10 Best Glass Painting Enamels In 2023
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Did you get that glass paint shipped to your art studio and find yourself wondering if you made the best decision? Have no fear! We reviewed the best glass painting enamels for you and answered some frequently asked questions, hoping we can address your concerns.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall - FolkArt Gloss Finish Enamel Glass Paint• 16 bottles |
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Best Paint Pens - Vickay Black Paint Pens• Permanent and acid-free |
Best Outliner - Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Outliner, Black• Opaque, dimensional outliner |
1. FolkArt Gloss Finish Enamel Glass Paint Set - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Many artists proudly posted pictures of their finished wine glasses, and they are amazing! The paint mixes well to create other colors, including skin tone for anime glass paintings, dries quickly, and is easy to clean with soap and water. It also makes impressive dot paintings on rock or glass bottles, as some artists showed.
Why We Think It's Great
The FolkArt Gloss Finish Enamel Glass Paint Set is an excellent paint for newbies with painting on glass. The paint dries up quickly while on the palette but adding a few drops of water is enough to get it spreadable again without affecting the glossiness when it dries.
The set has 16 colors, each packed in a 2-ounce capacity plastic bottle showing the paint color with a black flip-top cap. The colors included in the collection are Wicker White, Yellow Light, Pure Orange, Parisian Pink, Lipstick Red, Perfect Purple, True Blue, Calypso Sky, Turquoise, Lime Green, Evergreen, Coffee Bean, Burnt Umber, Licorice, Silver Sterling (metallic), and Gold (metallic).
The vibrant colors look great on your glass projects. Once air-dried, you can finish the curing process of the painted items in the oven, depending on the recommended temperature.
Who Should Buy It
This enamel paint set is an excellent choice for beginners in painting on glass. Not only is it one of the top recommended brands of many Youtube and Tiktok artists.
2. DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamel Paint, Black
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What Customers Have to Say
Many crafters claimed that this gloss enamel is their go-to paint for crafting, effectively covering up the chipped paint on the veneer. Though it's not as glossy as they thought it should be, it was still an excellent paint for crafters.
Why We Think It's Great
The DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamel Paint (Black) is an excellent gloss enamel that works with almost any glass surface, glazed ceramics, wood, paper, plaster, metal, canvas, etc. It makes an opaque finish on glass, making it an excellent choice for reverse painting on glass.
The paint comes in a 2 fl. oz (59ml) black plastic bottle with a brown flip-top cap. You can use it indoors or outdoors since it does not have heavy fumes. Use a soft natural brush to have a smooth finish.
You can bake the finished glass or ceramic at 325oF for 30 minutes to make the painted design safe to wash in the dishwasher. While it is non-toxic, you should not use it in direct contact with food.
Who Should Buy It
The black DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamel Paint is the perfect choice for a crafter to replenish their supplies.
3. FolkArt Enamel Paint, Wicker White
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What Customers Have to Say
According to artists who have used it, the FolkArt Enamel Paint in Wicker White is an excellent choice to add to other colors to lighten it and make a good base for glass paintings. It's also very versatile, and many artists have tried using it on wood, ceramics, and glass.
Why We Think It's Great
This acrylic enamel paint from FolkArt makes a great addition to any painter's arsenal because of its opaque coverage, making it perfect for reverse glass paintings on a decorative glass plate or wine glasses. We don't recommend them for a stained glass paintings project, though, because it would defeat the purpose of the art.
It comes in a white plastic bottle with a black cover filled with 2 fluid ounces (59ml) of opaque white paint. These are certified non-toxic, self-sealing paint, so you save on time and money for sealing it. Once properly air-dried and oven-cured, it is dishwasher-safe (top rack only), but it is not food-safe so whatever you made with this paint is only for display purposes.
Be sure to clean your glass surface with rubbing alcohol and give it a good rub of a clean paper towel to remove all oils, grime, and other substances that may affect the quality of the project.
Who Should Buy It
If you used up all your white enamel paint (or other colors, for that matter), getting individual bottles like this is more practical than getting a whole set you can't use.
