Use enamel paint for reverse painting on a lamp.
Reverse painting requires thinking differently about the image as the viewable image is actually the back of the painting. It's visible because the painted surface is clear, usually glass. Essentially, the artist is painting backwards. Whereas normally the background would be painted first and objects in the foreground would be painted over it, with reverse painting, foreground objects as well as details, such as pupils, must be painted first. Reverse painting on glass lamp shades is an old technique that can turn a plain lamp into a work of art. For best results, paint on a lamp shade with flat panels.
Instructions
1. Sketch out your painting on paper in the exact size of the lamp shade panel then paint it normally. This will be your pattern. When it's finished, make note of which areas were painted last, such as highlights and details, which were mid-range and which were in the background.
2. Remove the glass shade from the lamp. If possible, remove the individual glass panels. If removing the panels is not possible, position the shade on a surface so that it's steady, using items, such as books, to prop it up.
3. Tape the pattern to the front of the glass panel so that the image faces the surface. Lay the panel glass side up so that the image is visible. Using the pattern and your notes, paint the first layer with enamel paint and allow it to dry.
4. Paint the second layer over the first. You won't be able to see how the painting will look as you go; carefully lift the pattern to look at the image from the other side to see the image in progress. Allow the second layer to dry.
5. Add layers until the painting is finished. The final layer will be the background color.
6. Repeat the process on the other glass panels. When they're dry, reassemble the lamp.
