Are you tired of using the same old wine glasses every time you host a get-together or enjoy a glass of wine at home? Why not add a personal touch to your glassware and elevate your drinking experience? Or maybe you want to paint and sell glasses to make a little side income. Today I’m going to walk you step-by-step through the fun and creative process of how to paint your own wine glasses with enamel paint. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to properly cure your glassware in the oven and how to care for your hand-painted masterpieces.
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Getting Started with Hand-Painting Wine Glasses
First, let’s gather the essentials for your glass painting project.
You’ll need wine glasses (either plain or thrifted), enamel, multisurface, or glass paint, rubbing alcohol, paper towels, paintbrushes, a creative spirit, and an open mind. Don’t worry if you are a total beginner at painting glassware. I myself, am self-taught! This is a skill anyone can learn, you just have to practice and your painting skills will improve in time.
- Wine Glasses: You can use plain wine glasses (stemmed or stemless), or get crafty with thrifted glassware. Don’t worry if they’re mismatched; it adds to the charm! You can also pick up glasses at the dollar store, just be sure to inspect the glass for air bubbles or imperfections.
- Enamel Paints: FolkArt, DecoArt, and Americana are great options for glass painting. These paints are designed to adhere well to glass and offer a range of vibrant colors. Be sure the label specifies it is to paint on glass. A lot of times, there will be a little wine glass symbol on the top of the cap. Regular acrylic paint will wash off your glasses!
- Paintbrushes: Grab some fine-tip brushes for intricate designs and a couple of larger ones for broad strokes. You don’t have to buy super expensive brushes for the most part. I will invest a little more on my liner brush because a quality brush just makes painting fine lines easier.
Step 1: Design & Inspiration
Before you dive into painting, decide on your design. This could be anything from simple abstract patterns to intricate floral motifs.
Be inspired by your favorite colors and themes. Don’t be afraid to sketch out your design on paper first to get a sense of how it will look on the glass.
Simple polka dot or confetti designs are easy to do and a great place for beginner DIY wine glass painting.
Step 2: Clean Your Glassware
Thoroughly clean your wine glasses to ensure the paint adheres well. Use warm, soapy water and a gentle scrub, then rinse and let them air dry. Next, apply 70% rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and clean any residue from the glass. Avoid touching the outside of the glass with your fingers (as best you can) after cleaning to minimize fingerprints.
Step 3: Start Painting
Begin applying your design using the enamel or glass paints. These paints are easy to work with and provide vivid, long-lasting color. Take your time, and remember, it’s okay to make mistakes! You can always wipe off the paint with a damp cloth and start over. If you want to go over parts of your design with a second coat, wait until the first coat is completely dry. If you apply more paint on top of the first coat when it’s still tacky, your paint will start to lift. Practice patience and don’t rush the process!
Also, don’t mix water with enamel/glass paint, just clean your brushes in between colors by wiping on a damp paper towel. Dry your brush well before moving on to the next color. Enamel paint and water don’t really like each other as the paint’s consistency will change.
Step 4: Cure the Paint in the Oven
To make your design last a long time, it’s essential to cure the paint. Whichever brand of paint you are using, read the baking instructions on the label. Here’s how to bake your hand painted wine glasses to make the paint permanent:
I let my glasses air dry for 24 hours before baking. You don’t have to do this but I think it helps the paint set even better.
- Inspect the design for any splatters or mistakes. Use acetone nail polish remover on a Q-Tip to remove any mistakes. Be very careful not to touch the acetone to the parts of your design that you want to keep because it is a strong solvent!
- Carefully set your wine glasses on a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Put your glasses in a COLD OVEN.
- Turn your oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (sometimes it’s 325, always check your paint label!).
- Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, set a timer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and let it cool completely with the glasses inside. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the glass from cracking.
The first time I put wine glasses in the oven I was so worried that they would crack or shatter! Lol. But, they didn’t! Have faith, as long as you are putting the glassware in the oven when cold and removing them after they are completely cooled, they’ll be fine. Trust the science!
Step 5: Care & Maintenance
Now that your hand-painted wine glasses are ready, it’s essential to take good care of them. Some of the paint manufacturers say that glasses painted with their paint are top-rack dishwasher safe but I always hand wash mine and recommend the same to my customers.
- Hand Wash: Avoid using a dishwasher, as it may cause the paint to peel. Gently wash your glasses by hand with mild soap and a soft sponge. Don’t scrub too vigorously and never leave your wine glasses to soak for long periods of time. This will lift the paint and erase all your hard work!
- Storage: When not in use, store your hand-painted wine glasses in a safe place, where they won’t get scratched or chipped.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using abrasive or harsh cleaning chemicals on your glassware.
- Re-Touching: Over time, you might notice some wear and tear. Don’t worry; you can always touch up your design using the same enamel paints.
Now that you know how to hand-paint your wine glasses and ensure the design lasts, it’s time to get creative! Get those artistic juices flowing, perhaps host a wine-glass painting night at your house for friends!
Decorate your glassware, sip in style, and impress your guests with your one-of-a-kind wine glasses. Once you get a good stockpile of glasses, why not try your hand at selling them at a craft show? These also make lovely gifts for friends and family. Some of my favorite wine glasses to paint are for milestone birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions!
For more wine glass design ideas and tutorials you can find me on my YouTube channel or watch the videos right here!
Happy painting, and cheers to your artistic endeavors! 🍷
Love, Luna
Luna Selene Creations is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