4. Deco Art Americana Gloss Enamels, White
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What Customers Have to Say
One user used it to repair a chipped stove without any issues, while another used it on small craft wood pieces. It also works on glass, and artists love that it doesn't need a primer or requires you to seal it.
Why We Think It's Great
The DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamels are the perfect solution for decorating drinking wine glasses, ceramic plates, and other non-porous surfaces. These enamel paints have a beautiful gloss finish that is easy to apply in just one step, with no primers or sealers required.
Painting on glass is a lot easier with the DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamels. Finish the curing process in the oven as the paintings require heat to set, so your glass projects stay looking great even after repeated washings.
This paint is available in 2 oz bottles with a flip-top cap and would make an excellent addition to an artist's or crafter's supplies.
Who Should Buy It
You can't go wrong with a high-quality gloss enamel paint that covers extensively for an opaque finish. This paint works well for artists who love painting on almost any surface - wood, glass, or ceramics.
5. Vickay Black Paint Pens - Best Paint Pens for Outlines
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What Customers Have to Say
One artist proudly posted her faux-stained glass art on her window. Other crafters also tried it on wood, as a faux grout, and on their car logo! Another shopper used it to label and decorate her glass jars and said it could withstand top rack washing.
Why We Think It's Great
It's not messy to use, and you can change the tip with the free chisel tips that come with the package if you want to stylize your text. Each pen comes individually packed in plastic to protect the other pens in the box if one leaks during transit.
Clean your glass surfaces before applying the paint markers. Rubbing alcohol and paper towels work best, but a wet rag dipped in warm water is also good enough. Just be sure that the glass surface is dry before adding any paint.
These medium-tip markers are also available in all white, pack of 12 bright colors, combination colors - black, gold, white, and silver, metallic silver and gold, and black and white.
To use the markers for the first time or after prolonged storage, shake them several times and press them down briefly 7-8 times. Then, shake and press again until the ink descends on the tip. Don't forget to recap and store upright always.
Who Should Buy It
Everyone who loves to paint on glass should get these paint markers. These are the best paint markers for those working on reverse glass paintings because of their opaque finish that stays on even after washing.
6. Pebeo Vitrail, Cerne Relief Dimensional Paint, Silver
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What Customers Have to Say
One crafter tried to replicate kintsugi art, using the Pebeo Vitrail to cover the glue and achieve the desired effect. Another glass artist tried using dimensional paint for the first time, and she is delighted with the result, especially after curing it in the oven.
Why We Think It's Great
Look forward to doing more DIY craft projects with the Pebeo Vitrail dimensional paint that works on almost any glass project and smooth surfaces.
Painting on glass windows and other vertical surfaces is easier because it stays in shape and with a good height. You can apply additional coats if you want a more dimensional effect.
You can also use it on glass jars, wine glasses, light bulbs to achieve the faux stained glass effect. Each color comes in 20ml tubes with a nozzle applicator. It is also available in 11 colors, including matte gold, rich gold, black, and imitation lead, each sold in individual tubes.
Who Should Buy It
A stained glass painting project is a lot for a home crafter because of the intricate procedure needed to create such lovely art. However, you can replicate any painting on glass with the right supplies, such as this Pebeo Vitrail Cerne Relief Dimensional Paint in gold.
7. Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Outliner, Black
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What Customers Have to Say
According to many crafters, the nozzle tip makes it easy to create fine outlines and details on their glass paintings. It dries very quickly and becomes permanent.
Why We Think It's Great
If you love painting glass, try the Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Outliner. This outliner is one of the many colors available in Pebeo Vitra enamel paints by Pebeo Vitrea, specially designed to mimic the stained glass effect.
The enamel paint outliner comes in a 2oml tube with a thin nozzle for better control during the outlining process. These outliners are also sold individually in Emerald, Lazuli, Paprika, Pearl, Pepper Red, Sun Yellow, and Turquoise or sets of 10 tubes of acrylic paint outliners.
Air-dry it before putting it in the oven to bake. Air-drying may take 24 hours, and don't rush the process so it adheres well on the glass surface or other surfaces you may use. Once oven-cured at the recommended temperature, it becomes a permanent glass paint that's also safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is also safe to contact food so that you can use it in reverse glass painting for your wine glasses.
