The Best Spray Paint for Glass (2024 Guide & Video For a Perfect Finish)
Can You Spray Paint Glass?
You can absolutely spray paint glass as long as you have the right product! Here are simple tips and the best spray paint for glass to get a perfect finish that lasts.
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform any home decor item is with spray paint! But whether you are spray painting mason jars or an outdated vase, the wrong paint could turn your glassware into a drippy mess.
Fortunately, with the right spray paint options and a few easy tips for painting glass, you can get a drip-free, flawless finish easily on your next project!
When I first discovered the transformative power of spray paint, I felt that I had a magic wand that could instantly transform any home decor item on a budget!
So outside I went with a ceramic lamp, several vases, and some antique figurines. The backyard looked staged for a yard sale as I spread them out in the grass on old pieces of wood
Can You Spray Paint Glass?
What I failed to realize was that all spray paint is NOT created equal – especially when it comes to glass.
When I was finally done, I was ready to have an actual yard sale with all of the home decor items that were now covered with dried-on spray paint drips and runs. The key to spray painting glass is using the right spray paint!
Fortunately, I’ve done lots of experimenting since Spray Paint Gate and have learned the best spray paints to achieve any look you want on glass!
Check out this guide and video on how to transform any home decor item easily and inexpensively with spray paint!
LET ME SHOW YOU:
- The best spray paints for painting glassware
- How to tint glass easily and permanently with the best results
- The simplest tips to spray paint glass and give it new life
- Budget-friendly ideas for transforming home decor items you already own with spray paint
(As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only use links on products I use and love. Please see my full disclosure HERE).
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The Best Spray Paint for Glass
What is the best Type of Paint for Glass?
The right paint for glass should give you a smooth, consistent, and permanent finish. Because spray paint is oil-based, it is a much better option than acrylic paints for glass. If you want to get the look of custom lettering, you can easily use a stencil with spray paint to get a perfect finish that won’t wash off.
Problems with Spray Painting Glass
Glassware is probably the most difficult material to paint. Because of its smooth surface, you are more likely to have runs, drips, or peeling.
Glass’s slick surface doesn’t give the paint much to grab and hold onto. Therefore, the paint accumulates easily onto itself and causes cracks, drips, and runs.
For this reason, many prefer to paint glass with a brush, but that leads to lots of brush strokes on what was previously a very smooth surface. (I mention this tip in my free checklist to help you spray paint like a pro. You can get it by filling out the form at the bottom of this post).
I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to take the time to hand paint something, I want it to look good!
That’s why using the right spray paint is so important!
What Spray Paint Will Adhere to Glass?
Spray paint quality can vary drastically from one product line to another and some are easier to use on glass than others. Also, certain nozzles are better suited for an even spray, which is critical for spraying glassware.
Some paints better stick to glass than others but this post will show you the perfect glass spray paint for your project!
WARNING: Spray painting can be addictive. Once you see how easy it is to transform old home decor, you will soon realize other home decor items that will benefit from a makeover with spray paint!
Considerations for the Best Spray Paints for Glass
Several considerations should be taken into account when reviewing and deciding on the best spray paints for glassware.
Drips – Drips are the bain of my existence in any painting project. Those dreaded drips can ruin a perfectly good vase in no time.
As I mentioned above, glass is more susceptible to drips because it is so slick and smooth. However, using the right spray paint can ensure you get the perfect finish every time. What affects the smoothness is the quality of the paint and the type of nozzle.
Unevenness – Sometimes even if you don’t have drips, the type of nozzle can cause the paint to come out unevenly. Or, it can make spray paint particles that are too big and don’t appear smooth on the surface of your glass.
Sheen – Keep in mind the sheen you are going for. For example, you want a high-gloss sheen if you are painting faux milk glass and if you want the look of chalk paint you want a very matte sheen.
Dry Time – You want a short dry time so that there isn’t as much opportunity for dust to land on your newly spray-painted surface.
