Painting on glass requires specialized paint that adheres well to smooth surfaces, stays vibrant, and resists fading. Whether you’re working on stained glass, wine glasses, jars, or decorative window art, the right paint can make all the difference in creating a beautiful, lasting finish. Here’s a look at the best paints for glass in 2024, catering to beginners, hobbyists, and professional artists alike.
Top Picks for Beautiful, Lasting Designs:
1. FolkArt Enamel Glass & Ceramic Paint
Best for: Durable, vibrant designs on glass and ceramic
FolkArt Enamel Glass & Ceramic Paint is a go-to for crafters looking for durability and vibrant colors. This paint is specially formulated for use on glass and ceramic, drying to a glossy, opaque finish. Once cured, it becomes dishwasher-safe, making it ideal for glassware, plates, and decorative items that will be handled or washed regularly.
This paint line offers a wide range of colors, including metallics and frosted shades, allowing for a variety of effects. It’s easy to apply, self-leveling for a smooth finish, and suitable for both beginners and experienced glass painters.
Pros:
- Durable, dishwasher-safe when cured
- Glossy, opaque finish with a variety of color options
- Self-leveling for a smooth application
Cons:
- Requires 21-day air cure or oven baking for durability
- Limited transparency for stained-glass effects
2. Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint
Best for: Transparent, stained-glass effects
Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint is popular for creating translucent, stained-glass effects on glass. It offers a rich palette of transparent colors that dry to a glossy, light-resistant finish, making it perfect for creating designs that play with light, such as window art or glass vases.
This paint is water-based, easy to clean up before it dries, and non-toxic, making it a great choice for beginners or artists working on indoor projects. For added durability, Pebeo Vitrea 160 can be baked for a permanent, dishwasher-safe finish.
Pros:
- Ideal for creating stained-glass effects
- Dishwasher-safe when baked
- Water-based and non-toxic
Cons:
- Colors may fade if not heat-set
- Slightly more expensive than other glass paints
3. Arteza Glass Paint
Best for: Vibrant colors with a variety of finishes
The Arteza Glass Paint set includes opaque and transparent options, allowing artists to achieve both bold and stained-glass effects on a variety of surfaces. This set is perfect for beginners, offering easy-to-use, water-based paints with strong pigment and a smooth, consistent flow. The colors dry to a semi-gloss finish and work well on glass, porcelain, and ceramics.
Arteza Glass Paint is also UV-resistant, so colors stay vibrant over time, even in sunlit areas. These paints are a great choice for indoor and outdoor projects alike, and the included brush tip applicators make detail work easy.
Pros:
- Bright, UV-resistant colors
- Wide range of opaque and transparent finishes
- Water-based and suitable for multiple surfaces
Cons:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Requires layering for full opacity
4. Marabu GlasArt Glass Paint
Best for: Intense, lightfast colors for professional projects
Marabu GlasArt is an excellent choice for professional artists who need intense, lightfast colors that retain vibrancy over time. These solvent-based paints offer superior adherence on glass and other non-porous surfaces, drying to a glossy, water-resistant finish. Marabu GlasArt’s colors are vibrant and highly pigmented, providing excellent coverage in a single layer.
These paints are ideal for creating intricate designs, as they dry quickly and remain scratch-resistant once cured. Due to their solvent base, they’re best used in a well-ventilated area, and they provide the durability needed for projects exposed to sunlight or water.
Pros:
- Intense, lightfast colors for lasting results
- Quick-drying and water-resistant
- Scratch-resistant finish suitable for high-use items
Cons:
- Requires ventilation due to solvent base
- Slightly more difficult to clean up
5. Gallery Glass Window Color
Best for: Faux stained glass and removable window art
Gallery Glass Window Color is designed to create removable stained glass effects on windows, making it ideal for seasonal decorations, kids’ art projects, or temporary designs. It applies smoothly and dries to a transparent, glossy finish, closely resembling real stained glass without the permanence.
This water-based paint is non-toxic and safe for children’s use, making it a popular choice for family craft projects. It’s also great for covering larger areas, as it spreads easily and can be peeled off and reapplied if needed.
Pros:
- Creates realistic, removable stained-glass effects
- Safe and non-toxic, perfect for kids and families
- Easy to remove and reapply as needed
Cons:
- Limited to temporary designs on smooth surfaces
- Not dishwasher-safe or permanent
6. Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint
Best for: Quick application on large glass surfaces
Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint is a unique option for artists and decorators needing to cover large glass surfaces quickly. This spray-on formula creates a translucent, stained-glass effect with just a few coats, making it perfect for windows, vases, candle holders, and more.
This spray paint is UV-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s ideal for crafters who want a fast, even finish on larger projects, although it requires careful application to avoid streaks or drips. Krylon offers several vibrant colors that are water-resistant when dry.
Pros:
- Quick, even application for large surfaces
- UV-resistant for outdoor use
- Translucent colors mimic stained-glass effects
Cons:
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Limited control over application compared to brushes
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best paint for glass, the options vary depending on the type of finish and durability you’re looking for. For those needing dishwasher-safe durability on glassware and ceramics, FolkArt Enamel Glass & Ceramic Paint is a top choice. For artists looking to create stained-glass effects, Pebeo Vitrea 160 and Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint are ideal for translucent, light-filled designs.
If you need a reliable, all-purpose paint for vibrant colors, Arteza Glass Paint is a versatile, budget-friendly option. For professional-grade quality, Marabu GlasArt offers intense, lightfast colors suitable for outdoor and sunlit projects. Finally, Gallery Glass Window Color is perfect for those looking for temporary, kid-friendly projects with removable stained-glass effects.
Choose the glass paint that fits your creative needs, and enjoy adding a beautiful, lasting finish to your glass projects.
