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This is an example of a simple glass painting design using JoSonja's Artist's Colors. The Glass Primer and Glass Medium is used as described below to make a durable glass paint of any color! I painted this set of glasses for my sister in law several years ago.

The method I used is shown below.

1.  Wash the glass thoroughly--in dishwasher if possible.

2.  Wipe down with the JoSonja Glass Primer.  It smells like alcohol, but it isn't or they would tell you just to use alcohol.  This dries just about immediately.

3.  On dry palette paper, squeeze out equal size--three drops of the JoSonja Glass Medium, and one drop of JoSonja Artist's paint. Mix with palette knife.  Only mix enough color that you can use in one sitting.  I get all the colors I need ready before I begin to paint.  

4.  Start painting!  The first stroke may seem transparent as all glass paints do, but it will vary by pigment.  Wait until it is really dry, and stroke over it again if desired.  I have found the color is really good on white glass, such as vases or teacups.  You can use a Berol marker (grease pencil) to draw on a pattern, or you can place a pattern under clear glass.  

The design used on the sample is comprised of simple strokes, using bright cheerful colors. Look closely and you will see the vertical blue strokes have candle flames at the top...could this be a birthday present?? You can also see that overstrokes or decoration can be a different color than the underneath color.

5.  When you rinse your brush between colors, dry it well on a paper towel.  In other words, don't introduce any water into the medium.  

6.  If you wish, you can paint some of the clear Medium over just your painted areas for extra strength--think varnish here, but only once.  Brushes are washed with soap and water when finished.  

7.  That's it, you are done.  The paint will cure when left at room temperature for about two weeks.  If you are in a rush though, you can place them on a rack in a cold oven--no paint touching the rack please--turn on the oven to 325° F or 165° C, allow to come to temperature and begin timing for 30-40 minutes.  Turn off the oven and allow the glass to return to room temperature before removing.  I still like to allow one extra day after this curing before wrapping it up as a gift :-)

Colors used on this glass: Brilliant Magenta, Titanium White, Green Oxide, Ultramarine Blue, Diox Purple, Juane Brilliant, Aqua. The orange color is the Juane Brilliant or substitute Vermillion + White. The dark green is Green Oxide + Ultramarine Blue. Brilliant Magenta is a beautiful color, but will take two coats. White can be added to any color to lighten

Disclaimer: If you sell your glass painting, put on a disclaimer that hand washing is preferred, and if dishwasher is used, they must be on the top rack--not touching another object.  That will help as you don't know water temperatures, chemicals, etc. that people use.  I add to my tag that I will repair any paint damage from  normal use; that assures people of the integrity of the paint and me!

Glass Primer, Glass Medium and JoSonja's Artists Acrylics are available here.

All rights reserved ©2008 Vicki Allwardt