Price – The spray paints I recommend in this post are all $5-7. There are cheaper cans of spray paint but they will not give you the results you are looking for on glass.
They also cover well which means you won’t have to use much and that means fewer spray paint cans to purchase.
Different Options for Spray Painting Glass:
Renee Witherspoon once said, “If it’s not moving, monogram it.” But my version is probably, “If it’s not moving, spray paint it.” In my garage, you will currently find over 30 cans of spray paint in all their glorious shades, tints, and sheens.
I’ve spent years spray painting items around the house which means I have learned from lots of mistakes and the best spray paints to use for various surfaces.
In this post, I’ll show you the best spray paints for each of these finishes:
- Chalk Painted Glassware
- DIY Faux Milk Glass
- Tinted Glass (For example Vintage Blue Mason Jars)
- Sea Glass
- Metallic Finishes
- Best Spray Paints for Solid Colors in any sheen: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss & Gloss
What is the Best Spray Paint for Glass?
Several different spray paints are great for glass, depending on the look you want. But the same line that is great for metallic colors isn’t great for tints, so I have listed the best spray paints for glass pieces by the look you are going for!
(Don’t forget to check out the video above on how to spray paint mason jars to see these paints in action!)
Best Spray Paint for Glassware: Chalk-Painted Look
If you love the look of chalk-painted and distressed mason jars, there is one clear option: Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint
I love this spray paint because it’s a really nice matte chalk finish that adheres really well to the glass. Also, it sands easily without peeling for a distressed look.
To get the distressed look, spray paint your jar or glassware in several light coats of spray chalk paint.
After it has dried for at least 24 hours, take a 180 grit sandpaper or higher and sand off the areas that you want to look distressed. I show you the whole process in the video here: How to Paint Mason Jars
The chalk paint especially doesn’t require much paint so spray on light coats. For a full tutorial and video on how to paint mason jars, click here: How To Spray Paint Mason Jars in Any Color
Best Spray Paint for Glass: Frosted Glass Spray Paint
If you want to make a clear glass vase or jar opaque, you can do that very easily with Rustoleum Frosted Glass Spray Paint.
This paint has given me a flawless finish time and time again. This product gives you lots of great options for spray paint projects including making lanterns out of jars or even making a bathroom window opaque.
Simply spray the glassware in very light coats being sure to tape off any area that you don’t want to be painted.
Give it 24 hours to dry before using it. Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass Spray is the best one on the market and gives you an even finish every time.
Renovated Faith: What’s in a Name?
Renovated Faith is focused on the process of transformation. Along with DIY projects, I explore the transformative power of God to help us reach our greatest potential in Him. God never leaves a project half-done…He continually works on each one of us, as a lavish expression of His endless love and amazing grace.
If you are a work-in-progress, just like me, check out the Renovate Your Faith Devotional at the bottom of this post. Click here to get a weekly reminder of new posts by email with free access to my printables library.
Best Spray Paint for Glass: Sea Glass Finish
There are spray paints on the market that are specifically for a sea glass finish – one product in particular.
But after three cans of the same product, I could not get an even finish. The paint splattered and pooled all over my glass vases no matter how much I shook the can!
But, I found a great way to create a sea glass effect that is flawless every stinkin’ time. To do this, it will take a couple of cans of spray paint. First, spray on Krylon’s Stained Glass (NOT Krylon’s Sea Glass Spray Paint) in a few light layers to get the depth of color you want.
Then, after about 20 minutes of spraying your last coat of Krylon’s Stained Glass, spray on a coat or two of Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass.
The difference between the stained glass look and the sea glass look is that sea glass surface is more opaque. So, we are just adding a frosted finish to stained glass to create a sea glass effect.
Yes, I know you are having to buy another can of spray paint but I assure you that this will give you a beautiful, even sea glass finish on glass every time! You can see the process in detail in the video above.
Below you can see how I sprayed a vase with Krylon’s Summer Green Stained Glass Spray Paint and Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass. I also made a candle holder out of a mason jar by spraying on Krylon’s Soft Blue Stained Glass Spray Paint and then Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass Spray Paint on top.