Who Should Buy It
The black Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Outliner is one of the best paints to use in any glass painting project, especially if you're trying a faux stained glass painting.
8. Artiqo Oil-Based Paint Pens
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What Customers Have to Say
One crafter adheres to the saying "to see is to believe," so she tried the glass paint markers with various materials - wood, plastic, metal, and glass - and got excellent results. Other artists said these markers work well and don't run when applied with Mod Podge.
Why We Think It's Great
The oil-based paint pens come in boxes of 15 bold colors - violet, red, pink, yellow, orange, green, light green, blue, light blue, purple, light purple, black, white, and brown, and metallic gold and silver. The pens do not have individual names for their colors, but the cap gives you that information.
The pens have medium tips for easier detailing, and the paint flows smoothly and dries quickly. It is best always to store them upright, though, since they tend to leak when stored on its side for a long time.
Each purchase also comes with an ebook, downloadable by request. Artiqo offers a 100% refund if you're unhappy with their products to ensure their commitment to quality.
Who Should Buy It
If you have little brush skills but want to do glass painting, they are the best paint pens to get because they are easy to use and work well on almost any surface.
9. Testors Promotional Enamel Paint Set
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What Customers Have to Say
The paint is excellent for painting models. Although Testors have not included glass in the recommended uses, other crafters who tried it swear by its high-quality and permanent finish.
Why We Think It's Great
The set includes 8 bottles of paint (gloss yellow, red, dark blue, green, black, white, gold, and silver), a bottle of thinner, a paintbrush, and a tray. Each bottle has 1/4 oz (7.4ml) of paint.
It makes a glossy, durable finish when used on glass, but you have to air-dry it for 5-7 days before it will be ready.
Who Should Buy It
It's a great starter kit for people looking to start painting minis but don't want to get too involved in art just yet. You can purchase these Testors paints from most stores, and they're the perfect consistency for doing detailed work on small models like this.
10. DecoArt Gloss Enamel Writer
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What Customers Have to Say
It's a must-have for any glass painter, according to some crafters. It also dries fast, so you can move on to the next layer without waiting for too long.
Why We Think It's Great
This gloss enamel comes in a squeezable bottle with a nozzle applicator that you can apply directly on your glass and other surfaces, protected by a transparent cap. The bottle contains 2 fl. oz. (59 ml) that you can buy individually.
Aside from blue, the other enamel gloss writers are black, brown, crystal, and pink. To make it dishwasher-safe, bake it in the oven according to the recommended temperature and length.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend this gloss enamel writer for glass artists who love to add dimension to their art.
Best Glass Painting Enamels Buying Guide
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Type of Finish
Acrylic enamel is a type of paint that can give you any finish depending on what kind of look you want. There are three finishes: matte, satin, and high gloss. It also can create stylized looks such as frosted glass with its visual brush strokes or smooth surfaces without them so that you can do the writing easily.
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Application
Keep in mind that some paints are more permanent or temporary than others. Temporary paint cleans easily with water, but frosted spray paint is the way to go if you want to make your design last.
If you're gearing for seasonal painting on glass windows, like Christmas or Valentine's Day, use paint that can withstand the outdoors but is easy to remove with simple cleaning materials when the season is over.
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Range of Colors
The color palette of your artwork will dictate what type and quality paint you should use. Suppose an artist needs to create a vibrant mix of colors.
In that case, they may want to choose transparent glass paints rather than opaque acrylics or enamels because they are only sold in limited ranges due to safety regulations on pigments.
You can also choose from using paint pens if you're new to painting or use a fine-tip brush if you're more experienced to outline your artwork. Some paints also come in tube form, while you can refill needle-tip glue bottles to apply on your glass paintings.
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Paint Base
To paint a glass window, you'll need to choose between oil-based or water-based paint. Oil-based paints are stronger and more permanent than water-based paints, but it's also much harder to clean up if anything spills on the surface of your painting project.
