Reverse painting on glass patterns are painted on the back side of the glass while the finished picture is viewed from the front. The heyday of reverse painting on glass in America was in the early 19th century, though the tradition owes its origin to the Orient. Examples of reverse painting on glass can be found in early Victorian mirrors and clocks.
Glass Painting Techniques
There are at least a dozen techniques of reverse painting on glass, a few of which are specialized glass painting which have to be fired with a kiln, the traditional stained glass painting, glass enamels, screen printing, photographic, xerographic and printing techniques on glass and oil painting on glass. Traditional stained glass painting involved more drawing than painting and was often used for covering up certain sections of stained or colored glass work in the doors and windows to prevent sunlight from shining through.
Stained Glass Painting Techniques
In stained glass painting, gum Arabic or water color is used and applied with a paint brush in the same way that painters use water colors. Then the painted surfaces are fired with the help of heat obtained from a kiln. This heat results in the paint getting permanently fused to the glass. The different types of stained glass painting techniques include oil based paints; silver stain, matt paint and vinegar trace paint.
Non-Fired Techniques of Reverse Painting on Glass
You can use specialized glass paints like acrylic paint or other types of paints such as automobile paint, model paint or oil paint to paint on glass surfaces. Paint with your hand using a brush. Airbrushing is more convenient in this case and produces fetching results. If you are using oil paints, then firing the painted surface in a kiln is advisable as the oil will dry up and stick to the glass surface. However, in case of the other types of paints there is no need at all for firing. You only need to sandblast or roughen the glass surface with sandpaper before splashing on the paint. This will make the paint adhere to the glass surface, prevent chipping or peeling of the paint and improve the lifespan of the art piece.
Glass Paints - Oven Cured and Air Dried
You just have to apply the air dried glass paints on to the surface of the glass and let dry for eight hours. This kind of paint is only suitable for decorative art pieces and cannot withstand any kind of rough handling or heat. Compared to air dried glass paints, oven cured paints have a longer shelf life and are sufficiently durable. You have to heat the painted glass surface in a conventional kitchen oven at 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to fuse the paint to the glass. However, this bond is not permanent.