Best Spray Paint for Glass: Metallic Colors
Whether you need gold spray paint for clear glass bottles or rose gold spray paint for a thrift store vase, here are several high-quality paint options that are a good value – no matter the metallic color you’re looking for!
Metallic spray paints are available today in any local home improvement store but they are not all created equally.
I have tested several different brands and the Rustoleum Universal Metallic spray paints seem to always come out on top. Here are my favorites for each shade of metal surfaces:
Best Rose Gold Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here)
Best Champagne Gold Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.) – See the hardware on this Navy Dresser.
Best Gold Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.) – See the gold mason jars in this post on Spray Painting Mason Jars.
Best Satin Nickel Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
Best Copper Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
What is the Best Chrome Spray Paint for Glass?
Chrome spray paints can vary quite a bit. Some can go on smoothly and have a beautiful finish but can rub off easily when touched.
Others might interact with the oils on your hand making those parts less shiny. However, I have always had good luck with the finish and durability of this option which makes it an excellent choice:
Best Silver/Chrome Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
To see how to add glitter to glassware, check out this post: How to Paint Mason Jars
Best Spray Paint for Glass: Based on Sheen
Here are some options if you are looking for solid colors based on their sheen.
Matte Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here on Rustoleum Ultra Cover Paints.)
Satin Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
Semi-Gloss Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
Gloss Spray Paint for Glass (Check the current price here.)
Spray Paint for Glass in Black (Check the current price here.)
Great Solid Blue Spray Paint – Satin Lagoon (Check the current price here.)
Best Spray Paint for Glass and Ceramic: Faux Milk Glass Spray Paint
If you love the look of milk glass, you can get the same look by spray painting glass objects and ceramics with a high gloss white spray paint.
The Best White Spray Paint for Glass
There are several white gloss spray paints on the market but white spray paint for glass has to spray on evenly with a short dry time.
White spray paint will show flaws and unevenness much more than darker colors. That’s my why top pick for faux milk glass is this one: Rustoleum Universal Gloss in White
This brand is a good choice not only because it sprays a light even coat but the nozzle is the best type for even coverage to avoid drips and runs – especially since gloss paints are most susceptible.
DON’T FORGET: Just spray on light coats of this spray paint about 15 minutes apart. You will be tempted to get full coverage on the first coat or two but go really light to avoid drips!
I spray-painted these birds to look like white ceramic or porcelain. It’s hard to believe they were bright orange and green before I painted them!
Best Spray Paint for Glass: Waterproof Stained Glass Paint
Sometimes you want to spray paint mason jars or glass items with a translucent tint instead of a solid or opaque frosted color. The perfect spray paint for that is Krylon’s Stained Glass Spray Paint (see the current price here).
This product is fabulous and I was able to get a beautiful blue tint on mason jars that now look like vintage antiques! It is very light so it will probably take several coats if you want a deep tint.
Fortunately, that’s the most important attribute for spray painting glass – light even coats!
I love these vintage blue mason jars that are now a permanent fixture in my white hutch that used to be my grandma’s.
I did a full tutorial and video on spray painting mason jars here. This product line includes several vibrant colors that work beautifully!
Soft Blue(what I used below) | Canary Yellow | Cranberry Red | Royal Purple | Smoke Gray | Cobalt Blue | Summer Green | Tangerine Orange
The number of coats determines how much color. You can even achieve a pink tint with one or two light coats of Cranberry Red.
To see the full post on how to tint mason jars blue, you can click here: How to Spray Paint Mason Jars Blue I also include instructions on how to make the lids look rustic, as you see above!
I used the same process to tint these jars in my china cabinet transformation here: How to Paint Furniture with White Paint
How To Spray Paint Glass
Be sure to check out the video tutorial to show you exactly how to spray paint glass. If you have trouble finding it, you can also find it here: How To Paint Glass, YouTube Video
“How do you permanently paint glass?”
