How to Paint Glasses With Acrylics That Won't Wash Off
Follow the easy step-by-step guide in this post!
Wondering how to paint glasses with acrylics? It’s surprisingly easy with a little know-how, a touch of creativity, and the right tools.
The design ideas are endless, and the results are spectacular. Hang on to your old jam jars and wine bottles because you can easily give them a second life with just a few simple tools.
Use your finished pieces as gifts, sell them at markets, or keep them yourself! Add tealights, string lights, dried flowers, colored marbles, stones, or any other element to your finished piece.
Don’t drink or eat from jars or bottles painted on the inside
Glass that’s been painted on the inside, or near the rim, should never be used for food or drink because the paint may contain chemicals that are not food-safe.
Over time, if the paint is exposed to liquids, it can deteriorate or flake off. This could lead to ingestion of paint or contamination. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Read what Consumer Reports has to say in the article: How Safe Is That Painted Drinking Glass?
If you want to paint glassware that will be used for drinking or eating, it’s crucial to:
Only paint on the outside of the glass.
Avoid painting the rim or any surface that will come into direct contact with food or your mouth.
Use non-toxic, food-safe, or enamel paints specifically designed for glass.
Cure and seal the paint properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to make it more durable.
Even with these precautions, hand-washing is usually recommended, as dishwasher use can weaken the paint over time.
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Sellers Beware
In Canada, any glass or ceramic product intended for food contact must comply with the Glazed Ceramics and Glassware Regulations (SOR/2016-175) under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
Sellers in the United States should comply with federal and state guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How to Paint Glasses With Acrylics For a Stained Glass Effect
This art project gives a transparent, jewel-toned look to glass using Elmer’s glue and food coloring. It’s perfect for turning mason jars or wine bottles into beautiful decorative items.
Please keep in mind that your finished product will not be waterproof, dishwasher-safe, or food-safe. What you’re creating is a decorative item only.
What You’ll Need
​Clean, clear glass jars or bottles
Elmer’s school glue
Gel or liquid food coloring
Skewers or stir sticks (if using skewers, you can break them in half)
Small containers for mixing
Instructions
Prep Your Workspace: Line a tray with paper towels. Set your glass upside down to catch drips.
Mix Paint: In a container, combine about 1 tbsp of glue with food coloring. Adjust for deeper, vibrant colors.
Coat Glass: Pour into your jar and gently swirl to coat the entire area.
Drying: Set upside down and let air dry for 24–72 hours.
Speed Up With the Cold Oven Method
Let glass air-dry for 1–2 hours until tacky.
Place in a cold oven, then set to 200°F (93°C).
Bake 30–60 minutes, then let cool inside the oven.
Final Tips on How to Paint Glasses With Acrylics
Painted glass is fun to make, but remember, it’s meant to be a decorative item, not something you’d eat or drink from.
Try playing around with opaque paints for bold coverage, or mix them with transparent objects for a cool contrast.
A quick coat of spray paint or clear acrylic sealer can help lock in your design. And don’t forget to pay close attention to your brushwork and drying time—it makes a big difference!
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