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.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Glass?
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 general-purpose acrylic paint or use a primer before painting. To make the paint more durable on the glass, you can apply varnish after painting. To help you easily paint glass with acrylic paint and determine whether you need a primer or varnish, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about painting glass with acrylic paint below.
Will Acrylic Paint Last on Glass?
Acrylic paints come in many varieties. The most durable and long-lasting acrylic paints for glass are acrylic glass paint, all-purpose acrylic paint, and hybrid acrylic paint. However, you can also use standard acrylic paints for glass. If you apply an acrylic varnish after painting, it will be long-lasting.
How do You Get Acrylic Paint to Stay on Glass?
If you’re planning to paint glass directly with a small brush, choose high-quality all-purpose acrylic paints. However, if you want to cover the entire surface of the glass, first apply a coat of bonding primer or acrylic primer. In both cases, after applying the acrylic paint, apply a water-based varnish after 5 hours. This will help ensure that the acrylic paint lasts longer on the glass.
Do You Need a Primer?
If you’re painting a small glass decoration or a vase on a corner wall, you may not need to use a primer when painting the glass with acrylic paint, as it won’t be exposed to much friction.
However, if you’re painting a glass item that will be frequently used, using a primer for better paint adhesion is a good idea. This will help make the acrylic paint more durable on the glass. “Related post: Do i need to prime before repainting?”
How to Paint Glass with Acrylic Paint
First, clean and dry the glass. If you plan to create patterns on the glass, use a soft-tipped brush. If you want to completely change the color of the glass, apply a coat of bonding primer or acrylic primer and wait at least 5 hours for the primer to dry. Then, apply the first coat of acrylic paint with a soft-tipped brush and let it dry for about 5 hours. After applying the second coat, you can optionally protect the paint with a water-based varnish.
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.
Does Acrylic Paint Come off Glass?
It is at risk of acrylic paint coming off the glass. To prevent this, use general-purpose acrylic paint, prime before painting, and apply water-based acrylic varnish afterward.
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?”