Using the right spray paint is key but you also want to use the right method of spray painting to ensure a smooth, even finish on your glassware that is also water-proof.
To spray paint any type of glass, ceramic, or porcelain, wipe down the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or adhesive on the surface of the glass that would prevent the paint from sticking.
Be sure to cover your work area with old sheets or drop cloths (Don’t use plastic trash bags because spray paint will permeate the plastic.)
If this is your first time spray painting, cover more area than you think you’ll need protected for good measure, since those spray paint dust particles travel and stick to things.
After the alcohol has dried, shake the spray paint can for about a minute. You can start spraying the glass in light coats 15 minutes apart.
How to Spray Paint Glass Without Drips
IMPORTANT TIP: On the first coat, you will be tempted to get full coverage but don’t! That’s a recipe for drips.
It’s a good idea to air on the side of using not enough paint for each layer than spraying on too much. This is especially important for spray painting vertical surfaces where drips are more likely.
The easy way to spray paint glass is with several light coats. Spray on a very light first coat and know it will be translucent and spotty.
Keep spraying light coats 15-20 minutes apart until you get full coverage. For a video of how to spray paint glass, check out this post: How to Spray Paint Mason Jars. And to get my best spray painting tips, fill out the form at the bottom of this post.
RELATED: How to Transform Your Home Decor With Spray Paint (Before and After Makeovers)
How to Fix Spray Paint Drips on Glass
If you are wondering how to fix spray paint runs on glass, you’ve come to the right place! Once you start to see a drip or runs form, stop spray painting that coat.
While the paint is wet, get a small art brush and just brush out the drip with one quick stroke. It might leave some brush strokes on the surface but you will cover them with the next coats of spray paint.
Let the current coat dry for 15-20 minutes and continue your additional coats, making sure to shake the can before each.
Can You Use Spray Paint On Glass Jars?
The spray paints listed in this review are also the best spray paint for glass jars, candlesticks and any other glassware in your home. Spray paint can be used to transform so many pieces of home decor to have a whole new updated look.
In my last post, I did a video tutorial and detailed instructions on how to spray paint glass jars and even add glitter. Mason jars make great vases, home decor, lighting sconces, and party centerpieces. You can get any look you want with the details and video in this post: How to Spray Paint Mason Jars
Can You Use Rustoleum Spray Paint on Glass?
You might have noticed that I use mostly Rustoleum products when it comes to spray painting glass. That’s because I’ve personally seen more consistency in their products in terms of even spray, making their spray paints really easy to use.
What About Krylon Spray Paint for Glass?
Although I usually prefer Rustoleum Spray Paint for Glass over Krylon, I do really like their stained glass paint. It is an amazing product whether you are creating a tinted effect or a sea glass finish on glassware.
You can also control the depth of color by how many coats you spray on. You can see all the color options here: Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint
RENOVATE YOUR FAITH: Broken But Redeemed
Jen Wilkin writes in her book “In His Image” about the time when she saw a beautiful green vase at a thrift store. Since she loved the details on the vase and green is her favorite color, she bought it for the price of $10.
She was so excited about her new find and after turning it over, she saw that it had the name “McCoy” imprinted on the bottom. After she did a little research, she found her green vase was actually worth 4 times what she paid. But Jen was mostly excited about her vase because of its beauty and she loved the thought of putting flowers from her garden in it – form and function in harmony.
Jen’s children were all young about 15 years ago when on one fateful day the vase she loved so much fell to the tile and shattered. She managed to piece it back together with superglue, but its days of holding water were over.
The closer you stand to it, the more easily you see the cracks in the finish. She couldn’t get $10 for it today, but she still values it although its ability to do what it was created to do is now limited.
We are all like that cracked vase in some very important ways. In Genesis 1, God created the world and made man in His own image, stamping us with His mark. We were created to be representatives of Him.
But soon came the catastrophe of Genesis 3. The fall left all of humanity as broken vessels, leaking at every crack and crevice. We still hold value to our Creator – although we can not work, play, or worship in the way we were initially intended.
