How to Paint Wine Glasses - Painting Techniques (Part Two)

Now that you have all your glass painting supplies, it's time to begin painting!

When painting anything, the first place to start is planning what you are going to draw (or paint). With wine glasses, I typically chose based on current seasonal theme such as holiday, birthday, or other celebration. Christmas is done and Valentine's Day and spring is in the air, so as you can see below many of my current designs and colors are focused around these two themes.

The above wine glasses are not finished pieces.

Now how to begin painting!

1. Plan your design.
1. I highly recommend searching the Internet for some hand painted wine glasses ideas. Here is a link to my Wine Glass Pinterest page for examples I have found.
2. Create a sketch of your design on a piece of paper or print out the design you found on the Internet.
2. Prepare your area for painting.
1. Lay down newspaper or cardboard box where you plan to paint.
2. Get all your supplies out. A must to always have out are paper towels, bowl of water, and alcohol to clean up mistakes and paint spills.
3. Prep your wine glass. Wash your brand new wine glass in hot soapy water. Old and new wine glasses can accrue dust on it. Once it is washed, clean the surface of the wine glass with rubbing alcohol.  
   
4. Methods for glass painting.
1. One Stroke painting by Donna Dewberry. I hand painted the below using One Stroke technique for my children's schools fundraiser event.
   
2. Etching using adhesive stencils.  I have not etched as of yet, but the finished pieces I have seen online look breathtaking.
3. Use a sketched drawing (you can also printout clip art from the Web.
1. Sketch freehand. I found a few illustrations in one of my kids fingerprinting book which I use to create some fun and sassy wine glasses. I've just started sketching and painting the below wine glass.  
   
   
   


2. Sketch using a drawing or clip art printout. First you draw your image on a piece of paper. Then you tape your sketched drawing (or clip art printout) inside your wine glass. Next you begin tracing the drawing that you can see inside your wine glass. When sketching, I usually use a paint pen. It is much easier to control. 
4. Freehand. Most of my wine glasses are done freehand. 
   
   
   
5. Creating stripes. You can do this free-hand, but I've found it to be easier using stencil tape. Tape off the area that you want create stripes. Then apply paint using a flat brush, dauber, or spouncer. While wet, carefully remove tape. Do NOT allow the paint to dry with tape in place, because paint may lift off when tape is removed. Hint: if you need to clean an edge after removing the tape, scrape using your craft knife when paint is dry.
6. Polka dots. I love polka dots on wine glasses. 
1. Small dots. I sometimes use a Sharpie Paint Pen (see picture below). But have also used a stylus, tip of paint brush, or brush handle. Dip the end of the brush handle into the enamel paint and then touch the surface of the glass where you want to put the dots.
   
2. Large dots. Use a dauber (or spouncer). Dip into the enamel paint, dab on palette, then reload with paint and then paint dots on the glass. Repeat as needed.
   
   
   
5.  Cleaning up mistakes.
1. With wet paint, use rubbing alcohol. Dip paper towel into alcohol and then carefully remove paint mistake on glass.
2. With dry paint, use a craft knife. I also find that I have to clean the area with rubbing alcohol because some paint remained or smudged.

Once you are finished painting and before you put on any gems and glitter, let the paint dry for at least 24 hours.

Curing Instructions: FolkArt Enamels should be cured prior to using; there are two recommended methods:

• Air Dry Method: Air dry the glass piece for at least 21 days before using or washing..
• Bake Method: Place your painted glassware in a cool oven. Set the oven temperature to 350ºF and bake for 30 minutes. Glass must heat gradually with the oven to avoid breakage. After 30 minutes, turn the oven off and leave the glass piece in the oven until completely cool. Painted glass should heat up and cool down in the oven. Set aside for 72 hours.

Care Instructions:
Once your painted stemware has been cured, it can be hand washed in mild soap and water or dishwasher cleaned on the top shelf.

FolkArt Enamels and Glassware Paint Important Facts:

• Food and beverages should not come in contact with glass paint. When painting glasses, it is best to leave 3/4" top around the rim free of paint so your mouth never comes in contact with the paint. 
• Glass painted items are not microwaveable. 
• Never soak painted items. 

How to Paint Wine Glasses - Adding Glitter and Gems (Part Three)

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