Q&A for How to Paint Wine Glasses

To cut wine glass, wear safety glasses and gloves, then prepare the glass surface by cleaning it. Before scoring, apply a small amount of oil to the glass cutter for smoother cutting. Score around the wine circumference for a clean cut on a wine bottle. Subsequently, expose the bottle to alternating hot and cold water until it splits along the score. Another effective method involves scoring around the bottle and using a small butane torch, typically used for culinary purposes. Apply heat to the scored edge while keeping the bottle spinning, perhaps on a record player or Lazy Susan. This technique, known as hot popping in the glassblowing community, proves more efficient for achieving a precise break. Many drinking glasses are crafted using this method.

You can paint anything that is porcelain or glass.

Most craft, department and art stores will carry these.

All paintbrushes should be washed by hand. Most brushes used with acrylic paints can be cleaned with soap and water. Other brushes can be cleaned up with acetone or paint thinner.

Because you used oil based paints or pens, you should not have put the painted project in the oven to heat set, you should have aired dried your project. I have also noticed that when I have used enamel based paints, the white will turn a slight yellow color if I have turned the oven too high or if I have left the project in the oven too long.

Yes, it would be sealed better. Just make sure that you cover the area you are going to eat or drink with because your acrylic sealer might be toxic.

After your glass has cured by heating in the oven or been sun- or air-dried for 21 days, you can drink out of it. Do not put any hand-painted glasses in the dishwasher. I have had some painted glasses I use everyday for several years and the paint has not come off, but I do wash the glasses by hand.

The better brushes are made from natural fibers, but can be pricey. Synthetic brushes are relatively inexpensive, but can often leave brush stroke marks.

The answer is twofold. Yes, the glass needs to be baked to cure or you can air dry it for 21 days, to make the paint permanent and upper-rack, dishwasher safe. However, check to make sure the beads are made from glass and are not plastic before using the oven method to cure.

It's to do with the thickness of the layers (too thick), and then not letting them dry absolutely completely between coats. Leave at least 24 hours between coats.

If you plan on baking it, I wouldn't, if you plan on air drying, it would be fine. It will take a long time to dry, though.

I would think so. You might want to Google how long it will take to bake or air dry.

Poster paint is water soluble, so no. You want something more heavy-duty.

Not if you put the glass into a cold oven, then set the temperature at 350 and allow the glass to slowly heat up as the oven does.

You could, but you should just air dry hand wash only.

Yes, but you would have to let them air cure, which takes a long time. If you were to put them in the oven to bake, the paints would come out discolored.

Yes, you should use a sealer so that the paint does not chip. Make sure that it is a sealer that is specifically designed for glass.

Most directions say that the oil must dry in the air for about three weeks. I've taken a number of classes and have found that following the directions is extremely helpful.

It depends what type of paint you are using. Most glass paints can be cured in the oven, while others need to air dry for around 1 month. Read the instructions on the paint bottle, or visit the manufacturer's website.

If they are hand painted, this could be challenging. You can try white vinegar, but many options call for soaking the glass in it. You could also try fingernail polish remover. I don't recommend soaking the glasses in anything, as that can soften the paint. Be careful either way when trying to clean these. The cloudiness can be caused by hard water, or by washing too long in the dishwasher.

Use a spray paint that is labeled specifically for use on glass. You can use regular spray paint too, but you won't be able to drink from the wine glass; it will only be a decorative piece.

Depending on what type of paint you use, you do not have to use a sealer. If you want to add more durability, Mod Podge now has a formula that can be used over your designs. It is dishwasher safe. No matter which way you go, just make sure you only apply it on the designs you painted. Do not place it in the area that will come in contact with your mouth.

You can use markers made specifically for glass. You can find them alongside the rest of the glass paint in a craft store. You may also be able to use regular paint pens, such as those made by Sharpie. Alternatively, you could apply regular glass paint using a thin, pointed paintbrush.

I would recommend standing it up in the oven and not touching the painted design. You can put it directly on the rack or place it on a cookie sheet.

I have used all sorts of paints for my glass creations and favor either the enamel paints by Testor (car model paint) or even Gallery Glass paints (which are available at top end art supply shops or online). Both turn out beautifully! I've had glasses last more than 10 years using these.

Remove the tape while the paint is wet. If you let the paint dry with tape or stencil still attached, it can lift your painted design away from the surface when you remove it.

Wiping the glass with alcohol helps to remove any surface contaminants, such as fingerprints, that would prevent the paint from adhering properly to the glass. So yes, it is necessary for a good finish and proper adhesion.