Glass colors turn ordinary glass items into decorative artwork.
Glass colors are used to paint on glass, tile, metal and other smooth surfaces. They come in various types including water-based, solvent based, air-drying and thermohardening (bake-on). There are opaque glass colors as well as transparent ones. Some are applied with a brush, while others come in squeezeable tubes or as markers. Food-safe glass colors can be used on drinking glasses and items for food use; heatproof colors can be used on light bulbs.
Suncatchers
Suncatchers are sections of colored glass that are hung in the window, transmitting light in colorful rays. They can be made from glass from an old picture frame or window-glass offcuts. Because suncatchers don't often need to be washed, they can be painted with air-drying colors instead of thermohardening paints. Suncatchers look best if the whole surface is covered with a colored design rather than a few small sections. Transparent rather than opaque colors should be used.
Glassware
Drinking glasses, glass dishes, pitchers, bowls, bottles and other glasswear can be decorated with glass colors. Projects include a set of matching wine glasses or a pitcher and tumblers with a uniting theme such as fruit or flowers. Colors must be food safe and thermohardening rather than air-drying. Both transparent and opaque colors work well. Painted items must not be placed in a dishwasher.
Textures
Glass paints are available in different textures as well as colors. Texture paints are typically supplied in a tube with a fine nozzle and squeezed directly onto the glass. Faux black lead texture paste is used to make stained-glass effect projects. Transparent texture pastes and pastes in different colors are also available. Textured items may be uncomfortable or too delicate for food or beverage use but can make attractive ornaments.
Embellished Bottles
Embellished bottles can be used for ornaments or as presentation containers for homemade drinks, oils or vinegars. Smaller bottles can be used as bud vases or to present perfumes; larger bottles can be used as candle-holders. Clear glass bottles can be decorated with transparent colors, while opaque colors and textures should be used on bottles made from dark green or brown glass as transparent shades won't show up properly.
Glass Jewelry
Small glass tiles (often nicknamed "inchies"), marbles and glass nuggets can be turned into pendants and rings. Glass colors can be applied to the jewelry with a fine brush or using a marker. Thermohardening paint is more suitable than air-hardening as jewelry may be rubbed or scuffed when worn. Metal findings must be glued to the finished glass item with jeweler's cement. Alternatively, the glass item may be wire-wrapped or placed in a setting.
Holiday Ornaments
Clear glass holiday ornaments can be painted in festive red, green and gold or embellished with delicate snowflakes. Metallic or pearlescent texture paints are a good choice for this project. When the ornaments are finished, add a bow made from ribbon that matches the colors.
