How to paint on wine glasses and inspiration and wine glass painting ideas from around the web. This post was originally published in January 2017 and updated in January 2019.
wine glass painting
I promise I’ll get to wine glass painting (and I’ll share lots of great ideas for painted wine glasses from around the web), so bear with me in this intro, but I try and bring up my survival every chance I get.
As many know, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1992 when I was a junior in college at Georgetown University. Before my senior year I had an acute flare-up that left me in the ICU near death. I lost my large intestine, and the effects of the illness triggered other immune system problems. For the next four years I was in and out of the hospital with life-threatening flu and recurring pneumonia. These illness were so acute I ended up having a third of my right lung removed in 1997 and additional surgeries to reconstruct my intestines.
All of that is to say, in 1997 I had to move home with my mom to recover. During that year of convalescence, I started crafting. Painting, some baking, mosaics, you name it, I tried it. But painting on glass was my number one go-to.
what paint do you use on wine glasses?
Can you use acrylic paint on glass?
The best paints to use on non-porous surfaces are acrylic enamels. If you already own acrylics, you can mix in a medium to make them acrylic enamels. Read below for much more information!
wine glass painting video
Here’s a video of painting on wine glasses. Forgive the roughness. I found it hard to paint through the legs of my tripod.
more craft ideas
And if you like this post, be sure to check out this collection of crafts for grown-ups or this roundup of knitting projects for beginners. Or, check out this roundup of DIY wine racks.
how to paint glass
you will need:*
- paint brushes (liner brushes, flat brushes and round brushes are the best)
- acrylic enamel paints (acrylics especially for painting on non-porous surfaces)**
- wine glasses
- rubbing alcohol or white vinegar
- other items: paper towels, palettes, foam brushes, pencil erasers for dots, etc.
tips on finding glass painting supplies
- All of the above is available at any craft store, or click the links for affiliate products on amazon (or just to see what they look like).
- Note, if you already have a bunch of regular acrylic paints, instead of buying enamels, you can add this enamel medium to your regular acrylics to make them enamels.
- OR, I’ve not tried them yet, but I’ve seen folks use these PAINT PENS instead of brushes and paint.
How do you paint on wine glasses?
First, wash the glasses and let them dry. Rub alcohol or vinegar on the surface to be sure it’s totally clean. Let dry.
Second, paint! Use your acrylic enamels to paint. Foam brushes and pencil erasers or the backs of paint brushes are great for polka dots. For more opaque colors, let the first coat dry and add one or two more coats. Make a mistake? Just erase it with a paper towel or Q-Tip.
Third, let it set. You may either let the glasses sit for 21 days before using OR place the glasses in the cold oven, turn it on to 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door. Let the glasses cool completely in the oven before removing.
wine glass painting ideas
Now, for some inspiration and how-tos from around the web:
If you’re looking to buy, or for some wonderful inspiration, search etsy for wine glass painters. One of my favorite artists is Renée of Kudos Kitchen.
- Try making dots and swirls and stripes wine glasses at Brit and Co (here they use the paint pen instead of brushes).
- Draw a panda on your glass (they also use a paint pen instead of brushes).
- Or, try a sock monkey.
- Learn to paint these flower glasses at Instructables.
- Learn to paint these pretty flower wine glasses at Lauren Paints a Beautiful Life.
- These flower glasses by Judi Painted It.
- Or these flower glasses by Brushes with a View.
- I love the daisy glasses, too.
- Polka dot wine glasses at Serendipity by SaraLynn.
- Make “cheers” glasses at That’s What Che Said.
- Forget the paint, and use Modge Podge and glitter for these wine glasses from Cupcakes n’ Couture.
- Find the how-tos for these clever wine glasses with fancily clad women, by Instructables user ChamiaL.
- Learn to paint cherry blossoms at Darby Smart.
- Check out these rainbow swirl wine glasses by Less Than Three designs.
- Make these dots and stars wine glasses at The Crafty Farmer.
- Find a wine glass painting tutorial at Eat, Drink, and Save Money.
PIN FOR LATER:
Jodi says
Can these be put in the dishwasher, or do they need to have any type of sealing?
meaghanmountford says
Hi Jodi, theoretically, if they are baked they are top-shelf dishwasher safe. I, however, always hand wash. I think it’s the only way to ensure the paint won’t wash off.
Lisa says
I want to make wine glasses for a bride and the bridal party. I thought you had to spray with a sealant. I’m guessing putting the classes in the oven takes the place of that.
meaghanmountford says
Hi Lisa, I think you’re right, that the baking on is in place of sealant. My worry with sealant is that most sealant is toxic, so I don’t think it’s generally used on glasses and dishes. But maybe they make a non-toxic sealant that works on glass? I’m not sure about that!
Virginia McCarty says
Do you have to thin the paint so it won’t be so think feeling on glass..
meaghanmountford says
Hi Virginia. I did NOT thin the paint. While you can feel the texture of the paint on the glass, if you thin the paint it would be much more transparent (then again, a more transparent paint can be deliberate or part of the look you’re going for!). If you do thin the paint, you’d probably need some sort of medium that mixes well with acrylic enamels.
Maureen says
Hi there’!
How much of the medium do you add to the regular acrylic paint? Can I just add it on my pallet?
meaghanmountford says
Hi Maureen! If you have one of those pallets with the little cups that are about an inch or two in diameter, I add the regular acrylic paint to the cup (so, maybe a teaspoon or two?) and then add 4 or 5 drops of the medium. Then I stir with the back of the paint brush.
karey keever says
Hi. I love your glasses and have been developing my hobby. I am wondering if you have had any problems with whites yellowing after baking?
I have a glass that yellowed in one part and not the other, I am thinking it is 2 different brands of paint. Just wondering what your thoughts are…
Karey
meaghanmountford says
Hi Karey, Great question! Sigh, yes, I know what you mean about the whites. I’m guessing you’re right, too, in that different brands have different results. I find I shy away from baking altogether and just let them cure with time. Three weeks usually does it, but to stay on the safe side, I always handwash and never put them in the dishwasher.
Elizabeth Molyneux-Dickinson says
Hi
After painting do I place them into a cold oven or heat it up before placing the wine glasses in.
meaghanmountford says
Yes Elizabeth, exactly! Set in a cold oven.
Thomas James says
They look great! love all! Thanks for your great sharing
Cole says
Finally, I found the perfect instructions and materials to paint wine glass and any form of glasses I have at home. I am a collector of different types glasses and it bores me sometimes looking at them so plain. I can use my free time painting and it starts now! Thanks for sharing!
meaghanmountford says
That’s fantastic, thank you Cole!
Tracy C. Green says
I painted one coat, let it dry, then tried to put on a second coat, but the first coat came away with the brush and everything got gloppy. Why?
meaghanmountford says
Hi Tracy, Did you clean the glass with alcohol first? And are you using Acrylic Enamel paint (which is made specifically for non-porous surfaces)? If yes to both, than it’s likely the first coat wasn’t totally dry.
shiva says
Hi Good morning! I love biscuits and thank you for sharing.