As Jen Wilkin points out, God redeems His image-bearers by sending Christ into the world. “God’s will is that the cracks in the image we bear be repaired so that we represent Him as we were created to do so that we grow to look more and more like our brother Christ in whom form and function display themselves flawlessly.”
But how do we allow him to fill the cracks? Col. 1:15 states, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. If we want to look like Him, we need to walk in His steps.
In her book In His Image, Jen Wilkin shows women how to walk like Christ by illustrating 10 ways God calls us to reflect His character. You can find her book here: In His Image by Jen Wilkin
For more spiritual encouragement, click here for the rest of my project posts that also include Renovate Your Faith devotionals.
FAQ’s: The Best Type of Spray Paint for Glass
Is there such a thing as waterproof spray paint for glass?
If you need spray paint for a glass vase, all of the spray paints I mention above are permanent and can withstand some water. For example, I accidentally left one of the mason jars out in the rain overnight and the stained glass spray finish looked great even though it had just been painted less than 24 hours before.
Is spray paint dishwasher safe?
I wouldn’t say that spray-painted glassware is dishwasher safe because the paint can’t hold up to the quick changes in temperature. Also, you probably don’t want spray-painted items in your dishwasher with dishes you eat off of anyway.
Can you spray paint glass candle holders and glass candlesticks?
You can absolutely spray paint glass candle holders and candlesticks using any of the spray paints above. Be sure to use face masks and tape off any areas you don’t want to be painted with painter’s tape.
You can get both at Home Depot or any local store. Here is a link for some inspiration: Easily Make Your Own Mercury Glass Votives
How do you fix spray paint on glass?
There are a couple of ways to do this. If you are spray painting glassware and you notice a drip form, stop spray painting and quickly brush off the drip with a small art brush in one stroke.
You will have some brush strokes in your finish but let the paint dry 15-20 minutes before continuing with the next coat. The next coat will even out the brush strokes. Continue spray painting as normal.
Another option is to let the spray paint dry for 48 and sand it out by hand very lightly. Once you sand out the drips or runs, you can spray paint it again.
Can you spray paint a glass chandelier?
You can absolutely spray paint a glass chandelier although it can be challenging depending on how detailed the glass is. I’d recommend taking off the glass crystals and hanging them on a long string or piece of twine in between a couple of ladders over a grassy area.
Then, go down the line spray painting them. Once they are dry you can reattach them to the chandelier. To see how I turned a chandelier into a hummingbird feeder, click here: Easy Chandelier Hummingbird Feeder
Can you spray paint for glass windows?
You can spray paint glass windows to give them an opaque or frosted effect. If you go this route, be sure to tape off and cover the entire area so spray paint particles don’t adhere to nearby surfaces. Another easier option is window film which you can find here: Window Film for Privacy
Can you Spray paint a glass tabletop?
You can use any of the above spray paints to paint a glass tabletop but I would recommend spray painting the side that comes in contact with the table.
That way you don’t risk scratching a spray-painted surface. To do this, spray paint one side of the glass, and let it dry for 48 hours.
If your glass table top is outdoors, use Rustoleum Universal Metallics because it’s the best spray paint for a glass table top that has to endure temperature changes.
Then, use these glass spacers (check the current price here) to separate the glass from the table slightly. I learned with my DIY Desk Made Out of a Door that if you don’t use the spacers, the glass will creak against the tabletop every time you lean on it.
How to Paint Tempered Glass
You can paint tempered glass the same way you would paint normal glass. Just make sure to cover it in very light coats as you can see in this video: How to Spray Paint Glass
What is the best translucent spray paint for glass?
If you are doing a craft or DIY project where you need transparent spray paint for glass, I’d go with Rustoleum’s Clear Coats/Top Coats.
You can click on the link for the best sheen for your project. Translucent sheens for glass can include gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte depending on how shiny you want it. The flatter sheens might also look more opaque on glass than they do on solid color options.
Can I Spray Paint Glass With Acrylic Paint?
