Acrylic paints are commonly used in the arts and crafts industry. But are these easy-to-use paints suitable for painting glass? Can you paint glass with acrylic paint? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about painting glass with acrylic paint, including important considerations, whether you need a primer, and which type of acrylic paint works best.
Painting Glass with Acrylic Paint

You can add color to glass items by painting them with acrylic paint, or you might want to create a more colorful children’s room by painting the window. In either case, acrylic paints will work well for painting glass. For this task, you can use standard acrylic paints or all-purpose acrylic paints. However, standard acrylic paints are not very durable for glass painting, so we recommend using all-purpose acrylic paints. You can adjust your approach based on the importance of the glass object you’re painting.
You can paint the glass directly with all-purpose acrylic paint or use a primer before painting. To make the paint more durable on the glass, you can apply a varnish after painting. To help you determine if you need a primer or varnish, we’ve detailed how to paint glass with acrylic paint below.
Do You Need a Primer for Acrylic Paint on Glass?
Do you need to prime glass before painting it with acrylic paint? If you’re painting a small glass decoration or a vase on a corner wall, you might not need to use a primer.
However, if you’re painting a glass item that will be used frequently, it’s a good idea to use a primer for better paint adhesion. This will make the acrylic paint more durable on the glass. “Related post: Do i need to prime before repainting?”
Which Primer Should I Use for Acrylic Paint to Stick to Glass?
There are two suitable primers you can use before painting glass. The first is a water-based, all-purpose primer. The second is a glossy surface primer. These primers help the acrylic paint adhere better to the glass, making the paint more resistant to wear and peeling over time.
What is the Best Acrylic Paint for Painting Glass?
You can paint glass with all-purpose acrylic paints, hybrid acrylic paints, and acrylic specialty glass paints. If you want the acrylic paint on glass items to be more durable, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of primer before painting. When buying acrylic paint for glass, remember that there are glossy, matte, and semi-matte types available.
How to Paint Acrylic on Glass Permanently?

Below we have explained how to paint glass with acrylic paint with and without a primer. We have also demonstrated the points to consider when painting glass with acrylic paint. The most frequently asked questions about painting glass with acrylic paint are at the end of the page.
- Apply a coat of all-purpose acrylic primer or a specialty primer for glossy surfaces.
- Wait for the primer to dry completely for about four hours.
- Use a firm sponge roller or a short-pile roller to apply the all-purpose acrylic paint. (If the glass item you’re painting is curved, a soft-bristle paintbrush is better for both the primer and paint.)
- Wait four hours for the first coat to dry.
- Apply the second coat in the same way.
- To make the acrylic paint more durable on the glass and prevent it from deforming over time, you can apply an acrylic varnish the day after painting.
How Do You Keep Acrylic Paint from Peeling off the Glass?
To prevent the acrylic paint from peeling off the glass, apply matt or glossy acrylic varnish a day after painting. The best way to prevent the acrylic paint from peeling off the glass is to use a primer before painting.
Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof on Glass?
Is acrylic paint waterproof on glass? Applying primer and varnish as described above will make the glass waterproof. However, if it is glassware that you wash frequently, you may need to check the varnish on it sometimes and renew it after a few months.
Can You Paint Glass with Acrylic Paint?
Yes, you can paint glass with all kinds of acrylic paints. Standard acrylic paints, general-purpose acrylic paints, acrylic coloring pens, etc. But these paints have varying degrees of durability.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Windows?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint on windows. It is possible to use acrylic paint both on the glass of the window and on the window frames. However, you should apply water-based acrylic varnish after applying acrylic paint to ensure resistance to harsh weather conditions. “Related post: How to paint window trim?”
Does Acrylic Paint Come off Glass?
It is possible for acrylic paint to come off the glass. To prevent this, use general-purpose acrylic paint, prime before painting, and apply water-based acrylic varnish afterward.
Does Acrylic Paint Wash off Glass?
To prevent the glass painted with acrylic paint from coming off when washing, paint it with 2-3 thin coats. Also, apply water-based acrylic varnish after painting. Wash only in cold water and warm water below 50 degrees. Do not wash within 20 days after dyeing.
How To Seal Acrylic Paint on Glass?
Apply glossy surface primer. Apply two thin coats of acrylic paint. Finally, apply water-based acrylic varnish. Wait at least one day between primer, paint, and varnish coats.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Glass?
The answer is yes if you are wondering whether you can use acrylic paint on glass. However, as you can imagine, it is not easy for acrylic paint to adhere to the shiny and slippery surface of the glass.
Before you start painting glass with acrylic paint, it is essential to note that you should use general-purpose acrylic paints, not ordinary acrylic paints. This way, you can achieve more permanent results when painting glass with acrylic paint.