in the house.

For more information about spring paint colors or to view your glass paint options, visit us anytime at GlassPaint.com.

Photo Credit: Geri-Jean Blanchard

Using glass paint in your home

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Using glass paint in your home

Using glass paint in your home

If you’re looking for a new decorating idea, consider glass paint. This specially formulated paint is designed to cling to surfaces that typically don’t accept other surface coatings. Using special surface preparation, the paint binds to the glass surface, forming a permanent, highly durable bond. When used together, GlassPrimer™ glass paint and catalyst create a self-priming paint that’s easy to use and produces beautiful decorating results.

Glass paint isn’t just for tableware!

At one time, glass painting was used primarily on decorative objects, including tableware. Today, glass painting is synonymous with an architectural technique known as backpainted glass. Using large glass (or more modern plexiglass) panels, you can decorate a large surface area like a wall by applying glass paint to the panel, and then mounting the panel with the reverse (unpainted) side facing outward.

Using this method, you can create decorative artwork for any room in your home. You can also use backpainted glass in your kitchen to create decorative backsplashes around sinks and countertops. You can also use it to protect walls around the stove, cupboards and food preparation or dining islands. Backpainted glass lends a crisp, clean look to surfaces in your home, and can be used to complete an art deco motif with a virtually unlimited color palette.

Glass is an ideal surface area for kitchens and bathrooms because it is impervious to bacteria, easy to clean and can be chemically sanitized an infinite number of times. The disadvantages of using glass include its weight over large surfaces, and its impact resistance.

A single one-foot square pane of glass at a standard width of 3/32″ weighs nearly 1.25 pounds. For a backsplash that is 4 feet high and 12 feet long, a single pane of glass would weigh nearly 60 pounds. The impact resistance of a single pane of glass is low, so to improve its strength, you can use a thicker piece of glass, but that increases the weight substantially! In addition, transporting, cutting and hanging large glass panes can be a challenge!

To avoid the disadvantages of glass, many people choose to use lightweight Plexiglass acrylic as a substitute. Like glass, Plexiglass is impervious to bacteria. It is highly resistant to typical household cleaners like bleach and ammonia, and many natural acids found in food. This makes Plexiglass an excellent choice for “working” surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. Its lightweight composition makes it easy to transport, cut and hang. It’s also highly cost-effective, and easy to replace if it gets damaged.

GlassPrimer™ glass paint works well on both glass and Plexiglass surfaces. Glass paint bonds easily and permanently to both materials, and performs well in even the toughest areas of your home!

For more information about glass paint, visit us at GlassPaint.com for the latest on glass painting and decorating, or to order online.

Photo Credit: melodi2

What is glass paint?

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What is glass paint?

What is glass paint?

Simply put, glass paint is a paint that you can apply to glass. You might be tempted to think that you can apply any paint to glass and come up with the same result. Not exactly! GlassPrimer™ is a specially formulated product that creates a permanent bond to glass. Once true glass paint has dried, it forms a permanent bond with the glass surface and won’t wash off, chip or fade with normal use.

Glass paint works on many surfaces

This makes GlassPrimer™ paint ideal for use in the “working” areas of your home, like your kitchen and bathroom. Ordinary paint can’t create this kind of bond with a glass surface, so over time, it will wear, peel and flake off – something you definitely don’t want in your kitchen! You can safely use glass paint on and around your countertops and walls to create unique painted surfaces that will stand the test of time.

GlassPrimer™ paint isn’t just for use on glass. You can also use it on a variety of tough-to-paint surfaces, like metal, plastics, masonry, stone and wood. You can use it in high-traffic areas, doorways and on surfaces that typically resist paint applications. You can even use it outside. It won’t fade or peel in the sun!

You can also use GlassPrimer™ paint on Plexiglass. The paint bonds with the Plexiglass, allowing you to create dazzling, customized decorative surfaces for any room in your home. You can revive a variety of hard-to-repair areas with a Plexiglass laminate featuring the unique painted finish of your choice. Resurface a backsplash, protect walls or rejuvenate your tired kitchen cabinets by giving them an easy-to-clean, modern look.

GlassPrimer™ paint comes in a wide range of opaque, translucent and completely transparent colors! This opens a variety of decorating options while still delivering the permanent surface bonding of true glass paint. It also ensures that bonding materials like glues and mastics won’t show through the painted glass, ruining the esthetics of your project.

Visit us at GlassPaint.com for the latest on glass painting and decorating, or to order online.

Photo Credit: Gargi Bhuyan

Innovation in Glass Architecture

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The glass industry has experienced a revolution bordering on a renaissance over the past few years. The introduction of new technologies has made it possible to mold glass in different ways, change the aesthetics through glass painting, and use it successfully in various applications ranging from construction to mobile phone technology. Read more