There are two main types of paints to use on glass painting projects: acrylic enamels and spray paints. Several tutorials online entail how to use acrylic paint to paint glass by painting it on and baking it.
The problem is that this is not nearly as permanent as spray paint and you can’t get a consistent finish even if you put the acrylic paint in an aerosol spray bottle somehow to make acrylic spray paint. Also, applying the paint, baking the glass without breaking it and letting it cool is a lot of hard work.
Therefore spray paint is the best kind of paint and spraying it on in light coats in one of the easiest ways to color glass projects so they last a long time.
Can I Spray Paint Glass indoors?
I don’t recommend spray painting indoors because there are a lot of spray paint dust particles that float in the air and then attach themselves to whatever they decide to land on. When I spray painted our shower, spray paint particles landed in our closet which was almost 20 feet away.
What is the best spray paint for glass vases?
For glass vases that will be filled with water, use the spray paints listed above, but I don’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, hand wash them gently and let them air dry. Also, when you spray paint them, you’ll only want to spray paint the outside of the vases.
Can you Spray Paint Light Bulbs To Change Their Color?
A reader asked if I could spray paint glass light bulbs and I don’t see a problem. Just make sure to tape off the metal with painter’s tape and it might take some experimenting to get the right light color or kelvin from each light bulb.
More Posts Related to How to Spray Paint Glass
My Best Tips for Spray Painting (Free Checklist)
How to Spray Paint Mason Jars in Any Color
How to Spray Paint Patio Furniture
The Best Options for Updating Light Fixtures with Spray Paint
The Easiest Ways to Paint Furniture (& The Best Paint)
The Best Faux Brick for A Backsplash (PVC Panels for Walls!)
How to Give an Outdated Nativity Set a Stunning Makeover
Why I Don’t Use Chalk Paint on Furniture
A Better Alternative to Chalk Paint
How to Restore Metal Outdoor Furniture
DIY Patio Furniture Restoration
How to Paint Glass, YouTube VIdeo
Final Thoughts on Spray Painting Glass Permanently
Don’t forget to download my FREE checklist that will change the way you spray paint by clicking here. To get your printable, sign up for my weekly newsletter which also grants you free access to my resource library full of wall art printables, checklists, and project plans!
Now, you are truly prepared to haul those vases, jars, and ceramics into your backyard to give them a whole new look on a budget with spray paint! With this guide, you can be confident that you are using the best spray paint for glass so your project has a smooth, flawless finish!
I love to hear your thoughts and questions! Scroll down to leave a comment and I WILL reply! ❤️
Blessings,
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The Best Spray Paint for Glass Surfaces
Karin Peters is a DIY expert and the creator of Renovated Faith. She is a furniture painter, a home design consultant, and a tenacious problem solver determined to help you transform your house into a home. With 17 years of experience with DIY home improvement, she researches and analyses professional processes to adapt them to be easy and cost-effective for DIYers. She then tests every project and product before it appears on the site in a detailed, step-by-step format. After attending Texas A&M University, she received her Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary. Her passions unite in Renovated Faith, which shows readers how to create a home that serves them so they can pursue their God-given purposes. About Renovated Faith | Editorial Policy | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
I want to spray paint clear glass lamp stand with Rustoleum Universal Forged Hammered paint & primer spray paint to flip into a gazing ball stand in an outdoor flower container. What’s the best way to outdoor-proof it? I’ve been spray painting for several years and love it it’s transformation ease & durability! But concerned about outdoor efficacy. I love your post. Very informative. Thanx for sharing! I also love how you incorporate your faith fluidly into your work. God bless you!
It’s hard to say with how well it will hold up outdoors. I have an outdoor chair that I have to touch up with spray paint about once a year but for me it’s not a lot of effort. The Rustoleum Universal on it’s own is your best bet in terms of durability. You can also spray it with automotive primer before you spray on the Forged Hammer. I wouldn’t use a clear coat because they can make the metallic finishes look weird. I hope that helps!