Oil-based paints are not just more durable against moisture. They also do a better job of repelling dirt and grime. However, these features come with an additional cost: oil paint has high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ensure you have plenty of ventilation when working with this type of paint because breathing in VOCs can cause headaches or difficulty concentrating.
You should only use it for surfaces that adults will be coming into contact with to avoid hazards like lead poisoning from the fumes; make sure your children know what NOT to touch.
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Curing Process
There are two methods for sealing your acrylic enameled glassware. The first is to use a spray-on or brush-on sealer, which should be applied in 2-3 coats and left 24 hours until cured.
This might vary the texture of the paint job on your artwork depending on what type you choose, so it's good to experiment with one piece before proceeding with many elements at once.
The second method involves oven baking the finished glass project. Don't preheat your oven. Instead, arrange your glass projects in the cold oven, then set it to 300°F for 30 minutes. Let them cool down naturally in the oven to prevent cracking. Let it cure for another 72 hours before using.
Glass Painting Enamels FAQ
1. Does enamel stick to glass?
Yes. The issue, however, is permanence since glass is non-porous. Paint explicitly designed for glass will eventually peel away, but roughing up its surface is the best way to prolong its life. This step creates some texture on the glass so that the paint can adhere better.
However, roughing glass will affect its quality, so apply acrylic sealant instead of roughing the glass surface.
2. What is the best paint to use on glass?
Although most artists prefer acrylic paints, you can also use enamels for glass painting or the acrylic enamel blend specially designed for glass and other non-porous surfaces. However, each paint type has its pros and cons you should consider.
The primary difference is that acrylic paint has a transparent finish while enamels have a more opaque finish. It is best to understand the result of your project before getting what you need.
Enamel paint tends to crack after some time because it dries hard, while acrylic paint is more flexible. That said, acrylic paint is also not water-resistant and safe from harsh detergents and cleaning agents. It is best to wipe it with a clean rag with a few drops of white vinegar to remove the grime on your painted glass.
The downside of enamel paint, though, is that it reacts to environmental conditions, and you can observe slight discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight after a few weeks.
3. Can I use Testors enamel paint on the glass?
Yes, Testors’ enamel paints are very durable and have a very opaque and stunning finish because manufacturers designed these paints for model cars.
The only downside to using these enamels is the waiting time since you can oven-dry it, so it must be left to air-dry and cure on its own for at least 5-7 days.
Cleaning the brushes needs a special cleaner and thinner since you can't wash them with water. Also, do not use Testors on items that you'll use with food.
4. How do you paint enamel on glass?
To paint enamel on glass, be sure to pick the right paint. Once you have the supplies you need, follow these steps:
- Clean your wine glass or glass plate with a kitchen towel wet with rubbing alcohol.
- Paint your design with a natural fiber brush. Let it dry thoroughly before adding the successive layers.
- Once done, let the paint dry naturally, then bake it according to your paint's recommended temperature and time.
- When baking, stand your wine glass on a baking sheet so that it won't have burn lines on its foot.
- If you make a mistake, submerge your painted item into a basin of warm water and a bit of soap. Scrub it off with a sponge. However, you can only remove the paint if you haven't baked it yet.
While manufacturers list their paint products as non-toxic, they also recommend not to use it on the side that comes in contact with the food. When painting on plates, use a clear plate, then paint on the backside. The same is true for wine glasses and other glassware you'll use for food.
Conclusion
Making reverse glass paintings is tricky if you don’t have the right supplies. The Vickay Black Paint Pens is the best paint pens for outlining reverse glass paintings because it is permanent and acid-free. It works on craft and industrial surfaces and has replaceable chisel tips to swap with the medium tips.
Use the black Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Outliner to give a 3D effect on the outline of your faux glass paintings. Aside from glass, it also works on ceramic, porcelain, and china. It’s also heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and food-safe too.
You can also get the FolkArt Gloss Finish Enamel Glass Paint for all your glass paintings. Each set has 16 bottles of vibrant, opaque enamels that cure well in the oven.
We hope this article answered any questions you had about picking the best glass painting enamels for your projects. If not, feel free to ask in the comments, and we'll be happy to help.