Can I cure Rustoleum frosted spray painted vases in the oven if I’ve painted over the frosted area with acrylic paint designs
I normally cure acrylic painted glass this way and wonder if it’s ok if the initial layer is frosted with spray paint
I am so glad I found your site. Your instructions are so detailed and easy to follow 🙂 I want to paint a glass dining table top but the legs are really nice – they are black metal and the part that’s holding up the glass is like a teak coloured wood. So.. I don’t want to cover them, but I really don’t like glass table tops… Just wondering how frosted would look? I also happen to have a can of Varathane Professional Clear Satin spray paint and have no idea how this would look. The other option is to go for an opaque colour like white gloss or metallic gold which would cover the nice legs and wood accents. I would really appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks!
Hey Sue, Thank you SO much for your kind words. I think I would be hesitant to spray paint a table top only because it is exposed long-term to the elements and if one area gets slightly scratched, it’s just a matter of time before moisture gets in and it starts to feel. It might be worth trying though! There are several projects that I didn’t think would work and have!
Hi, I love your site! Thanks for the helpful tips.
I am trying to spray a clear coat over a permanent marker drawing on glass. Have you done this before? What would be the best clear coat to put on it so the marker drawing doesn’t bleed?
Hey Karen, I haven’t done this before but could you do the sharpie on the back side of the glass. I guess you’d have to write whatever backwards. As for paint, I’d try a high gloss clear coat like Rustoleum ultra cover. Another option is to use two pieces of glass. Lay one down, write with sharpie and put the other on top that you write on with dry erase marker. Let me know if none of these ideas help and we will figure something else out!
Hello and many thanks for the brilliant ideas, tips and ways for painting on glass.
One query if I may: on glass before spraying , am I correct in saying the glass has to be primed first, as there is no mention of the word Primer in all your ideas. My apologies in advance if you have indeed mentioned Primer.
Great question about primer David! With the paints I recommend, I didn’t ever have to use a primer. On most things I do use a spray primer but for glass, I don’t want the paint to get too thick.
Hi, I have some glass bottles I’m thinking of spray painting, and your tutorial is invaluable. I’m so glad I found it. I had a question about prepping the bottles… would lightly sanding the bottles with a fine grit sandpaper before spraying be of any benefit?
Hey Angela, You can absolutely sand the bottles but you just need to use a very fine sandpaper so you don’t have scratch marks in the final surface. Also, of course wear safety equipment when sanding glass. I haven’t seen a need for it but it would probably help the paint to adhere.
The paint finds it difficult to grasp and hold on to the glass object because of its smooth surface. Because of this, it may drop, run, or peel, but you may avoid these problems by using the appropriate spray paint! Although aerosol paints function largely the same, each brand and variety has a different performance.
As far as ergonomics goes, I don’t need to exert too much effort in pressing the nozzle. Consequently, it is easier for me to disperse the paint evenly as I move my arm in a back and forth motion.
We had a bathroom mirror that had gotten wet in the past with the result that the silvering on the lower edge had turned black. Our first thought was simply to buy a replacement mirror – until we discovered that it would cost about $400. Instead, we dismounted the mirror and painted some paint stripper on the back coating where the silvering had turned black. Once we had stripped and cleaned the affected area, it was a simple matter of gently applying several Krylon spray paint light coats.
I would not say the repainted mirror looks new. If you know where to look, you can see that the silvering looks different. However, it is far from obvious and not exactly noticeable.
Love your website! Glad to have discovered it! I have a ton of loose glass blocks that I’m thinking of using to make a wall divider in my bathroom… one side would be facing the shower and get wet. I’m going to be experimenting, spray painting each of the blocks separately before building the wall. I’d like for the glass to remain translucent, except some blocks will only have one coat of the paint, while others would have 5 coats and the rest between 2-4 coats. All the same color, but when stacked in rows, it will have a different intensities of the color creating an interesting pattern effect. I’m liking the sea glass look, but the stained glass is super nice too, might be fun to mix the two as long as they are in the same color family. Anyway, that brings me to my question. How easy is it to clean painted glass? Is there a top coat that can be spray overtop that will protect the paint from scraping or chipping off? I’d like to do both sides, but thinking it might be safer to paint only one side (not facing the shower) – but it will still need to be cleaned every now and then. Any suggestions?
I’ll know I’ll probably need to experiment, but thought to ask you in case you’ve had any projects where the painted glass held up through cleanings.
Thanks in advance for your help.
-Patina
Hey Patina, I definitely agree with your thoughts on only painting the side that is outside of the shower. I think that will be a smart move on your part. As far as cleaning, I think it would be fine. I would probably just use a mild cleaner and a really soft cloth or old T-shirt to wipe it down. I feel confident it will handle cleaning – what you don’t want is LOTS of water on it that might seep under the edge of the paint or to use anything abrasive because the painted surface will scratch pretty easily. Let me know if you have any other questions! Blessings, Karin
Hi Karen, I have a strange question. But please take me seriously, it’s for a dystopian young-adult book that I’m writing:
Theoretically, if you spray painted (roughly, without much precision), something that had mass but was completely invisible (a little like glass, I guess), what will happen?
The spray paint would be cheap (from a common store) and a common colour, like red or blue.
Your website is the best spray painting website that everyone is recommending. I know it’s a rather strange question, but I’m a young author who is planning their next book.
Like, would it appear splotchy? Or would it look a bit see-through like the tinted glass? I am desperate for answers, and there are no convenient or willing invisible figure (or spray-paint bottles) for me to test it out on.
Thank you so much!!
If you don’t see my question fit to be answered, I understand. I also understand PERFECTLY if you don’t know the answer. It’s a rather strange question.
I think it depends on whether invisible items with mass can have non-invisible things go through them. If not, then the spray paint would go on like it’s going on glass. That’s my gut feeling – which probably isn’t worth a whole lot. 🙂 I hope this helps! Thanks Susan and good luck on your book! – Karin
I love all your tips! Me and my friend trying spray painting wine glasses with the frost look. Do we have to let the spray paint dry completely before washing/using the glasses? We tested them by washing them a few hours later and it came off. Should we try a finishing spray as well?
Hey Jessika,
I would let them dry a couple days before getting any water on them and then I’d gently hand wash them. Let me know if you have any other questions! Karin
This is a great idea! I am going to try spray painting some vases with the stained glass blue you mentioned for my wedding reception. We will have 8 – how many bottles of spray paint do you think I’d need?
I think I would just get two cans but it depends on the size of the vases. If you need to tint glass for a one-time event, you can also add blue food coloring but use distilled water because the chlorine in tap water makes the color fade. Congratulations Angela and let me know if you have any more questions! – Karin
I love your website. I’m wanting to spray paint some empty wine bottles gold for a friend’s 40th birthday that has a “roaring 20’s theme”. What sheen do you think I should purchase to get the right shiny gold effect for the bottles?
Good question – I like the Rustoleum gold I mention in the post – the can with the top, not the taller that is the champagne gold. I really like the sheen on that one. Let me know if you have any other questions Bridgett. And what a fun idea for a party! – Karin
Hello,
I would like to paint the glass lamp shades on my pendant lights. They are a bright red and yellow. I want to paint them black. Do I need some type of special paint that will work okay when the lights are on? They do get hot.
Thanks
Tanya
That’s a good question Tanya. To be on the safe side you might use some black automotive spray. It will definitely be able to handle the higher temps. I like Rustoleum the best. Thanks Tanya!
Hi Karin!
I’m using Your technique on how to white wash my living room brick wall. I thoroughly enjoyed Your process.! A quick question for you; I have white colored mortar, light gray brick which was painted all one color. Should I incorporate the color of my cell shades which are the color Marigold from Budget Blinds into the mix of my white wash colors, white, gray, and warm yellow.
Thx,
Rita
That’s totally up to you Rita. I think I would leave it white/gray in case you ever change the blinds. I hope this helps! Thanks Rita!